Cat Claw Tips

What Claws Are

• A cat's claw is made from keratin, a protein. The claws grow continuously, just like a human's nails. Unlike a human's nails, the cat's claws are part of the foot. The claw has muscles, tendons, and bone attached to it. As a cat walks, she uses the whole paw, not just part of the paw. The paw, foot, and claw are used together for jumping, playing, and exercising. The claws are retractable and used at the cat's discretion. A sleeping or purring cat will "knead" her claws as a sign of pleasure.

Trimming

• A good pair of cat claw trimmers or a simple pair of toenail trimmers are sufficient. Hold the cat in your lap until she is calm. If you're right-handed, put the cat on your left side. Lift one front paw and gently push on the pad (bottom) of her foot until the claw is extended. Within the claw there is some pink tissue called the quick; be sure not to cut that as it is a blood vein. Cut the claw between the tip and the vein. Repeat for each claw on both of her front feet. If your cat becomes impatient, let her go and try later. However, you must continue until she gets used to having her claws trimmed. If you begin doing this when she is a young kitten, she will become used to trimming and will not resist you later in life. Generally, you will only need to trim the back claws a few times a year. Cat chew their rear claws and usually keep them nicely trimmed. When you do need to trim the rear claws, hold your cat in your lap on her back. If you cannot do this yourself, enlist a friend to help or take the cat to a groomer.

Scratching

• Cats have a natural instinct to scratch. The scent glands in a cat's paws release an odor that lets other cats know who owns this piece of your house. Scratching is also a form of exercise. Much like a person uses stretching during a workout, a cat utilizes the same techniques to help keep in shape. Finally, a cat just enjoys scratching as it gives him pleasure. You cannot teach a cat to stop scratching. All you can do is provide an alternative to scratching at furniture or draperies. Scolding a cat for scratching usually will not stop him; in some cases, scolding only stimulates a cat's desire to scratch.

Nail Tips

• A unique product by a company called softpaws.com, these caps fit over the cat's claws with a small amount of adhesive. The caps allow the cats to stretch and scratch, but protect your furniture and draperies. One application lasts between four to six weeks. The caps come in a variety of colors so you can change caps by season, mood, or even a multicolor assortment. The caps are sized by the cat's weight and are available in a kitten size, too. You'll need to trim the claws before applying the caps.

Declawing

• Declawing is an unnecessary surgery. Although people in the United States regularly use this option to "control" a cat's scratching, in many countries declawing is illegal. Declawing a cat is similar to cutting a person's toe or finger off at the first knuckle. In effect, the last bone in a cat's toe has to be amputated to keep the claw from growing back. Declawing is painful and some cats never completely recover. Remember that during the recovery period, a cat must still walk, jump, and use a litter box. Imagine trying to walk immediately after your toe is amputated. A cat uses his feet for jumping and walking in a perfect design that is distinctive to felines. Destroying part of his feet may alter the way he walks and affect his balance. In some instances, a cat's personality may change because of the change to his feet, balance, and chronic pain.

Scratching Solutions

• Provide a scratching post. Keep in mind, though, that your cat will use it at her own discretion and not at your direction. Place the scratching post near where your cat spends a lot of time. Perhaps sprinkle it with a bit of catnip to arouse her curiosity. Eventually, you will see her begin to use the post. Don't make a big deal of it or she may stop using it. Cat owners understand this and allow the cat to enjoy the post at her own leisure. The best scratching posts are usually a cardboard or sisal (a rope-like material). Your cat will enjoy tearing them up. Just remember not to discard them as cats seem to most enjoy the well-worn scratching post. When replacing the post, keep the old one until your cat begins to regularly use the new post.