If your cat’s nails are too long, they’re not only uncomfortable but they can also hurt her.
They can also start to grow at an angle, causing her to bite them. Fortunately, you can fix these potential problems by trimming her nails.
So, what happens if you don’t trim your cat’s nails?
If you don’t trim your cat’s nails, they will grow so long that they hurt when they touch the ground.
If the nails grow long enough, your cat will not be able to walk or run easily.
Furthermore, your cat may find it difficult to groom itself properly if the nails are so long.
Finally, your cat may accidentally hurt itself if its nails hit something hard and sharp.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you trim your cat’s nails regularly.
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What Happens If You Don’t Trim Your Cat’s Nails?
Removes Ingrown Nails
Ingrown nails are often mentioned as a problem when talking about nail trimming for cats.
Ingrown nails occur when the quick (blood vessel) becomes trapped under the claw.
This implies that they begin to curve in towards the nail bed and become infected or inflamed.
This isn’t a nice experience for the kitty and it can even cause an infection that can spread to the bloodstream if not treated immediately.
Cat Scratch Disease Protection
This is one of those myths that just won’t go away because it’s been around for so long.
This illness may be avoided if you clip your kitty’s claws regularly.
Aids in the Reduction of Home Damage
This is a normal response, and it is nature’s way of ensuring that there will be no claws on the bottom of the couch or the carpet.
However, the problem here is that this instinct can make some kitties scratch at carpet fibers and fabric.
This is bad news for your carpets and furniture as it becomes ruined.
This is why most cat owners prefer to have their cats’ claws clipped professionally rather than allowing them to do it themselves at home.
Reduces the Likelihood of Infection
When it comes to infection, there is no denying that keeping your kitty’s paws clean is one of the best ways to avoid it.
A senior cat’s nails will harden due to age and this can make clipping them difficult without professional help.
This suggests the claws aren’t as easy to clip as before and may lead to a painful experience for the cat owner.
As a result, most cats will have difficulty walking if their paws are not properly cared for and they may refuse to walk at all as a result.
How Often Should You Trim Your Cat’s Nails?
The frequency with which you cut your kitty’s claws depends on several factors such as age, breed, activity level and health of the cat.
Instead of establishing a precise nail clipping timetable, establish a pattern that works for both you and your pet.
I wouldn’t wait more than a month to inspect a kitten for signs of overgrown nails as it will only lead to more problems in the long run.
How to Maintain Cat Nail Trimming
Don’t Be Hasty
If you’re keeping up with your cat’s regular grooming schedule, then you should have a good idea of how quickly it grows its claws back after each cut.
When it comes to nail trimming, you should never be in a hurry as it will only cause more pain and stress to the cat.
If your cat isn’t feeling it that well, consider taking a day off before resuming the procedure.
Make use of Treats.
If your cat is food motivated, then you can make use of this to your advantage by rewarding your pet with treats when it cooperates.
You may often cut your kitty’s nails while feeding it but you shouldn’t try doing both at the same time because this can lead to disaster.
Tuna is a safe bet, but anything with a savory flavor will do fine as long as you don’t overdo it on the treats.
You may also try rewarding your cat with petting or playtime when it cooperates so that you can help relax the cat as well.
Usually, Less Is More.
When holding an animal for a surgery, it is best if the patient is sedated as much as possible so as to prevent it from moving around during the procedure.
This is particularly true when dealing with your own pets since they won’t feel the same sense of pain as you do when cutting their nails.
When clipping your cat’s claws, always start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration over time.
Also Read: Why Does My Cat Bite My Nails?
Final Words
If you don’t cut your kitty’s nails on a regular basis, you may eventually end up with serious problems that may require expensive veterinary treatment to correct.
It may result in infections, cat bite wounds and other painful conditions that may permanently affect the health of your animal.
This is why it’s critical to get a cat nail clipper that is specifically designed for cats so that its behavior will not be altered in any way during the process.
With the appropriate mentality and a little patience, you’ll be able to successfully trim your cat’s claws without any problems at all.
If you want to improve your cat’s hygiene and general well-being, read up our article on the best brushes for cats.
