Should You Trim Your Cat’s Back Claws?

Are you a proud new cat owner? You probably have a lot of questions regarding their health and well-being. Our kitty cats are unique, beautiful creatures that provide us with companionship.

It is important to ensure them a comfortable, happy life. Part of your general cat care will include nail trims. The front claws can be obvious when they're due for a trim but what about the back claws?

We have done the research to provide you with a breakdown of cat nail trims and just how important paying attention to those back claws is.

Why Trimming Your Cat's Back Claws Is Essential

To maintain your cat's overall health, it's crucial to trim not only their front claws but also their back claws. Trimming the back claws is a humane alternative to declawing and plays a significant role in their well-being.

Starting nail trims at an early age is ideal as it helps your cat become more comfortable with the necessary handling. In this article, we provide you with valuable tips and tricks for trimming your cat's back nails and guidance on how often this should be done.

All About Cat Paws: More Than Just Cuteness

The main distinction between the front and back paws lies in the number of digits (or toes).

While the front paws possess five digits, including the dewclaw or thumbs, the back paws typically have four digits. However, it's worth noting that some cats can be polydactyl, meaning they have extra toes.

The Importance Of Paw Functions For Your Cat

Understanding how your cat's paws function is crucial for their overall well-being. The sheath effect on their nails allows the claws to remain hidden until they are ready to be used. This feature enables your cat to walk quietly and comfortably on their toes.

Moreover, your cat's paws house various glands, including sweat and scent glands. When you see your cat scratching or kneading surfaces, it's their way of marking and claiming territory with their custom scent.

Their paw pads are equipped with sensors that gather information about their surroundings, detecting vibrations and different textures.

Your cat depends on the function of their paws. It is important to check their paws regularly for any cuts, debris, or any other abnormality. Read more on our blog post How To Best Take Care Of Cat Claws.

How Do You Trim A Cat's Back Claws?

Trimming your cat's claws should be done on a regular basis, so you want to make this a positive experience for them. Every individual has their own sensitivities, so get to know your cat's before handling them for a nail trim.

You don't want to over-restrain when holding your cat for a nail trim, but you will want to hold them firmly. Try holding your cat in the crook of your arm while pulling out one paw at a time.

If your cat is not letting you hold them, try placing them on a table or wrapping them in a towel or blanket in a burrito fashion. Another option is asking a friend to help hold them while providing a distraction for your cat.

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Figuring out which restraint method is best for your cat may take some trial and error. Be patient and give your cat breaks as needed to avoid stressful situations.

With one paw in your hand, apply light pressure to the foot to extend the claws out of their sheaths. With the claws out, quickly trim just the tips of the claws.

Focus on cutting just the tip of the claw to avoid cutting into the light pink portion of the claw, also known as the quick. The quick contains nerves and blood vessels; cutting here will cause bleeding and sensitivity.

For a step-by-step guide, watch this informative video on trimming your cat's nails:

What Should You Do If You Cut Into The Quick?

Don't panic. Cutting into the quick can happen during a nail trim. If you notice blood from a nail during a trim, apply light pressure to the very tip of the claw.

The claw can be dipped in corn starch or styptic powder to help stop the bleeding faster.

Cutting into the quick can be painful for your furry friend. If your cat becomes too upset, stop the nail trim and give them time to cool down before starting again.

To create a less stressful experience, try having your cat's favorite blanket or bed incorporated into the nail trim. Take your time and provide their favorite treats between cutting the claws.

How Do You Know If Your Cat's Claws Are Too Long?

There are a couple of ways to determine if your cat's claws are too long. Have you ever noticed a clicking sound coming from your cat when they're walking around? This sound is their nails tapping on the floor. If you hear this clicking, it is time to trim your cat's claws.

You also know your cat's claws are too long if you can see the claws when your cat is resting. This means the claw has grown over the length of the nail sheath.

With the nails exposed out of the sheath, they are more likely to scratch surfaces or get caught in fabric materials.

How Often Should You Clip Your Cat's Claws?

You should clip your cat's claws anytime you hear the clicking sound from their walk or notice the claw growing past the sheath. You will find yourself performing a nail trim once every ten days to two weeks.

Do Cats Trim Their Own Nails?

Cats do not trim their own nails; that is why nail trims are vital to avoid overgrown claws. While they cannot trim their nails, they can file them to some extent.

Your cat's nails grow in a layer-like fashion, comparable to an onion. The layers of the claws can be filed or chipped off when your cat is utilizing a scratching post or other scratcher toys.

Providing a scratching post helps with nail upkeep while simultaneously creating an alternative to scratching the furniture.

Click Here To See This Wall Mounted Scratching Post On Amazon.

Read more on our blog post 23 Proven Ways To Stop A Cat From Scratching Furniture.

Can You Use Human Nail Clippers On Your Cat?

There are a variety of clippers to choose from for your cat, including scissor clippers, guillotine style, and human nail clippers. You will want to use the type of clippers that are most comfortable for you and your companion.

Check Out These Soft Grip Cat Nail Clippers On Amazon.

While you can use human nail clippers on your cat, there is a downside. When using human nail clippers, the claw is more susceptible to splitting.

This can create some sensitivity or pain for your cat. Ensure that your nail clippers are sharp and in good working order to lower the chances of this happening.

In Summary: Importance Of Trimming Your Cat's Back Claws

Ensuring the health and well-being of your cat involves trimming their back claws. It's a vital practice that should be started early to familiarize your cat with the process and make it a positive experience.

Trimming your cat's back claws is an essential aspect of their care. Starting nail trims early and creating a positive experience will benefit both you and your cat.

We hope this article has provided helpful insights for performing nail trims at home and fostering a positive bond with your furry friend.

Do you have more questions as a new cat owner? Check out our blog post, Bringing Home A New Cat, The Complete Guide.

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