Why you shouldn't trim your cats' claws

Cats are naturally endowed with claws. They are essential for locomotion and hunting, and are an integral part of the animal's body. Trimming a cat's claws is not recommended. However, sometimes it is necessary due to circumstances.

Why is the absence of claws dangerous for an animal?

Some pet owners are unhappy with their pets' frequent claw shedding. They decide to trim or even remove their claws. In some countries, this procedure is prohibited by law. However, in Russia, it is performed and called "soft paws." If a cat undergoes a procedure that also removes the terminal phalanges of the toes, where the claws are located, complications can arise. The cat will suffer for a long time and experience discomfort for the rest of its life.

After amputation, negative consequences may occur:

1. Inflammation of tissues.
2. If the phalanx is removed incorrectly, the entire nail will grow inward. In this case, further surgery will be necessary.
3. Large blood loss during surgery.
4. Long healing time. During this time, it's important to monitor the cat to ensure it doesn't injure itself by damaging the sutures.
5. Negative reaction to anesthesia.
6. Severe pain in the paws. Arthritis may develop later.
7. Coordination is impaired. The cat will have to relearn how to move and get used to the fact that he is deprived of a vital element of support.

It's not advisable to trim a cat's claws unless there's a medical reason. If your cat is frequently outdoors, there's no need for this. A cat's claws shorten naturally. They wear down when they climb fences, trees, and other objects. If your cat has damaged a claw, such as a broken tip, it should be trimmed carefully to prevent inflammation or splitting.

Pet owners should understand that nail trimming is not a healthy procedure for their pet. It can have negative consequences:

1. Injury from an unsuccessful jump onto a windowsill or cabinet. The animal will try to cling to the surface with its claws out of habit, but may fall from the height.
2. In case of danger, the cat will not be able to climb a tree or a fence.

Another reason to avoid trimming a cat's claws is because the owner fears damaging upholstered furniture. This will lead to nothing good, as the animal will instinctively sharpen its claws again.

Is it possible to trim the claws of cats that live indoors?

Most often, claws are trimmed for cats living in apartments. They don't climb trees or attics, and they don't spend all day and night running around on roads.

Therefore, cats living in apartments may have problems with their claws:

1. They grow long and make it difficult to walk.
2. They cling to furniture.

Such scratches can be trimmed, but carefully. Only the tip should be trimmed, as the claws contain blood vessels. A veterinarian can be consulted for trimming. To avoid this procedure, owners should ensure the pet has a scratching post. It's likely that the pet has nowhere to sharpen its claws, or the location is inappropriate.

If a cat scratches its owners, it's a warning sign of displeasure. Perhaps it's because children often cuddle it. But sometimes its claws need to be trimmed. They grow excessively long in cats that constantly lie down due to old age or illness. This can also happen because these furry pets are always indoors. Their claws can grow long and snag on upholstered furniture and carpets. The cat begins to chew and scrape off the dead scales, revealing new scratches.

Nail trimming is only advisable when a new puppy is born who is unable to control their interactions with the animal, or for medical reasons. Nails can be carefully trimmed and filed.