Do I need to clip my indoor cats' claws, and how would I do so?

Question

Is it possible for cats' claws to get too long and need to be clipped? They're not tearing up furniture or anything, but they're shedding fingernail clipping-like things all over my apartment. If I need to clip my cats' claws, how would I do so--especially when it comes to getting them to hold still? Thanks!

Thanks everybody!

I do have a scratching pole--I built one of those cat jungle-gym things for them, and they scratch on that (just not on the furniture). So don't worry--they have something to scratch! :)

Answer 1

Yes. I trim my cats nails with my regular fingernail clippers.
I have done so for ~4 years now. I've tried the cat claw clippers, and for me personally, i find it easier to use the regular nail clippers. I also use a nail file (the square block type, that has 4 different surfaces.) I place her in my lap, with her head cradled in the nook of my arm (belly up) in a almost 'sitting up' position.
I tell her relax, let mommy see, i won' hurt you, and periodically scratch her face and comfort her. Make sure not to cut back into the fine "blood vein" you will see it. Just clip the excess length as they become long. I usually do this every 7-12 days. I have a scratching board for her to use as well.

Answer 2

Hi, Kacey,

If their claws don't bother you, you don't need to clip them. I play a lot with my cat and he can occasionally scratch me (never on purpose), so I do clip his nails weekly; if you approach you cats business-like, you will have no problem, just don't allow the cat to try to bite and scratch you (I hiss at mine when he does that, never hurt him, not even by holding too rough).

The shedding of claws, as already pointed out, is normal. It happens every 6 weeks or so for each claw.

Godd luck!

Answer 3

Yes, they can get too long, and yes, they need to be clipped from time to time. But the casings you're finding are normal, they'll shed those even if you routinely clip their nails. When the cats' nails get too long, you'll notice them snagging on your furniture, the carpet, the rugs, bedding, etc.

You can use either the guillotine-style cat clippers or regular human clippers, depending on which one you find most comfortable. Whatever you use, make sure they're not dull. With cat clippers, you can go at the nail straight on, but with human clippers, the cat's nail needs to be turned to the side. Press lightly on the pad of the foot to get the nail to come out.

As far as control, that depends on the cat. Our male will lay fairly still for us (but it's still a two-person job). My husband holds him in his lap while I clip. I don't think our female is going to be that easy-going about it, though, so I'm going to look into getting a Klaw Kontrol Bag;
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3159&ref=3930&subref=AA&cm_mmc=PPC-_-Google-_-Cat-_-klaw%20kontrol%20bag

Whatever you do, remain calm and don't rush it. Be careful not to clip the pink part inside the nail. This is a vein (called the quick) and will bleed profusely if cut....not to mention put your cat in a lot of pain. I recommend keeping some styptic powder or pads in your home in the event that a quick is accidentally cut.

When you're finished, be sure to give the kitties lots of love and maybe a treat or two.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You can have a groomer do it, or do it yourself. You can buy special cutters, but we have had cats for years, and I use regular nail clippers - actually, baby ones. All you have to do is snip off the tip of the claw - don't go longer in to the quick, because it will bleed and can get infected. It's easy, really. All you have to do is get your cat on your lap when she is sleeping, or sleepy, put him in kind of a tucked position under your left elbow - I guess you'll develop your own style, then push out the nails gently one by one and clip the tip. Cats get used to this very quickly! Good luck!

Answer 5

The scratching post is an important part of a cat's natural behavior, but it won't keep their nails short. I trim my two cats' nails about every two weeks. I have gotten my cats used to being held on their backs like babies from the time they were young, and that's how I hold them to trim their nails. I usually have one of my kids pet the cat while I trim. We reward the cat with a treat right after. One of my cats seems to feel too vulnerable being held when the other cat is in the room, so I make sure the other cat is out of the room.

Answer 6

I have 11 cats of my own, and many more in my shelter. I clip most of their nails on a regular basis. But there are a few who won't let me. I have one cat who's nails grow so long that they curl back into the pads of her foot, so I have to trim them.
The easiest way to do it is to sit with your legs crossed, what they call Indian style, and lay your cat on their back in your lap. If need be, place one leg over the cat.
When trimming their nails be sure not to cut them to short or they will bleed for a very long time. You may want to consult a vet or a groomer and have them help you the first time at least. Good luck!

Answer 7

Yes, you need to clip the cats claws. Don't you have a pole for your cat to scratch, however you STILL need to clip. You will clip with normal human toe-nail clippers. I usually wait until the cat (one in particular) to lay down and is almost asleep, then I am able (it may two-three days) to clip without worry. Good luck.

Answer 8

Like porcupines making love? You start very slowly, maybe only getting one or two nails (you are not clipping claws) at a time and maybe getting all ten in a week. Of course you do as much as you can at one sitting. Watch that tail -- if it is switching it is time to stop. When the cats are sitting in your lap and you are watching TV or something get in the habit of just gently massaging their paws. This helps them accept the cutting more easily.

So the object is not that they "sit still", they won't. It's learning when to back off with your intention of cutting.

All my cats sit still when I am cutting nails. I started with it when they were kittens. As you get more experience you will be able to do it faster and it won't take so much time. Patience is everything with felines.

Answer 9

I have 3 cats, 2 have their front claws declawed and the other is not declawed at all. We don't even attempt to clip their nails because it's next to impossible. Their claws do get too long and over time it can cause their paws to not sit right. When they get their check ups, the vet is not concerned, so I'd have to say that it's not all that harmful. The shells are natural, we have them everywhere too.

Answer 10

It is a natural thing the cats loosingpieces of the claws surface. From all vet clinics or stores you can but Pet Clippers used for dogs and cats, the a hole that you slide their nail through your slide it til 2or 3mm before their pink marking thats just visible under their nail and you simply snip. But i do suggest that you buy the cat a scratchin post first and alloy them to wok their nail down. but sometimes they do need that extra hand then they'll do the rest of the work and smooth the nail.