can i cut my cats claws as it is scratching everything i own?

Question

i have all the scratch boards and bits for the cat but it prefers to scratch curtains ,wallpaper, leather suite, if i can cut them how far down do i do it. i cant afford a vet and she is a indoor cat

Answer 1

You just have to be careful not to cut too much, it will bleed. On cats with light colored claws, you can see the quick and know how far you can go. It looks like a hollow space inside the claw. If you cut into that it will hurt, so be careful. I trim my cat's claws and have never had a problem. Cat clippers work a little better for me, I have had problems with the fingernail clippers. The cat won't like it if you've never done it before, and it takes some getting used to for some cats. I used to have to hold mine so his rump was against my stomach, and I had my left arm under his belly while I held his claw and trimmed it with my right hand. He kept trying to back away. He is used to it now and doesn't mind it. Just be sure to scratch his neck a lot and pet him. Gently spread his paw so the claws are splayed out and it will be really easy to see. If your cat doesn't like his paws touched, you should rub them a little every day and he will get used to it so he won't mind them being handled when you trim them.

Answer 2

Don't do it. Train your cat not to scratch the furniture, instead. A firm "No!", reinforced with a squeeze from a water pistol tends to work well. And, if you have a cat, never get a leather sofa... If you can't get her to stop clawing everything in sight, train her to only use a specific area that you designate for her.

Also, your cat might be bored, if she's inside all day. Spend lots of time with her, playing, cossetting - the scratching might be an attention-grabbing device.

Unless you're a trained vet., don't attempt to cut your cat's claws. You don't have the experience, or the knowledge of where the blood vessels run into the claws.

Answer 3

Most vets including myself, do not agree with the declawing of domestic cats. Scratching is a natural instinct for cats, so perhaps you should have done some research before taking on a cat. You can buy sprays that deter cats from places where you don't want them to scratch. You can now buy soft silicon tips to put over their claws, but these generally fall off.

Most people that have a problem with "scratcher" cats generally don't let them outside, which is again, something I and most vets disagree with, as cats are naturally territorial and love to roam... and don't start bleating on about busy roads, if you don't have the environment for a cat, then buy a fish.

Answer 4

Even if you trim your cats claws it will still have claws and it will still scratch. Cats don't shred every thing unless there's a problem, so she either has really long claws in poor condition which she is trying to deal with, or she is doing it out of boredom and frustration. Or both.
There are citrus sprays you can get that will put her off the curtains, and theres cat nip to attract her to her scratching post and toys.
You can make her a cat tower if you visit your local carpet shops and ask for some cardboard tubes and offcuts, they'll usually give them to you. Make her an adventure playground. Get some boxes and cut holes in them so she can climb in and hide. Your house is a boring and sterile environment for her.
Make some cat toys and play with her.
Plus remember that every time you go outside you come back in carrying germs, so she still needs vaccinating. And she also still needs worming, as kittens are born with worms, wormer keeps the numbers down but it doesn't get rid of them. Plus she'll still need de-fleaing, and fleas transmit tapeworm.

Answer 5

If you use a set of claw clippers you need to make sure you don't clip the tiny vessel in the cat's claw. You have to look really close because if you clip it, the cat will bleed a little and it's uncomfortable like clipping your own nails too short. Unfortunately, if your cat ignores the scratch post and goes for your furniture, the only permanent cure for an indoor cat is de-clawing. If you look into the Humane society and other associations like that sometimes will offer discount coupons and sometimes even free de-clawing / spaying / neutering if you can't afford it to avoid another stray. For a male cat, if you're not breeding, neutering is important because he will start to mark your furniture soon and you won't like the smell, for the female it's important to avoid a kitten litter you're not ready for.

Answer 6

You can use pet toenail clippers or human toenail clippers. Your cat won't like it, though.

If your cat has clear nails you should be able to see the vein in it. This is called the quick. Don't cut into the quick or it will hurt your cat and the toenail will bleed. If your cat has black nails so that you can't see the quick, just cut off a tiny amount every week or so. You may want to wrap the cat up in a towel to try to reduce injury to yourself. Have kitty treats ready to give your kitty when you're done.

I notice some people above me are saying that it hurts the cat. I think that they are thinking of declawing which you should not do and you're clearly not planning on doing since it is definitely a vetrinary procedure. I agree that declawing is a painful thing to do to your cat, but clipping their nails is just like cutting your toenails or fingernails. The emery board suggestion is also a good idea. As long as you don't cut to the quick it should not hurt your cat (but I've never met someone who said their cat liked to have it's nail clipped).

Answer 7

I agree with halloweenpump.. get a catnip spray spray the scratch posts and it will work.
At the same time buy one of the keep off spray and spray it on the places your cat scratches. It works I have used it with my cats and it worked. They haven't touched my curtains again.:)
If are worried that the keep off spray might smell bad, it doesn't.Maybe the first minute when you spray it but then you dont smell anything. Cats do though.
Don't cut the claws of the cat. Usually vet don't recommend this option as a way to stop them from scratching the furnitures.

Answer 8

NO.. there is a spray from pets are us called Behaviour Training Spray in a blue bottle.

Basically is smells a bit citrus like and cats HATE citrus. If you cant afford that, then rub the furniture with lemon zest OR buy a small kids water pistol, when he goes to claw it, (and he does it for attention, and it works cos you shout at him!) shoot him with the water pistol sneakily. He will soon associate that action with getting water sprayed on him and stop it.

My cat has an old suitcase in the hallway cupboard that he likes to scratch.. If you can get a piece of that sort of fabric and place it for the cat to scratch , and he doesn't get sprayed for it, that would be best

He is only marking his territory and removing loose nails.

Dont under any circumstances cut his nails or whiskers ever, cos it bloody hurts them.

Answer 9

Never, ever cut your cats claws- you say she is an indoor cat- what if she got out and was attacked by a dog??????You would have removed her ONLY defence and she would die a terrible death. If you have tried everything, and asked your vets advice, hav e you thought she may be bored?? Give her plenty of toys, and scatter catnip leaves on the rug for her. Claw-pulling is just what cats do- if you find you cannot tolerate it, find a good loving home where her habit will be accepted. I have 5 cats.

Answer 10

noo you mustn't cut your cat's claws yourself as you could cause damage. I no that vets are expensive and I completely understand your problem as my cat does it to and he's an indoor moggy as well, so what I suggest is that if you have a PDSA/VetsAid practise near you look up there number or pay them a visit, they are alot cheaper than your 'normal' vets, you will need to register your moggy, this costs £3. for 6months. You will have to take proof of address and 2 utility bills. If your unemployed you need to take proof of council/Housing benefit. They will be able to cut your moggys nails for you. It costs £6 in Northampton but depending upon where you live depends on the costs I think. They are very friendly and very helpful. Have you tried a anti scratch spray? I have to say that it doesnt stop my cat from scratching my furniture to bits but apparently its ment to work!! hope i've helped.