Do Cat Scratchers Dull or Sharpen Nails? Facts & FAQ
By Lorre Luther
Updated on
Scratching is totally normal and deeply instinctual behavior for cats. Not only does it help keep their claws nice and sharp, but it also allows them to leave behind pheromones, mark territory, and recognize places. Cats need appropriate ways to engage in scratching— hence the importance of having plenty of cat scratchers in your home. Cat scratchers won’t dull your cat’s claws; they will sharpen them up. Below we’ll tell you everything you need to know about keeping your cat’s claws in top shape.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Cats’ Claws Dull?
Regular nail trimming is the best way to ensure cats’ nails don’t become too sharp and to prevent your buddy from digging their claws into you when purring and kneading up a storm. Cats’ claws should be trimmed around every 2 weeks. Outdoor cats may need less frequent trims, as they naturally wear down their claws through activity.
Using Feline Clippers
While using a human nail clipper to trim your pet’s nails is possible, it’s better to use a clipper made specifically for cats. Some feature ergonomically designed handles to make them easier to grip and hold. Make sure the blade you use is sharp; cutting cats’ nails with dull blades can cause painful splits. Grab a towel to wrap your cat if that helps keep them calm, and don’t forget to have styptic powder on hand, just in case you miscalculate!
Carefully Clipping the Nail
Gather your supplies and then sit down and get comfortable. Put your cat on your lap with their paws facing upward. Take one paw in your hand and press the area between your cat’s last paw joint and each claw. Your cat’s claw should slide out in response. Grab your clippers and snip off just the claw’s tip. Avoid going anywhere near the quick.
Use the styptic powder to stop any bleeding if you accidentally cut too deeply.
Preventing Ingrown Claws
Regularly trimming your cat’s nails is essential for the longevity of your couch and your pet’s health. Because cats’ nails are naturally curved, they can easily become ingrown if allowed to become too long. Ingrown nails are painful and can prevent cats from walking and running naturally. If not quickly addressed, ingrown claws can become infected, which can result in a trip to the veterinarian.
Taking Your Time
Many cats socialized as kittens to tolerate nail clippings do just fine with the entire process. However, some cats find nail clipping annoying and lose patience with the experience relatively quickly. Splitting things up and working on your pet’s front paws one day and their back ones the next may make the process less stressful for anxious cats. If you can’t get your cat to cooperate or don’t feel comfortable clipping your pet’s nails, you can always make an appointment with a groomer and leave it in the hands of a professional.
Will Trimming My Cat’s Nails Stop Them From Destroying Furniture?
Trimming your cat’s nails will not stop them from scratching, but it can move things in the right direction in two ways. Cats scratch, in part, to keep their claws the right length and sharpness for running, walking, pouncing, and climbing. If you leave the entire claw-care enterprise to your cat, they’ll need to scratch frequently to keep their nails in shape. Regularly trimming your pet’s nails reduces the need to scratch, which can lead to less destruction.
How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Destroying the Couch?
You can’t train a cat to stop scratching, but you can redirect their behavior to more appropriate places. You can buy several scratching posts made with different materials to see if your cat has a preference. Carpet, sisal, and cardboard are three popular options.
Sprinkle your scratchers with catnip and place them in the areas where your cat loves to scratch. Making the sofa a slightly less attractive place to hang out can also encourage your cat to gravitate towards the scratcher and leave your furniture alone. You can temporarily attach aluminum foil to annoy your cat or use a feline-safe deterrent spray.
Final Thoughts
Cat scratchers sharpen nails. Cats in the wild scratch to keep their nails just the right length and sharpness to climb trees, walk, and hunt effectively. The best way to keep your cat’s nails from becoming too sharp is to trim them regularly. By placing scratching posts around your home, you can also convince your cat to sharpen their claws on them rather than your furniture.
Featured Image Credit By: Amelia Fox, Shutterstock
