From climbing to supporting natural hunting tendencies, cats need their claws for daily activities. But if they aren’t properly cared for, their nails can contribute to a variety of problems, including discomfort and ripped furniture. If you’re new to cat ownership, here are a few animal wellness tips to give your feline exceptional claws.

5 Ways to Care for Your Cat’s Claws

1. Trim Regularly

Veterinarians typically recommend trimming once every two weeks to keep claws at a comfortable length. If your cat’s claws appear curved or do not fully retract, they are too long.

2. Take It Slow and Easy

Your cat should never feel stressed when it’s time for a trim. To get your pet in the right mood, use a gentle approach. For example, put your pet at ease by massaging their paws. Sometimes, wrapping a scared cat in a towel can help calm their nerves. Since felines tend to have minimal patience, you may only be able to cut a few claws at a time. If your pet gets agitated, stop and pick up the task later.

3. Use Sharp Tools

Many animal wellness products are available that can help simplify nail trimming. When choosing clippers, check that the blades are sharp and strong. If the blades are weak, the claws may split and injure your cat.

4. Prevent Bleeding Accidents

When you cut the nail, always trim above the highly sensitive pink area, commonly referred to as the quick. If you cut this area, your cat is likely to bleed and experience discomfort. If bleeding does occur, apply styptic powder to the area to make it stop.

5. Set up Scratching Posts

In addition to trimming, cats need to scratch with their claws regularly to remove the outer layers of the nail. To support proper animal wellness and protect your furniture, set up a few scratching posts or mats for your pet to use instead.

When it comes to tending to all of your cat’s needs, including claw care, head to Waipio Pet Hospital. From kitten shots to pet surgery, this Waipahu, HI, veterinarian offers comprehensive services and emergency care to prevent and treat feline health issues. To learn more about their approach to animal wellness, visit the Oahu pet hospital online. To make an appointment, call (808) 676-2205 today.