Should a kitten's claws be cut, at what age can they be cut and how can they be cut without injuring it? Here are the answers to these questions which are not trivial if you want your kitten to have no problem with its paws.
Should we cut a kitten's claws?
In the wild, kittens do not need their claws cut. Indeed, naturally when he lives outside, the claws of a kitten wear out and therefore are simply lodged by the kitten's physical activity.
However, in our homes, kittens are more often indoors and do not have the opportunity to wear out their claws when climbing trees, hunting, scratching hard materials ... Even if they have a scratching post. , for some kittens, natural wear and tear will not be sufficient. It will therefore be up to you to take care of the cut or the file of its small claws. But why is it so important to cut a kitten's claws?
Why shorten a kitten's claws?
The claws of a kitten are used to climb, to cling, to hunt, to fight but also to keep its balance especially on smooth surfaces.
However, in order for the claws to be useful for your kitten, they should not be too long. Indeed, if your kitten's claws are too long, it risks slipping on the tiles, not finding the right balance in its movements, suffering from ingrown toenails ...
Cut the claws of a kitten if they are too long is therefore essential for its well-being. But it's also useful if you don't want him scratching you or hurting a child while having fun, scratching your couch or furniture somewhere else.
At what age can a kitten's claws be cut?
Depending on the kittens, their lifestyle and their activity, the claws will grow more or less quickly. For some kittens, it will be necessary to cut the claws at the age of 3 months while for others we can wait 6 or 9 months.
There is no definite age for cutting a kitten's claws. Indeed, all kittens do not use their claws in the same way. So it all depends on how long they are. When the kitten's claws protrude too much from its pads, it will then be necessary to cut them a little.
Then, as the claws grow regularly, it is necessary to check every 2 months if it is necessary to make a maintenance cut.
How to cut the claws of a kitten?
Get your kitten used to it gradually
From an early age, get your kitten used to being handled, by taking it on you, turning it over on its back, taking its paws in your hands, and showing it a claw cut so that it becomes familiar with it. object.
At first, just pretend to cut its claws by resting the claw clipper on its pads. Then a few days later, repeat the learning. Show him an electric filer and run it without using it right away on his claws. After handling it, don't forget to reward it with a treat.
If you handle your kitten in this way a little every day, in 2 weeks, your kitten will be completely docile and will easily allow its claws to be cut.
File your kitten's claws
If your kitten is very young, she probably won't need a real haircut yet. To prevent them from becoming too long, it will suffice to file your kitten's claws from time to time.
Cut your kitten's claws
If your kitten is older than 8 or 9 months, you will probably need to start cutting her claws. Cutting the claws is not at all painful as long as you don't cut too much. You just have to pry off the tips of the claws.
For this, you can use a good quality claw cutter.
How to use a claw cutter on a kitten?
- Start by thoroughly cleaning the kitten's paws;
- Prepare supplies and treats to reward him when it's done;
- Choose a well-lit room, get down on the ground and take your kitten on the knees;
- Take its paw and gently press on its pad to bring out the end of the claw;
- Cut only the small tip of the claw as shown below:
Afraid to cut your kitten's claws?
For the first time, if you are afraid of cutting your kitten's claws yourself, your best bet is to ask your vet or a groomer to do it. Indeed, they are experienced and well equipped. You will be able to see how they go about it and to gain confidence for the times after.
See also:
At what age should a kitten be treated for fleas?
At what age is a kitten clean?