Do cats nails need to be cut?

Welcome to PT! :)

We have 4 cats, and my husband always holds each cat and I trim their claws. It's really routine - we do it about 2 times per month - if sometimes certain nails don't need to be trimmed, we skip them, but we find that it's good to at least check the claws on each of the cats' paws every 2 weeks or a little more often if they start to feel really long and pointy.

Sometimes it's a little bit of a struggle, but last time, it was really easy - we had all 4 done in under 10 minutes. Leo, who is the most easy-going, friendly cat, under every circumstance (even at the vet - they love him), turns into a little holy terror when we trim his claws, and Leila is kind of mean, but as long as hubby restrains her from biting my hands, we can get her done pretty quickly.

We tried using the cat clippers a long time ago, and we didn't like them that much - we heard that the dog clippers at PetSmart would work better from another cat owner we talked to - they're still pretty small - they're the Bargain Hound Nail Clippers - I'm pretty sure they still have them. They've worked out well. They're easy to use and they stay sharp enough for a long time.

I have never needed to clip either of their nails, and I have owned Ash for over six years, but because they are indoor/outdoor they sharpen them and keep them trim I guess on the lovely giant scratching posts, aka the Trees.

i hope this doesn't mean that i am a bad catdaddy, but i have owned both my cats, Zip and Shy, for over ten years now and have never trimmed their nails once...they have so many things to scratch(besides my furniture), and i constantly find nail sheaths around, i have never seen the need...they have never had any kinda of medical problem from them not being clipped...i LOVE them SO much, am i wrong, will this cause them problems???:eek: :eek: :confused: :confused:

This is just my opinion. Unless the nails are growing too long then you don't need to cut them. I trim both Corkscrew and Tibby's nails every other week because if not their nails hurt me. Both love to cuddle with me and knead on me, if their nails are sharp then I get scratched. If you don't mind scratches and they are provided with enough scratching posts and such then they should be fine as long as you check their nails every once in a while to make sure they are growing so long that it bothers them.

I can't trim my cats nails so I take them to a grooming school. They only charge $9.00 per cat so it's not too expensive and I take them about every 7-8 weeks or so. I can't take Cirrus though because he's semi-feral and is too scared and can't be handled. He's had his nails trimmed 2 times by the vet and he had to be sedated. Luckily he has plenty of scratching posts to use.:)

Thanks for all the information everyone!! felix will be going to the vet today o get neutered :eek: so i'll get his nails done there now!!!:p POOR FELIX hope he feels better soon!!!:(

I have only one question when i post how can i get to see my siggy without putting it in a attachment!!:confused:

I think if you decide to not cut Felix's nails, it is still important to inspect them.
The 'dew claw' is high up the front paws, and if that nail grows around, it can puncture the pad or skin. If nothing is happening to the surrounding tissues, I guess it doesn't matter how sharp the nails become. Personally, I don't like getting shredded when they jump on my back. So, I walk around like a 'gunslinger', clippers in my pocket, ready to clip anyone's nail that looks too long.

Welcome to PT.

Thanks Rose for the information mf.:)

i just have to say that you all are awesome...i always feel good when i come to read posts and always leave feeling even better...i don't feel like a bad catdaddy now...ty...their nails are not too long(i inspected, as suggested), and frankly i don't mind the pain...it's tough love!!!..lol...tya!!!!!!:D :D :D

Here's a couple of hints to assist you:

First of all, once you start doing the nails, don't stop otherwise your kitty will figure out if they put up enough fuss, you'll stop.

Give lots of hugs and kisses while doing it, and treats when finished.

If pussycat is realyy defiant, try this: wrap him up in a towel so he is confined and can't scratch you. Do this a lot so he gets used to it and doesn't mind. THEN start taking one paw out at a time and trim the nails. This will control his movements and well as secure your safety. Remember the loving and the treats.

It's also a good idea to have a bottle of Kwik Stop handy, just in case. Much cheaper than an emergency vet visit.

I started doing Baileys when we got him at 10 wks. Now he lays on my computer desk while I do it, almost like he's getting a manicure.

Felix got his manicure done yesterday at the vet :p He had to go there to get neutered so they done it there for me and never charged me for it either!!:D Thanks for all the tips.I'll keep them in mind if i ever get the nerve up to cut them myself!!

LOL my hubby knows how you feel. He once cut his rabbits claw and it bled. Now he won't even go near a clippers and the cats. I guess they can bled really bad and he felt so bad


Also everyone, do you cip the back claws? I just clip the front and leave the back alone. They do most of their scratching with the front ones.

I trim all 4 and the dew claws as well.

Bailey only scratches with the front, however, he bats the dogs with his back and I don't want any vet bills.