Is It Necessary to Trim Cat’s Claws?

Trimming your cat’s claws is an important part of cat grooming, but most cats do not like to have their claws trimmed, especially if they spend most of their time outdoors. Trimming your cat’s claws from time to time can protect your furniture, carpet, and sofa. But still, it depends on your kitty’s lifestyle whether or not she needs nail trimming or not. However, if your kitty continuously lives indoors, a cat tree scratching post can solve many problems because it allows the nails’ self-maintenance.

If you want to know about cat nail trimming, if it is necessary or not, what are its benefits and role of the healthy alternatives to it like cat tree scratching post, read this article to the end.

1. Is it beneficial or necessary to trim a cat’s claws?

There are few benefits to trimming your cat’s claws, but whether or not it is necessary depends entirely on your kitty’s lifestyle. Mostly, cats that live outdoors do not need nail trimming because they need their claws to climb trees and defend themselves from potential threats.

However, if your kitty lives completely indoors, trimming her claws or providing a cat scratching post tower or cat tree scratching post is essential for maintaining their nails. These cat tree scratchers are very important because otherwise, your kitty will sharpen her claws on everything in the house and cause damage households.

Another benefit of trimming your cat’s claw is that in old age, cats become less active, and their claws become longer and curved and can penetrate the pad of the foot and lead to pain and infection. Therefore, trimming the nails from time to time can prevent this problem.

1.1 Is it necessary to trim a cat’s back claws?

If you look at the routine nail grooming procedure, the back claws are not the problem. It is the front claws that are problematic. Back claws are usually not as sharp as front claws and are slightly different, and cats don’t even use them much.

If the front claws are trimmed correctly, and you have ignored the back claws, it is completely normal and acceptable. Even most cats do not like nail trimming or touch their paws.

However, there are some cases where the rear claw needs to be trimmed. When you look at your kitty’s toes while grooming her, gently expose her back toenail. If it is thick and quite sharp and has grown too large that it can annoy your kitten and makes her feel uncomfortable when walking, then it is necessary to trim her back claw to prevent her from having ongoing pain.

1.2 What happens if you don’t trim your cat’s nails?

Cat claws are generally similar to our human nails. They are basically made up of dead cells, but new cells are continually growing at their base, and that is the reason why their nails continually grow like ours. When new cells form, they push dead cells outward, making your cat’s claws longer and curved.

That is why regular nail trimming is essential and is also an important aspect of having a cat. But if you let your kitty’s claws grow and don’t even trim them or not provide them with a cat tree scratcher or cat condo with scratching posts, the problems that will occur are:

• Nails can curl into the footpad and cause pain.
• Difficulty in walking and running
• A potential hazard to people and furniture

1.3 How often to trim cat claws?

If you have a kitten that lives completely indoors and you haven’t even provided her with a cat tree with scratching post or cat tree scratcher, it is important to trim her nails every 10 days to 2 weeks. The reason is that if you don’t trim their nails after two weeks, their nails will lengthen and reach a point where they will hurt you and your potential households.

2. Is nail-trimming a good alternative to declawing?

Untrimmed nails are a continual hazard not only to people but also to furniture and other household items. Cats can hurt any other pet or even you with these long nails.

Between declawing and nail trimming, there is a lot of misinformation and confusion. If we make it simple, cat nail trimming is similar to human nail trimming, and if you do it correctly, this process is not painful. However, your kitty will not like nail trimming and can injure herself during the process. But even after nail trimming, your cat can scratch you and furniture.

On the other hand, declawing is the process in which the claws are completely removed, and this surgical procedure is known as onychectomy. During this process, the claws are removed from the bone from which they grow.

Through the process of declawing, the claws are completely removed and will not grow back. This process is very painful and unethical, but the benefit is that your kitty will not scratch you or your furniture. Declawing is also banned in many countries.

3. Healthy alternatives to cat claw trimming

3.1 Rotatable and Retractable Cat Tree Condo with Scratching Posts

This rotatable cat condo with scratching post can be a luxurious castle for your feline friend. Your cat can easily play and take a nap inside the cozy cat condo. The scratching post is so exciting that your kitty can enjoy relaxing and playing on the tree. It also helps in maintaining the shape and length of their nails.

Key features

• Adjustable since its height can be adjusted by turning.
• At the highest point, cats can play and rest.
• This cat condo with scratching post can be easily transported and takes up very little space.

3.2 Cat Roman Column Sisal Scratch Post Custom Design

Cat roman column is a scratching post tower made from high-quality heavy chipboards that are extremely durable and sturdy enough for your cat to play. The Roman columns are perfect for keeping your cats nail in shape.

Key features

• The base tower is made of heavy chipboards, which can help prevent wobbling and tipping and provide stability.
• The little hanging bell will provide an added attraction, and your kitty will stretch further, too.
• It will take up less space and can also be used to decorate the home.

3.3 Custom Cat Tree Scratching Post Tower with Tent

This custom cat tree scratching tower with tent is indeed a perfect resting place for your kitten. Where she will feel like she is on vacation. This cat tree with scratching post is sure to be their dream come true thing. Your kitty will enjoy, along with that, your furniture and carpet will remain safe from her fierce nails.

Key features

• The tent is made of fine fabric in which your kitty will feel safe and comfortable.
• In the second layer of the cat tower, there is a cushion where your cat can lie down.
• The cushion can be easily cleaned and washed.
• All materials used in the cat scratching post tower are safe for your feline friend.

Conclusion

Trimming your cat’s nails is necessary, but if you provide them with a cat tree scratching post or cat scratching post tower, their nails will stay in shape. You, your furniture, and carpets will be safe too.