Introduction
Trimming a cat’s claws is an important part of maintaining your feline companion’s health and wellbeing. While outdoor cats can naturally wear down their claws by scratching trees and other surfaces, indoor cats need a little help in this department. Overgrown claws can lead to problems like ingrown nails, snagging on carpets and furniture, and accidental scratches. That’s why it’s recommended to trim an indoor cat’s claws every 2-3 weeks. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of regular claw trims, provide tips on how to safely and effectively trim your cat’s claws, and discuss signs that it’s time for a trim.
Anatomy of Cat Claws
Cat claws are complex structures made up of bone, tendons, blood vessels, and keratin layers.[1] The actual claw consists of the outer layer, called the claw sheath, and an inner layer called the claw capsule. The claw sheath is made up of keratin and is the part of the claw that we can visibly see. The claw capsule surrounds the quick of the claw, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The claw grows from the germinal matrix, which produces new keratin layers and is what allows the claw to regrow if it breaks off.[2]
Along with the claw itself, cats have an abundance of ligaments and tendons that control claw extension and retraction. There are flexor tendons attached to muscles in the paw that allow the cat to extend its claws. Extensor tendons retract the claws back into the paw when they are no longer needed. All of these components work together to allow a cat to use its claws for hunting, climbing, scratching, and self-defense.[1]
Natural Wear for Outdoor Cats
Outdoor cats have more opportunities to naturally wear down their claws through daily activities. According to
this Quora thread, outdoor and feral cats climb trees, scratch on rough surfaces, and hunt prey, all of which help file down their claws. The rough textures they interact with blunt the sharp points on their claws. Outdoor cats also have access to scratching posts and other surfaces around yards and neighborhoods. Scratching on these textured objects provides resistance that wears down claws.
Lack of Wear for Indoor Cats
Unlike outdoor cats, indoor cats do not have the same opportunities to scratch and wear down their claws naturally (Source). Indoor cats spend most of their time on carpets, rugs, furniture and other soft surfaces. These surfaces do not provide enough friction to help file down claws the way tree bark, rocks, and rough outdoor surfaces do. Without sufficient scratching and clawing opportunities, indoor cats’ nails can overgrow and become sharp.
Indoor cats lack frequent scratching opportunities to wear down their claws. Their nails can overgrow, becoming sharp and hazardous.
Potential Problems
One of the main risks of not trimming an indoor cat’s claws is overgrown claws. As the claw continues growing without wearing down, it can curl back, growing into the paw pad. This is extremely painful and can lead to infection [1]. If left untreated, an embedded claw may require surgical removal.
Claws that are too long can also split or crack. This can be very painful and make it difficult for the cat to walk or use its paws properly. Split claws are also prone to snagging on fabric, rugs, and carpets, which can rip the claw further or pull it out completely [2]. This may expose the quick and cause bleeding.
In additional to discomfort, overgrown, ingrown, and splitting claws put cats at risk for infections and decreased mobility. Keeping a close eye on claw length and health is important for any indoor cat.
Trimming Benefits
Trimming an indoor cat’s claws provides several benefits for the cat’s health and comfort. Blunt claws help prevent issues like ingrown nails, splitting, and snagging on fabrics [1]. Frequent trimming relieves pain by removing the sharp points that can otherwise dig into a cat’s paw pads when the claws are extended [2]. Keeping the claws neatly trimmed prevents cats from getting caught on carpets, furniture, and skin when scratching. It also reduces damage to household items from sharp claws.
Trimming Tips
Trimming a cat’s claws regularly is important to maintain healthy paws and avoid problems. The general recommendation is to trim about every 10-14 days. Some cats may need more frequent trims, while less active indoor cats may be able to go a bit longer between trims. Look for claws getting long, scratching issues, or other signs it’s time for a trim.
Use high-quality, cat-friendly nail clippers designed specifically for cats. Human nail clippers should not be used. Position your cat comfortably on your lap or a table. Gently press on the toe pad to extend the claw, keeping the nail clippers perpendicular to avoid cutting the quick. Only trim the sharp tip, taking off just a small amount.
Try to stay calm and work slowly. If your cat struggles, take breaks to let them relax. Trim one paw at a time. Reward and praise your cat during the process. Over time, regular trims will become easier as your cat gets used to the routine.
Sources:
https://www.petmd.com/news/view/how-often-should-you-trim-cats-nails-37807
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/trimming-cats-claws
Alternatives to Trimming
While regular nail trimming is recommended for most indoor cats, there are some alternatives that can help reduce the frequency of trimming needed. Providing adequate scratching surfaces is one of the best options.
Scratching posts and boards allow cats to practice natural scratching behavior. The act of scratching helps shed the outer layers of the claw, keeping them blunt (1). Scratching posts come in many shapes, sizes and materials. Posts should be sturdy, tall enough for the cat to fully stretch, and covered in a material they like to scratch such as sisal, cardboard or carpeting (2).
Scratching boards are flat surfaces also covered in scratchable materials. Boards allow cats to scratch in a downward motion. Offering both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces provides options. Places around the house where the cat scratches can also be covered with scratchable materials.
Providing ample scratching outlets helps minimize damage to household furnishings. It also avoids the need for frequent nail trims. However, scratching surfaces don’t replace trimming entirely. Regular inspection and maintenance trims will likely still be needed.
Signs Claws Need Trimming
There are some clear signs that indicate when an indoor cat’s claws are getting too long and need to be trimmed. The most obvious sign is visible overgrowth. Indoor cats need their claws trimmed every 2-3 weeks. If you notice their claws extending well beyond the paw and curling over, it’s time for a trim. According to the Human Society, claws that are so long they alter the angle of the foot are too long and require trimming [1].
Another sign claws are too long is if they begin snagging on fabric, carpets, curtains, and furniture. The overgrown claws can easily get caught and ripped out, causing injury. Trimming them prevents this damage. An article by Hastings Vet explains indoor cats’ claws need trimming because they can snag in soft surfaces [2].
Conclusion
As we have discussed, while letting an indoor cat’s claws grow unchecked may seem natural, there are good reasons why routine trimming is beneficial. Indoor cats lack the opportunities for normal wear that come from climbing, scratching, hunting, and exploring outdoors. When claws get too long they can snag and tear, become painful if they curl into the paw pads, or even grow into the skin. Gentle trimming every couple weeks removes just the sharp tips and prevents issues. It’s a simple process cat owners can learn. Start slow with rewards, go just a bit at a time, and avoid the quick. Compression helps the nail push out. Trimming reduces destructive scratching of furniture too. For those who don’t want to trim, alternatives like scratching posts, cat trees, treats, and caps/covers are available. Pay attention for signs of overgrown claws like catching on fabric, changing gait, excessive licking, or shredding of scratchers. Overall, routine trimming improves comfort and health for indoor cats. Their claws are still functional for stretching, scratching, climbing and defense, just more safely managed.
