Let's face it, one of the hardest parts about being a cat owner is learning how to manage your cat's claws. From sinking them into your couch to scratching at the carpet, those cute little paws can turn into a disaster, really fast.
However, claws are very important to cats, which is why it's important as cat owners, to understand how to properly care for them and promote proper scratching.
In this post, we'll go over declawing, managing your cat's nails, and getting them to scratch in the correct places.
Is It Okay to Declaw My Cat?
Many people consider declawing to protect their furniture. Declawing, or onychectomy, is the surgical removal of the last bone in each toe. Essentially amputating a cat’s fingertip.
Risks and consequences of declawing include:
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Long-term pain and discomfort
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Back and joint problems due to altered gait
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Increased stress and aggression
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Behavioral issues such as biting
In short, declawing is rarely medically necessary and is now considered unethical by most veterinarians. We don't support declawing, and find it much more beneficial to yourself, and your cat, to teach proper scratching.
Understanding Your Cat's Claws
Cats’ claws are unique and vital to many parts of their lives. Cat's use their claws for:
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Scratching – removes the outer claw sheath and keeps claws sharp
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Climbing – essential for exercise and safety
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Hunting and defense – capturing prey or protecting themselves
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Stretching – scratching provides full-body exercise for back and shoulder muscles
Scratching is a natural behavior that should not be taken away from cats. It should just be better understood and managed. Understanding this as a cat owner makes you a better cat owner.
Managing Your Cat's Claws
Here are a few tips to getting started with managing and taking care of your cat's claws.
1. Start Claw Care Early
Introduce nail trimming when you first get your kitten or cat is going to be helpful in long term management. Teaching them that it isn't a harmful activity is important. Use positive reinforcement by giving them a treat after they have successfully completed a nail trimming.
2. Provide a Dedicated Scratching Space
As we stated above, scratching is natural for cats. Providing them with dedicated scratching spaces is going to give them the best chance to release the natural urge, without destroying your home.
We recommend providing a variety of scratchers for cats with different scratching styles - horizontal and vertical. The Cat-e-Corner is a great option for a vertical scratcher that also protects your sofa and acts as a side-table for you.
3. Consider Soft Claws
Plastic nail caps can reduce furniture damage in a pinch. They’re temporary, lasting a few weeks, and should be reapplied regularly. While useful, they don’t replace proper training and scratching surfaces.
We would instead recommend providing and training your cat to scratch in the proper places.
4. Keep Claws Trimmed
Regular nail trims reduce the risk of furniture damage. You can trim your cat’s nails at home or have your vet do it if you don't feel comfortable
Promoting Healthy Scratching
Like we said above, scratching is a normal behavior for cats and shouldn't be taken away. Instead, helping them learn where and how to properly scratch is the best way to cope with your cat's claws.
A few ways to promote healthy scratching include:
- Providing proper outlets such as scratching mats, scratching posts, scratching boards, or a Cat-e-Corner.
- Having multiple scratching outlets around the house
- Redirecting scratching to proper outlets
- Using positive reinforcement when your cat properly scratches
- Avoiding punishment as cats do not respond well to it
Final Thoughts on Cat Scratching
Your cat’s claws are an essential part of their health, activity, and well-being. Declawing is harmful, but proper claw care and scratching solutions like the Cat-e-Corner allow your cat to scratch naturally and safely.
By trimming nails regularly, offering appropriate scratching spaces, and reinforcing positive behavior, you can enjoy a happy home and happy cat for years to come.
