.: Caring For Your Cat's Claws
By:Paul Duxbury
Do the legs of your furniture bear the claw marks of your cat? Is scratching the furniture abnormal? If so, you may want to consider trimming your cat’s claws. When cats scratch, it is a normal part of behaviour that is hard-wired into their genes. They do it to maintain their feline physique as well as to hone those claws into sharp little weapons. Unfortunately, both you and your furniture can suffer as a result. By taking their claws into your own hands, you can nip this problem in the bud, or shall we say clip this problem by the claw?
Trimming your cat’s claws can be a daunting task. It is something you would be hard-pressed to be able to do on your own. So before you even try to start, recruit a helper to hold down your cat while you trim its nails. Do you have the necessary tools to care for your kitty’s claws? First, you need a sharp pair of nail clippers. You can purchase a set that is specially made to hold a cat’s claw in place while you cut. You can purchase these special clippers from your veterinarian or a pet store. Otherwise, a normal pair of human clippers or nail scissors should do just fine.
When you are ready to start trimming your cat’s claws, have your helper hold the cat gently, but firmly. Grasp one of the cat’s paws in your hand and press down on one of the toes to extend the claw. Do you see where the nail goes up to a pink area? That pink area is called the “quick” and will bleed if you accidentally cut into it. It also would be painful for the cat. Cut the nail quickly and cleanly just below the pink area. Now, can you repeat that process for the remaining nineteen or so nails? The answer is probably not. Unless you sedate your cat (not really recommended) or your feline is just really, really laid back, you will have to complete the claw clipping in several stages. In the claw clipping process, do not neglect your kitty’s dewclaws. These are like the equivalent to the thumb of a human and are only found on the front paws. Be sure when you stop to take a break that you praise your family feline and even give it a treat for good behaviour.
Ok, what happens if you do accidentally clip into the “quick” of the cat’s claw? First of all, stay calm. Your cat will probably be freaked enough and fighting in the arms of your helper. You need to reassure your cat and apply a slight pressure to the tip of that claw until the bleeding stops. If the cat isn’t fighting too much, apply an antiseptic that dries quickly. Avoiding infection is a smart idea. If you are ever in doubt as to how much of the claw you should clip, trim a little less than you probably would go for. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Claw care for your kitty should happen every two to three weeks optimistically or on an as-needed basis. If possible, keep an eye on your cat’s disposition. If your fur ball seems in a laidback mood, try trimming its nails at that time. It is possible to cut them, all on your own, but if your cat takes exception to the fact that you have a pair of clippers in your hand, it can be a difficult task. And if your cat is a bit of a hellion, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer to clip your cat’s claws. They have the experience, special training and some tips and secrets to getting a cat to cooperate.
Sometimes, however, clipping your cat’s claws does not forestall the scratching in your home. If you do not want to give your cat away to a new home, you might want to consider declawing your cat. This involves removing the claws, through a surgical process, as well as the tissue that the claws draw back into. Talk with your veterinarian about this surgery and whether or not it might be the next step you should take with your cat. As with all medical procedures, there are risks involved like slow healing and infection.
Before taking that drastic step into declawing, try various behaviour modification techniques. But most of all, just know that it is natural as breathing for your cat to bare its claws and scratch. If you are lucky, you can train it to use a scratching post to do most of its handiwork.
Article keywords: Cat, Cats, Cat Care, Claw Care, Cat Behaviour
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Do you want to give your cat the very best care? Then check out the resources available at Paul's site at http://cat-care.thebestonlineproducts.com/
.: New Others Articles
1). Psychic Ability - Fraud Or Gift?
A psychic has some special powers that ordinary people don’t have. Some psychics are able to predict the future, others can communicate with the recently deceased. Some psychics are telepathic, others have the ability to exorcise ghosts.
The police use psychics to help solve crimes, preferably without the media getting to know! The newspapers would have a field day mocking the police investigator who had to resort to a “fortune teller”
Many people secretly believe that ...
2). Native Speakers?
In a recent poll, I asked readers if they thought English language teachers should be native speakers. The result was interesting, as the vote from those with an opinion was close with 48% believing they should be native speakers and 41% saying no. I don’t know what you think about this but I’ve always had mixed feelings.
The first question I would raise with those who believe being a native speaker is an essential prerequisite for an English language teacher is, which nat...
3). Don't Hesitate To Cry A Tear
Growing up, my siblings and I were never aloud to cry even just one tear. No matter how sad, mad or hurt we were, tears were never allowed. We were told that truly tough people didn't shed a tear no matter how bad life got. Tears, our parents said, were for wimps and people who weren't strong enough to handle life.
As I grew into my teenage years, I found it nearly impossible to make it through week after week without crying a single tear. Since I knew my parents would not...
4). I Heard About A Shark Attack
Ever since my children were little, my husband and I have been taking them on beach vacations. So my kids have grown up with an honest love of the ocean. Even my youngest child loves to run by the side of the ocean and to wake up to the sound of the waves. My own childhood was filled with various beach vacations and cruises on the ocean. I have never given safety much of a thought on our family's beach vacations, but last year we heard a story about a shark attack that had ha...
5). What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder And How To Deal With It Now
Narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder that is shown by having a grandiose state of mind in young adults. The number of people with this disorder is highly disputed with some theories stating that it can be as high as one percent of
6). Are You Compassionate To Yourself?
We talk of physical abuse. We also talk of emotional abuse. Let us now talk about self-abuse. What is self-abuse?
7). Quiz - Can Money Buy Happiness?
Can riches buy happiness? Wealth can buy many luxuries, but not happiness. Money cannot buy contentment.
.: Top Others Articles
1). CZ Redhead Product Review
CZ redheads are new newest of low cost over under shotguns on the market have higher quality standards than most top of the line brands.
2). Treadmill Vs Elliptical
Should you buy an elliptical trainer or a treadmill? Discover the unique benefits of both elliptical trainers and treadmills to help decide which one is best for you.
3). What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder And How To Deal With It Now
Narcissistic personality disorder is a personality disorder that is shown by having a grandiose state of mind in young adults. The number of people with this disorder is highly disputed with some theories stating that it can be as high as one percent of
4). Build The Knife You Carry - Choose a Great Blank for Your Blade
It's important to choose suitable material for your new blade. There are many choices - select wisely with these tips.
5). Clay Pot Crafts: Make a Bell for the Porch
Clay pot crafts are a cute way to make home decorations. In clay pot crafts, clay flower pots can be crafted into a variety of decorative things that appeal to gardeners. Usually, the crafter begins with new pots.
6). We Teach Others How to Treat Us
Treat yourself with respect and others will follow suit. It is never okay to treat yourself disrespectfully or to allow others to get away with it.
7). Chicago’s Magnificent Miracle Mile – The Hottest Commercial Real Estate in the MidWest
Have you considered doing business on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile? The real estate is expensive, but if you have the right kind of business, you can make a fortune and easily pay those real estate fees.