Tips on Taking Care of Cat Claws

A cat will sharpen its claws to slough off dead outer nails, stretch its body, and mark its territory both visually and by transferring scent to the object it's scratching. Scratching is good for the cat, but can be disastrous for your upholstered furniture, walls and wooden objects, carpet, or bedding. There are several ways to care for your cat's claws to prevent damage or injury. Some people choose declawing the cat to eliminate scratching problems, but it is a painful procedure that often permanently cripples the animal and is widely denounced by cat breeders and anti-cruelty groups.

  1. Cat Trees and Scratching Posts

    • Cat trees and scratching posts are more than a luxury, says Vet Info. They prevent stress and boredom for inside cats, keeping them occupied by providing a place to play and enjoy their favorite activity, climbing. Having a scratching post and tree can also keep your pet from ruining your favorite couch or other furnishings. The best cat trees have several platforms where a cat can perch, a natural behavior. Cats like to stay high above the action in their environment, which is how they stalk prey in nature. Cat trees offer a safe way for a cat to perch, and can divert it from jumping up onto your refrigerator, bookshelves, furniture or mantel. Trees and posts are usually covered with carpet, which provides a scratching surface where they can sharpen their claws and remove the dead sheathing. Scratching posts and trees are available in a wide range of prices, many inexpensive enough to accommodate even a tight budget.

    Clipping Cat's Claws

    • Regularly clipping a cat's claws can also lessen scratching damage. Training a cat to allow you to clip its claws is best if started when it's a kitten. But with care and patience, you can safely adjust an adult cat to claw trimming. Cats hate being restrained so proper technique and preparation are key to avoiding traumatic and potentially injurious episodes. The Humane Society of the United States provides "Cat Health: Claw Care" and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers "Nail Trimming 101" --- both are detailed guidelines for proper claw-clipping strategies and techniques.

    Cat Claw Caps

    • Cat nail caps are available in kits, and you can easily apply them to your cat at home. Claw caps are applied over the cat's claws, adhered with non-toxic adhesive. With caps applied, the cat can stretch and scratch as usual but without damaging the surfaces it claws. The cat will still be able to extend and retract its claws while wearing the caps. Most cats aren't even aware the caps are on and tolerate them very well, says the manufacturer of Soft Claws, invented by Dr. Toby Wexler, a veterinarian. Caps are available in various sizes to fit kittens and small, medium and large cats. A four- to six-month supply of caps and adhesive costs less than $20.

    Declawing: A Drastic Measure

    • People often think that declawing a cat is a quick fix to scratching problems, says the Humane Society of the United States. Declawing is actually serious surgery where the cat's toes are amputated at the knuckle. Declawing can lead to chronic pain and physical deformity, sometimes permanently crippling the animal. While it may prevent damage to your furniture, the procedure often leads to other more distressing problems. A declawed cat will often stop using its litter box and will begin eliminating on beds, carpets and furniture. Having lost its front claws, its main weapon of defense, cats will often develop biting issues. The Humane Society estimates that 75 percent of surrendered declawed cats have litter box and biting problems.