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Photo courtesy minkuni
Most owners will tell you that their CH cat’s claws are vital to their mobility. The claws allow them to grip, keep their balance and climb. But, like any other cat’s claws, they can also cause destruction and pain. So what’s an owner to do?
If you ask ten different CH cat parents, you’ll receive ten different answers — but there’s nothing wrong with that. This is usually because everyone’s CH cat relies on his claws to a different degree.
Lizzie learned that first hand when it came to her CH kitties, Tardy and Ziggy. Even before Tardy had his claws accidentally trimmed by a vet, Lizzie knew how much he depended on them to get around. However, it was a different story with Ziggy.
“Ziggy’s aggression made it clear to me that I would have to try to trim his nails; we shouldn’t have to be afraid of our kitty,” Lizzie said. “Also, Ziggy doesn’t climb, so I didn’t think the nail trim would hinder his mobility at all.”
So, Lizzie pulled out the kitty nail trimmers and went to work. The result? They can now spend time with Ziggy without worrying about being scratched.
“It’s a very hard decision to make; if your kitty depends on his nails to accomplish things, try not to clip,” Lizzie said.
So should you clip? Carefully consider how much your cat uses his claws:
Does your kitty use his claws to get around?
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Photo courtesy mari g.
If your cat holds on to your carpet to remain upright, climbs your furniture, carpeted stairs or a kitty condo, the claws may be essential. John’s Princess relies on her claws a good deal to get around, so he puts up with them.
However, you may still be able to clip just the tip of the nail for safety reasons.
If your kitty doesn’t climb much, and if you don’t think it would hurt his mobility, feel free to cut a tiny bit off. Elise says she clips her girls’ claws about once a month — by just cutting off the sharp tip — and it doesn’t impact their ability to climb furniture at all.
How would you rate your cat’s coordination?
If your kitty has trouble controlling muscle movements, a trim may help prevent accidents. Kristie’s Riley Dean has had his nails clipped since he was a kitten, and it helps prevent him from them getting snagged in the carpet.
Similarly, Selena’s found that clipping her Shinju’s nails helps prevent accidents. Once Shinju had to be taken to the emergency room after she accidentally pulled a nail out.
How is your cat’s temperament?
If he’s spastic, nervous or aggressive, a slight claw trim may make life easier for everyone, like it did for Lizzie and Ziggy. This is also the case for Selena’s Roxy, who tends to claw whenever she’s feeling uncomfortable.
In the end, consider all of the factors along with the severity of your cat’s CH. This will hopefully help you determine if you should pull out the clippers, or leave your cat’s claws alone.
Do you cut your cat’s claws? What has happened when you have? What advise do you have for other owners? Please share in the comments!
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