The infographic explains! 😻 There are three main – sharp! – points to make. The fourth point is more important: the solution to cats ruining furniture is not to declaw them but to use one’s intelligence to get around the problem and if necessary to accept some minor damage. It sounds like I am lecturing but I’m not. It is just that when you adopt a new cat companion you sign an unwritten contract which says that you will do your best to keep them safe and promote their health and welfare. Declawing is a gross violation of that precious contract.
RELATED: Anatomy of a Cat’s Claw
RELATED: 63 jurisdictions specifically ban cat declawing (Dec 2023)
Unlike our fingernails, a domestic cat’s claws are retractable. This nifty feature allows them to stalk prey silently, climb efficiently, and protect themselves. Here’s a breakdown of the anatomy behind this amazing adaptation:
The Claw Itself:
- Made of keratin, the same protein that makes up our hair and nails.
- Continuously grows, just like ours.
- The visible part is the white, hooked tip.
- Underneath, there’s a pink area called the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels.
The Retraction Mechanism:
- Tendons and ligaments in the paw control the claw’s extension and retraction.
- When a cat relaxes, an elastic ligament keeps the claws retracted.
- When needed, muscles contract tendons that pull the claw bone forward, extending the sharp tip.
Where Do They Go?
- Contrary to popular belief, claws don’t completely disappear.
- They sheath themselves in pockets of skin between the toes.
- Tucked away beneath the fur, they stay protected from wear and tear.
Interesting Facts:
- Kittens are born with non-retractable claws. They develop control over retraction around 4 weeks old.
- Each paw has 4 toes with retractable claws, except for the dewclaw (the thumb-like claw on some cats).
- Cats can extend only some claws at a time, depending on the situation.
Trimming helps
RELATED: Trimming cat claws prevents scratches (proof)
Trimming your cat’s claws can be a bit of a process, but with the right technique and some patience, it can be a smooth experience for both of you. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:
Preparation:
- Gather your supplies: You’ll need sharp clippers designed for cat claws (or human nail clippers in a pinch), styptic powder or cornstarch (in case of accidental nicks), and treats to reward your cat for good behavior.
- Get your cat comfortable: Choose a quiet, well-lit location where your cat feels secure. You can have them sit on your lap or on a table.
- Important: – see below – it makes things much easier if the cat has had their claws trimmed as a kitten. This habituates the cat to a process which is unnatural and likely to result in a negative reaction making it very hard to trim claws 😢😻.
Trimming the Claws:
- Focus on one paw at a time: Gently hold your cat’s paw and press down on the pad to extend the claws.
- Identify the quick: The quick is the pink area at the base of the claw, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Avoid cutting here!
- Clip the tip: Only trim the sharp, curved part of the claw, at a 45-degree angle.
- Take it slow: It’s better to remove small bits at a time, especially if you’re new to this.
- Stop and reward: After trimming a few claws, praise your cat and offer a treat to keep them happy.
Additional Tips:
- Start early: If you can, get your kitten used to having their paws handled from a young age. This will make trimming easier as they grow up.
- Have an escape plan: If your cat gets stressed, let them go and try again later.
- Ask for help: If you’re not comfortable trimming your cat’s claws yourself, consider seeking help from a vet tech or groomer.
Here are some resources that you might find helpful with visuals:
- How to Trim Cat Nails: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/trimming-cats-claws ([Purina])
- How to trim cat claws https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/health/how-to-trim-cat-claws
