Cat Nails

*Declawing a cat is actually removing a part of their toes or knuckles so to speak. It is not recommended and is looked upon as a mutilation of a cat. Would you like to walk on your feet without the first knuckle?

The nails nail and first knuckle are not the only body parts of a cat that are effected by declawing.

The is a tendon that is also attached to this knuckle. Once the nail is removed this the cat can never stretch this tendon again.

You know how good it feels when you can stretch your muscles and tendons. Imagine the pain of never being able to strecth agan.

*So, what's a family to do in order to protect themselves and furniture?

*Nail clipping is the first thing. The nail should be clipped about every 7-14 days.

*If you decide to clip the nails yourself, hopefully, the following instruction should help you to clip the nails without getting scratched. 

*Do not be afraid of your cat. Take charge firmly and calmly, but don't scare kittie. Starting at a young age will help your kittie to adjust.

*A kitten/cat has five nails on the front paws. The fifth nail is up on the inner side of the paw away from the nails. There are four on the back paws. These do not need as much clipping as the front because they wear down as the cat walks. The harder the surfaces that the cat walks on, the more wear you will see. So, carpeted households will have more growth on the back nails.

*Wrap the kittie in a large towel like a baby (one that you won't mind if it get clawed). Keep the towel comfortably snug around the kittie. Take one paw out of the towel while the kittie is resting like a young child on your lap. Gently squeeze the paw. You will see the claw come out! Clip the end but don't clip it too short. There are blood vessels in the claw that can bleed profusely if cut. You will see where the blood vessels are. The inner part of the claw will be pinkish. That is where the blood vessels are. If, you cut the blood vessel by accident, you need to apply: cauterizing powder, baking soda, or soft bar of soap and then apply pressure until it stops bleeding. You can go on-line to get pictures of a cat's nails being clipped and get more instruction.

*When you are finished clipping the first paw place it back inside the towel and remove the next paw to be clipped. Continue in this manner until all the nails are clipped.

*When your clippers become dull just use a round metal file from your local hardware store to sharpen the edges.

 *If clipping your own cat's claws is to much for you, take them to the vet or groomer and have them clipped. It doesn't cost that much.

Clipping those claws will make it much more fun and safe to have that kittie. You will find that your kittie won't use his/her nails as much when they are clipped.

*A cat scratching post or kittie condo is essential. They come in all sizes and shapes but, try to find one that is tall enough to climb. When it is tall your cat will be more attracted to it because they like to climb. The cat will still want to scratch occasionally, and if, you have one your cat and you will be happy. Your Siberian may be trained to scratch only there. If your kittie is scratching where you do not want scratching to be done, just pick the kittie up by the scruff of the neck and say No. Next take your kittie over to the scratching post. Take his/her paws and do a scratching motion for your kittie on the scratching post. He/she will get the message. Picking up a cat/kitten by the scruff of the neck may seem cruel but, it actually produces endorphins. (Endorphins are a natural pain killer and produce a sense of well being.) Other methods you can use to discourage scratching in the wrong places are:

*Spray the cat.

*Double Sided Sticky Tape

*You can also buy tape that you can put on furniture to discourage scratching.

*Make sure to give praise and petting when the scrathcing is done in the right place.

*Use teasers to play with your cat on the cat scratch. Then kittie will know it is ok to use his nails on the cat scratch.

*You can also make your own cat scratch if you would like to save some money. You need Sona Tubes, 2x4s, Carpet remnants, Carpet Glue, and to add a special touch, sisal rope to wrap around the upright poles. Look at store bought Cat Scratches for ideas on what it should look like.