Trimming your cat’s nails regularly is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. But what actually happens if you neglect this grooming task? Understanding the potential consequences can motivate cat owners to stay on top of nail trims.
Overgrown Nails Can Curve and Grow Into the Paw Pads
A cat’s nails are made of keratin and continue to grow throughout their life. With normal activity on scratching posts and scratching pads, the nails wear down naturally. But when nail trims are skipped, the nails can overgrow and start to curve inward. As they extend, they can dig into the sensitive tissue of the surrounding paw pads. This causes pain and discomfort for the cat.
An overgrown nail that curves back towards the pad puts pressure on the toe. It forces the toe joint into an unnatural position. This can lead to strain and arthritis over time. Long nails can also catch on fabric and carpeting, ripping off painfully. In severe cases, the twisted nails can grow so far they pierce into the paw pad itself. This allows bacteria to enter and cause infection.
Signs Your Cat’s Nails Are Overgrown
How can you tell if your cat’s nails are getting overgrown? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Clicking sounds when walking on hard floors
- Limping or favoring a paw
- Difficulty jumping up or down
- Redness, swelling or discharge around nail beds
- Bleeding if nails are torn
- Excessive licking or biting at paws
- Crying or meowing in pain
Cats are good at hiding pain but these subtle symptoms suggest nail overgrowth may be the culprit. The sooner you can trim back the nails, the faster your cat will find relief.
Ingrown Nails Can Lead to Infection
If an overgrown nail digs into the paw pad, it provides an entry point for bacteria. Signs of a nail bed infection include:
- Swelling and redness around nail
- Pus discharge
- Foul odor
- Loss of nail
- Extreme pain when toe is touched
Nail bed infections should be treated by a veterinarian. They will clip away the ingrown portion of the nail and prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Leaving it untreated allows the infection to spread deeper into the paw tissue.
Damage to Furniture and Floors
It’s not just your cat’s health at risk when nails go untrimmed. Overgrown nails also lead to damage around your home. When cats scratch and climb with long sharp nails, they can:
- Rip upholstery
- Tear carpets
- Scrape hardwood floors
- Shred drapes and curtains
The thicker and sharper the nails, the more damage they can inflict during normal cat behavior like scratching, gripping, jumping and playing. Trimming the nails blunts the tips and minimizes destruction.
How Often Should You Trim Cat Nails?
Veterinarians recommend trimming your cat’s nails every 2-3 weeks. More active cats who sharpen their nails frequently may need biweekly trims. Less active indoor cats may be fine with trims every 3-4 weeks.
Kittens should begin having their nails trimmed as soon as the nails are long enough to clip. Starting young will get them used to the routine handling.
Signs it’s time for a trim include:
- You can hear nails clicking on the floor
- Your cat is scratching people or furniture
- Nails are visibly long and sharp
Add a nail trim reminder to your calendar so the task doesn’t sneak up on you. Just a few minutes each month keeps your cat’s nails neat and healthy.
Step-By-Step Guide To Trimming Your Cat’s Nails
With patience and practice, nail trimming doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. Follow these steps for a smooth session:
- Gather supplies: cat nail clippers, styptic powder, and treats.
- Situate your cat in your lap or on a table.
- Gently hold the paw and press on the toe pad to expose the nail.
- Snip off the sharp tip, taking care not to cut where nail meets pink skin.
- Give a treat and praise throughout to keep your cat relaxed.
- Apply styptic powder to stop any bleeding if you nick the quick.
- Repeat the process for each nail, doing just a few at a time.
With a careful approach, regular trims keep nails neat, minimize scratches, and prevent painful problems.
What If You Can’t Trim Your Cat’s Nails?
Some cats have very resistant to handling and restraint. Aggressive reactions make it unsafe to trim their nails at home. Here are some options if your cat won’t tolerate nail trims:
- Ask your vet: They can trim nails quickly and safely during annual checkups.
- Try scratching pads/posts: These rough surfaces help file down nails.
- Apply soft plastic caps: Nail caps glued over nails blunt the tips.
- Consider laser declawing: This less invasive procedure cuts nail growth.
While declawing is controversial, laser removal of the outer nail is less invasive than full surgical declawing. Discuss the pros and cons with your vet.
Preventing Nail Issues
Along with regular trims, there are other ways to keep your cat’s nails healthy:
- Provide scratching posts and boards around your home.
- Consider cat trees and perches to encourage climbing and scratching.
- Keep nails dry to avoid fungal infections.
- Ask about nutritional supplements for healthy nails.
- Inspect paws weekly for signs of overgrowth issues.
Addressing nail care regularly prevents painful problems in the future.
Conclusion
Neglected nail care causes a cascade of issues for both cats and owners. Overgrown claws lead to ingrown nails, damaged furniture, and infections. By staying vigilant with regular trims, you keep your cat’s nails functional and comfortable. Consistent grooming prevents issues and builds trust through handling. With some patience and practice, nail trims can become a manageable part of caring for your cat.