{"id":44216,"date":"2025-11-28T09:53:26","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T08:53:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/nos-conseils\/faut-il-couper-les-griffes-de-votre-chat\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T10:55:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T08:55:55","slug":"should-you-trim-your-cats-claws","status":"publish","type":"nos-conseils","link":"https:\/\/dermoscent.com\/en\/our-advice\/should-you-trim-your-cats-claws\/","title":{"rendered":"Should you trim your cat\u2019s claws?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Cats extend their\u00a0claws<\/strong>\u00a0to hunt and climb trees. They are also used to mark territories, by scratching. When sharpening his\/her claws, the cat releases pheromones in order to leave a trail on his\/her surroundings. This practice can cause damages on your furniture. However, should you\u00a0trim the claws<\/strong>\u00a0of your cat?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

What is a claw?<\/h2>\n

The\u00a0cat\u2019s claw<\/strong>\u00a0is made up of two parts: the\u00a0keratinized part<\/strong>\u00a0formed by a superposition of horny layers, and\u00a0nail pulp<\/strong>\u00a0in the center, which contains the nerves and the blood vessels. The cat has 4 toes on each his\/her hind legs and 5 toes on the front ones. This fifth toe is called a dewclaw, corresponding to our thumb. These dewclaws allow the cat to climb.<\/p>\n

Cat claws are\u00a0retractable<\/strong>, that means they are viewable only when they are extended (hunting, climbing, self-defense \u2026) thanks to the flexor tendons. Hence, they usually don\u2019t touch the ground<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0don\u2019t naturally wear out<\/strong>\u00a0as they do for dogs. It is therefore necessary for them to sharpen their claws to maintain them.<\/p>\n

\"Cat's<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

When do you need to trim your cat\u2019s claws?<\/h2>\n

Overall, it\u2019s\u00a0not necessary to trim your cat\u2019s claws<\/strong>, but it depends of your pet\u2019s lifestyle (outdoor or indoor). If we are talking about an outdoor cat, his\/her claws are essential to\u00a0defend him\/herself<\/strong>,\u00a0hunt<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0climb<\/strong>. For an indoor cat, a scratching post allows daily self-maintenance. However, if your cat tends to sharpen his\/her claws everywhere in your house, you can shorten them so they will cause less damage. The use of an educational and repulsive spray could help the pet to drive his\/her scratches to a selected object like a scratching post.<\/p>\n

When ageing, cats become less active. In such case, it is important to trim their claws which can\u00a0get longer<\/strong>,\u00a0curve<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0penetrate into the\u00a0pad<\/a><\/strong>, sometimes causing an infection.<\/p>\n

Lastly, remember to check the dewclaws of the front legs. Indeed, as they are less likely to touch the ground, they wear out more slowly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

How to properly trim your cat\u2019s claws.<\/h2>\n

It is better to\u00a0accustom your cat<\/strong>\u00a0to this practice from a\u00a0young age<\/strong>. Use an appropriate\u00a0claw clipper<\/strong>\u00a0bought at the vet clinic or in a pet shop.<\/p>\n

Choose a\u00a0quiet place<\/strong>\u00a0to avoid scaring your pet. There are 4 steps :<\/p>\n

1. Hold your pet against your body
\n2. Take the paw between your thumb and your index finger
\n3. Press slightly on the top of the toe to extend the claw outward
\n4. Clip the claw a few millimetres, without exceeding the transparent part<\/p>\n

More info:\u00a0https:\/\/www.kittywire.com\/safely-trim-cats-nails\/<\/a><\/p>\n

If you are uncomfortable with this practice, do not hesitate to\u00a0ask your vet for advice<\/strong>\u00a0in order to show you the methodology. Or ask him\/her to directly shorten the claws of your pet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

DERMOSCENT®<\/sup> Selection<\/div>\n