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Claw Clipping

Trimming a cats claws regularly reduces the severity of damage to furniture caused by sharp claws and reduces the likelihood of a claw growing into the pawpad and causing infection. It is best to get your cat or kitten used to claw clipping when young.

Cats normally have five claws on each front paw and four claws on each back paw. Front claws grow faster than back claws so will need clipping more frequently. Outdoor cats wear down their claws on concrete surfaces, so they require trimming less often.

Use animal nail clippers. There are two main types of animal nail clippers available - guillotine-type clippers and scissor-type clippers with short curved blades. Both types work just as well. Replace the blades as they become worn down. Sharp clippers make nail clipping much easier. Human nail clippers may crush the claw, causing pain for your cat.

Hold the cat firmly in your lap and press the paw pad of one foot with your fingers to extend the claws.

Examine the claw carefully. The pink-colored "quick" in the centre contains nerves and blood vessels and must not be cut. The white tips are dead tissue and can be cut. You should not cut closer than 2mm (1/10") to the quick.

If in doubt, leave the claws a little longer. They will just require trimming more frequently. If your cat is likely to move or struggle while you clip his/her claws, clip them a little longer, that way if the cat moves, you're still less likely to cut into the quick.

References

Edney A, Taylor D, 101 Essential Tips: Caring For Your Cat, London: Dorling Kindersley, 1997

Page S, The Complete Cat Owners Manual, Australia: Readers Digest, 1997

Taylor D, The Ultimate Cat Book, Great Britain: Dorling Kindersley, 1989

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