Opinions among pet owners are divided on many topics, and as it turns out, one of these is claw trimming in cats. Let’s debunk some common myths!

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On our social media page, we asked our community whether trimming their cat’s claws is a common practice for them, and how their cat handles it. Surprisingly, many people believe that cutting a cat’s claws is a form of animal cruelty, driven solely by selfish motives on the owner's part. This is why it’s important to clarify the difference between claw trimming and declawing — procedures that, we suspect, many people wrongly believe to be the same.

Indoor cats don't use their claws as much as outdoor or walk-in pets

Trimming the Claws Doesn’t Hurt the Cat

Why is it necessary to trim a cat’s claws? If you have a cat, you know how razor-sharp the tips of their paws can be. A cat’s retractable claws are extremely sharp — essential for hunting — but indoor cats don’t use them on mice; they use them on furniture. Or worse, on their owner during playtime.

Since cats naturally shed their claws, it’s very important for them to have opportunities to use them indoors as well. That’s why having a scratching post is essential. It helps satisfy their instinctual needs and protects your furniture — and you — from damage.

Even so, it may still be necessary to trim the sharp tips of your cat's claws, as they have far fewer opportunities to use them indoors compared to in nature. This does not hurt the animal at all. On the other hand, if the claws become too long, the cat may not be able to fully retract them, which can cause discomfort while walking, and over time, the claws may even grow into the paw pads.

Some owners report that their cat sharpens its claws sufficiently on a scratching post, which may very well be true. That’s why it’s recommended to regularly check your cat’s claws and take action if necessary.

Scratching posts have many advantages, including allowing your cat to use their claws on them

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Claw Trimming Does Not Cause Pain for the Cat

As with dogs, only the very tip of the claw is clipped in cats, which is made of keratinized protein. Just like trimming your own fingernails, it is not painful.

Declawing Is Animal Cruelty!

Declawing, however, is an entirely different matter. It doesn’t just involve trimming the tip, but the removal of the entire claw and the last segment of the toe. This is painful and very risky, as the area can become infected and it can interfere with the animal’s movement. In many countries, this procedure is banned. Tendonectomy — the removal of the tendons that extend the claws — is similarly risky and unnecessary.

For the first (or first few) claw trimmings, it’s a good idea to take your cat to a professional who can show you the correct technique. After that, you can do it yourself — usually on a monthly basis.