How Can I Trim My Cat's Nails?
by Sandi Okun, LVT

Firstly, Why do Cats Scratch?

• To remove the dead outer layer of their claws
• To mark their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent -yes, cats have scent glands on their paws!
• To stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws
• To work off energy

Because scratching is a normal behavior, it is unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching completely. Instead, our goal in resolving scratching less than desirable furniture, curtains, legs, etc, is to redirect the scratching onto more acceptable, cat-friendly objects. We want both you and your feline family members to live happily and in harmony.

What Can I do to Prevent Unwanted Scratching?
You must provide objects for scratching that are appealing, attractive, and convenient from your cat's point of view.

Start by observing the physical features of the objects your cat is scratching. The answers below to the following questions should help you understand your cat's scratching preferences:

• Where are they located? Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas, and objects near the entrance to a room are often chosen.
• What texture do they have - are they soft or coarse?
• What shape do they have - are they horizontal or vertical?
• How tall are they? At what height does your cat scratch?

Now considering your cat's preferences, substitute similar objects for him/her to scratch such as rope-wrapped posts, corrugated cardboard, or even a log. Place the acceptable object near the inappropriate object that he/she is already using.

• Make sure the objects are stable and won't fall over or move around when he/she uses them.
• Cover the inappropriate objects with something your cat will find unappealing, such as double sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper, or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up. Or you may give the objects an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls containing perfume, muscle rub, or other safe yet unpleasant substance.
• When your cat is consistently using the appropriate obejct, it can be moved very gradually to a location more suitable to you. It's best to keep the appropriate scratching objects as close to your cat's preferred scratching locations as possible.
• Don't remove the unappealing coverings or odors from the inappropriate objects until your cat is consistently using the appropriate objects in their permanent locations.

Should I Punish My Cat for Scratching?
Punishment is effective only if you catch your cat in the act of scratching unacceptable objects and have provided her with acceptable objects. Punishment after the fact won't change the behavior, may cause him or her to be afraid of you or the environment, and may elicit defensive aggression. Used by itself, punishment won't resolve scratching problems because it does not teach your cat where to scratch instead. If you do catch your cat in the act of scratching inappropriate objects, punish her in a way that prevents her from associated punishment with you. Try making a loud noise (using a whistle, shaking a soda can filled with rocks/coins, or slapping the wall) or using a water-filled squirt bottle. If you use other, more interactive techniques, he or she will learn to refrain from scratching in our presence but will continue to scratch when you're not around.

How Can I Trim My Cat's Nails?
Trimming your cat's claws is easier than you think; if you continually touch and press on your cat's paws, they should be less stressed and agitated when you choose to pick up their paws to clip them. Hold the cat on your lap until he or she is comfortable. If you are able to, turn him or her on its back if the cat seems to relax this way. Press gently on the top of the paw near the past of the nail to extend the claw. Hold the paw firmly with the claw extended. Clip only the curved end of the claw. If you clip into the thicker part of the claw(the pink area where the vein is located), you can cause the nail to bleed and hurt the cat. It is okay to be nervous at first; we will gladly show you how to properly cut your cat's nails. This can become second nature if you are patient and understanding of your cat. When you are finished, remember to praise your cat just like you would a dog; you can give your cat a treat and/or toy that he or she enjoys. If you are stressed throughout this procedure, more likely than not, your cat will pick up on your fears. Just breathe and perform this monthly trimming as if it's no big deal because after a few times, that's exactly how you should feel.

If it is physically impossible to cut your cat's nails on your own, we at the Animal Hospital of Warwick have technician appointments to help you. Please don't feel discouraged; some kitties are just difficult and we want no humans injured in the process.

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