Doesn’t it surprise you when your sweet, fluffy kitty winds lovingly around your pant leg, purring loudly, then stretches out for a nice long yawn extending at least 8 long, sharp, needle-like claws.  Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the fur ball who snoozes in your lap also comes equipped with such protective gear.  Luckily cats are largely able to take care of their claws on their own, although they’ll need some assistance from you.

The outer layer of a cat’s claws get thick and yellow if not properly maintained by their owner.  That scratching behavior cats perform is not only for exercise it also serves a very functional purpose – it removes the outer dead layers on each claw.  So be sure to provide appropriate scratchable surfaces for your cat.  Each cat may have his or her own surface preference.  Some enjoy scratching wood with bark.  Some prefer wood covered with carpet or sisal.  Still others really tear up cardboard.  Whatever surface you want to provide your kitty should be hard, but not so hard that nails cannot penetrate.  Metal and plastic, for instance, won’t do. 

Once you’ve got your cat on a good scratching regimen, you’ll need to find a way to trim those nails.  Long, “sharpened” nails can tend to unintentionally snag things like carpet, furniture and clothes; which then invites your cat to explore further.  It’s in your best interest, to gather a few nail-clipping implements to find the set that works for you and your cat.  Some find the most convenient tool for trimming nails is human nail clippers.  Set your goal for one nail a day.  Your initial goal may even be just touching one nail each day with the clippers.  If you make it part of their daily feeding, you’ll be less inclined to forget and your cat will get lots of practice.  Your veterinarian may also be able to give you some one-on-one guidance about how to get started.  Most veterinarians are happier to discuss the nail-trimming process with you than the de-clawing option.  De-clawing is a serious step and should be reserved for last resort, desperate situations. 

Contact our Behavior Helpline if you would like to discuss solutions for problems caused by those pointy little parts of your kitty. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or Marie.

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