Should You Help Your Cat Sharpen Its Claws: What You Need to Know
A cat's claws are constantly growing and have a layered structure.
The outer layer forms a kind of shell that falls off over time.
The new claw underneath has a new sharp tip that can scratch really badly.
Cats scratch objects to shed old claws and also tear them off with their incisors while grooming.
The best thing you can do is provide your cat with plenty of good scratching posts or other surfaces to scratch.
It is important to purchase a heavy scratching post with a wide base to prevent it from tipping over.
A large scratching post helps your cat work other muscles.
Some cats prefer horizontal scratching surfaces, while others like vertical ones or small mats.
Sometimes cats use their teeth to sharpen their claws and therefore do not need assistance.
If you still want to help your cat reduce its claws, ask a veterinarian or an experienced cat owner to show you how to properly trim your pet's claws.
