As a caring pet owner, you want your cat to always look and feel their best, so regular visits to a qualified groomer are important. However, in between appointments, there are steps you can take to keep your pet’s paws and nails healthy. The experienced groomers at Ty-D-Paws Express in Lincoln, NE, offer these cat grooming tips for healthy feline nails and paws.

Cat Grooming Paw-Care Tips

Keep the Paws Clean 

Once each day, gently wipe your cat’s paws with a damp cloth. Clean between their toes and around the paw pads. Since cats groom themselves with their tongues, anything that adheres to the paws may ultimately end up in their mouth. For this reason, keep your floors clean and free of chemicals.

Check for Injuries 

Examine your cat’s paws for cuts or sores on a regular basis. If you notice a splinter, gently remove it as soon as possible. Any injuries that show signs of infection should warrant an immediate trip to the veterinarian.

Keep Them Away From Hot or Cold Surfaces 

During very hot or cold weather, avoid having your cat walk on freezing or scorching patios or walkways. If necessary, use a veterinarian-recommended moisturizer to ease discomfort on paw pads that have been exposed to harsh conditions.

Watch for Constant Licking 

If your long-haired cat constantly licks their paws, they may have hair growing between their toes that bothers them. Gently trim the hair with small scissors. However, keep in mind that obsessive cleaning may also mean your cat needs medical attention.

Cat Grooming Nail-Care Tips

Provide a Scratching Post 

Cats scratch to shed old nail sheaths. A scratching post or two will provide entertainment for your feline and enable them to complete their necessary scratching without using your furniture for that purpose. You may need to entice them to the post with catnip or another appealing scent.

Keep Their Nails Trimmed 

Schedule regular trips to the groomer to keep your cat’s nails trimmed and neat. If you choose to do it yourself in between visits, massage your cat’s paws to relax them before you begin the process. You may want to only trim one or two claws each time. Your groomer or veterinarian can demonstrate the proper procedure for clipping your cat’s nails at home.

Do Not Declaw 

Your cat’s scratching behavior can be addressed by providing adequate scratching posts as well as keeping their nails clipped to an appropriate length. If they engage in other forms of destructive scratching, ask your veterinarian for suggestions to modify their behavior.

When your beloved kitty needs a grooming session, turn to the animal-loving professionals at Ty-D-Paws Express, Lincoln’s premier cat grooming facility. Their team has served Lancaster County, NE, for 16 years, and they know how to keep pets comfortable, happy, and healthy. Call (402) 405-3999 to schedule an appointment today, or visit their website for more information.