Member

Posts: 18
From:New York
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-25-2003 07:25 AM         

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Just a question on cat nail cutting. Is it true that cats nails hurt them if they are too long? I use to trim my cats nails, but I found they would go at my carpet and pull on it to sharpen the nails. I haven't cut them in a few months, and they have left my carpet alone. Theyare good cats, but I am just curious if I am doing more harm then good to them? Should I cut them, are they in pain??

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Member

Posts: 996
From:sheridan, wy
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 11-25-2003 10:21 AM         

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If the nails get too long yes they can be painful and they can cause physical damage to the cats feet. I hardly ever clip my cats nails, every few months. I just do it when they get really long. Cut them when they get really long, but most cats can go a long time in between. My cats claw stuff just as much when I clip their nails as when I don't.

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Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 11-25-2003 04:44 PM         

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I always know when my cats are in need of a nail trim because they tend to start getting caught on things like the curtains, rug or furniture.

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Member

Posts: 701
From:CA
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 11-25-2003 07:18 PM         

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I'm not oppossed to clipping cat's nails, however none of my cats ever need it. I think it depends on the cat. I take my cat to the vet yearly and even the vet said his nails were just fine, even though I don't clip them. I'm wondering if indoor/outdoor cats use their nails more often (i.e. to climb trees and so on) that they just naturally keep them pretty well trimmed on their own. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

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Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 11-25-2003 08:00 PM         

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I do think that cats that go outdoors may keep their claws better trimmed than those that are indoor only. There are various, rough surfaces and more climbing which probably help wear the nails down.

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