Cat Grooming And The Claws

Some Siamese cats and their derivatives, such as Balinese, Oriental Shorthairs and Oriental Longhairs, are unable to retract their claws completely and are therefore ill at ease on hard, uncarpeted floors.

Elderly cats of any breed may have similar problems. The nails continue to grow and, because older cats take less exercise, are not worn down. Due to stiffness, they are not fully retracted either.

Trimming the nails will help. Outdoor cats should have only their front claws clipped, so that they are not completely disarmed if they meet an enemy, and will be able to climb should escape be necessary.

If claw clipping is necessary, ask the vet to do it, for a mistake could be dangerous. On light colored claws, a dark blood vessel can be seen. Cutting this (called cutting to the quick) causes copious bleeding and pain.

Declawing is considered an unnecessary mutilation in the United Kingdom. It is widely practiced in the United States, and is often carries out at about the same time as sterilization. It is a major operation that removes the cat’s main means of self defense, and should be reserved for indoor cats.

A Burmese cross is having its nails trimmed with a nail clipper custom made for cats. Clippers designed for human nails may split cats’ claws. Only the very edges are trimmed.

If you are at all uncertain about your skills, it is wise to ask the vet to do this job. A thorough self groom for the cat will help keep fleas and parasites at bay, and in warm weather, help it keep cool.

The saliva takes the place of sweat in humans, evaporating and cooling the cat. A shorthair has its ears checked as part of its grooming routine. A slight build up of wax means a gentle wipe with absorbent tissue.

Daily cleansing of the area around the eyes is particularly necessary with Persian cats. This kitten is being introduced to the idea at an early age. A cotton wool bud or swab dampened with tepid water is used, and the area is gently wiped with absorbent tissue.

The owner cleans tartar from the outside surfaces of the kitten’s teeth. The cat’s rough tongue will take care of any tartar build up on the inside surfaces of the teeth. A cat is more inclined to allow its teeth to be cleaned if the toothpaste is flavored with chicken, fish or meat.