Cat paw and claw care
A cat's paws and claws need occasional checking and gentle care — especially in cats that spend most of the time indoors and wear their claws down less. Here you will find aids for cat paw and claw care: claw clippers and scissors, files, soft claw caps and balms for the pads. Choose according to the cat's age and temperament.
Cat paw and claw care
A cat's claws are retractable and the cat wears them down naturally by scratching. In cats that live mostly indoors, in older or less active animals, they can however grow too long and need occasional trimming. Proper cat paw and claw care includes checking the claws, tending the pads and cleaning the space between them.
For trimming, claw clippers and scissors adapted to feline claws and fine files that smooth the sharp tip are used. An alternative are soft claw caps, which are glued onto the trimmed claw and limit scratching of furniture. The pads are helped by balms that keep them supple, and for cleaning the paws, wet wipes are suitable.
The range differs in size and purpose — kittens and adult cats have different needs, as do a calm indoor cat and a spirited hunter with outdoor access. The aids are usually smaller and finer than those for dogs, to match the thinner claws and sensitive paws.
When choosing, start from the cat's age and temperament and from how often the claws wear down on their own. Trim carefully and only the transparent tip to avoid the sensitive part with the blood vessel; if you are unsure or an injury occurs, turn to a veterinarian. For all products follow the instructions and keep them out of reach of children.