Why and how often
A cat does not scratch out of mischief: it sheds the old outer layers of its claws, stretches its body and marks its territory. So scratching cannot be banned, only steered to the right place. A good scratching post is stable, tall enough for the cat to stretch out full length, and stands where the cat spends most of its time.
A cat that scratches a lot and goes outdoors wears its claws down by itself, while an indoor, older or less active cat needs them trimmed. Keep a particular eye on an older cat's claws: overgrown ones can grow into the pads.
What you need
- Small nail clippers for cats Grooming
- A scratching post: upright, flat or both Scratching posts
- Treats as a reward Treats
- Good light and a towel to wrap the cat in
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Step by step
- Put the scratching post in the right place Place the post next to the bed or by the piece of furniture the cat already likes to scratch. Cats like to stretch when they wake up, so a post by the sleeping spot gets used the most.
- Make the post interesting Play with a wand toy around the post, put a treat on it and praise the cat when it scratches it. Do not scold for the furniture: just calmly carry the cat to the post.
- Get the cat used to having its paws handled When the cat is relaxed, take a paw and gently press the pad so the claw comes out, then give a treat. Repeat for a few days until the cat lets you do it calmly.
- Trim only the clear tip A cat's claw is pale, and the pink quick with its blood vessels and nerves shows clearly. Trim only the clear, curved tip, well away from the pink part.
- Take your time There is no need to trim every claw at once: a few at a time is enough. If the cat gets anxious, calmly wrap it in a towel with just one paw free.
- Praise the cat After each claw or paw, give a treat. A cat for whom trimming ends on a pleasant note will resist less next time.
When to stop and see a vet
Stop if your cat struggles hard, bites or scratches: a vet can trim the claws safely. See a vet if a claw has grown into the pad, the skin around a claw is swollen or oozing, a claw is broken and bleeding, or your cat is limping or will not let you touch the paw.