Can claw trimming be done at home?

If your cat has a gentle demeanor and doesn’t mind being held, you may be able to trim your cat’s claws at home. There are several videos available on the web that demonstrate how to wrap your cat in a towel, also known as a “purrito,” to help keep your kitty from squirming. Then, you would use specially designed nail trimmers to snip off only the tip of the claw.

What about scratching posts?

Scratching posts are a great alternative to trimming your cat’s claws yourself. They redirect unwanted behaviors, which can help save your furniture from being shredded. They also help your cat naturally shed the outer layer of the claw.

Look for scratching posts made from wood, sisal rope, and cardboard. Emory board scratchers are actually dangerous for your cat. They remove too much of the claw and expose the vein, called the “quick,” underneath.

Can a professional do it?

Your vet may offer claw trimming for a fee, but it could be pretty pricey. If your cat scratches your vet or vet tech, they’ll probably order a claw trimming so that it doesn’t happen again. Declawing your cat, in which your cat’s bones are surgically removed, is not recommended. It can cause permanent disfigurement and lifelong pain for your cat.

However, if you regularly have your cat groomed, ask about claw trimming as part of the services. In general, it’s not a part of pet sitting services, so it’s a good idea to get your cat’s claws trimmed before you go out of town.

Are you worried about your kitty clawing your furniture when you go out of town? Hire a pet sitter! Our sitters will give your cat plenty of love and attention, which can help to reduce unwanted behaviors such as inappropriate scratching. Drop us a line today!

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Candace Elise Hoes is a pet sitter and blogger at Katie’s Kitty. She is a graduate of the MFA Writing Program at California College of the Arts.

Photo by meineresterampe on pixabay.