When it comes to caring for your cat, it’s essential that you don’t neglect its nails. Not only is it important to keep them looking good, but they can also help to keep your cat from getting sick.
Trim your cat’s nails
Whether you’re a new cat owner or a seasoned veteran, trimming your cats nails is a good idea. Not only will this keep your furry friend looking sharp, but it will also help protect the furniture in your home.
As with all things, it pays to be cautious when it comes to nail trimming. You don’t want to accidentally cut your cat’s paw, or worse, cause injury. To ensure that you do it right the first time, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
First, know the size of your quick. This pinkish area inside your cat’s nail is home to nerves and blood vessels. Cutting into this area will cause your cat to bleed. If this happens, don’t be afraid to apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
After that, find out how to trim the nail. Most cats need their nails trimmed at least once a week, but it’s important to get them trimmed more often.
Treat your cat’s nail infection
If you notice your cat’s nail is infected, you need to act quickly. This is because the sooner you treat the infection, the better chance you have of a quick and permanent cure.
The first step in treating your cat’s nail bed infection is to clean the area. Soaking the affected area with warm water and vinegar can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. You may also apply topical ointments.
If your cat’s claws are trimmed regularly, you may be able to prevent a styptic compound from building up. A styptic compound is a compound of alum and silver nitrate that reacts with capillaries in the skin.
If your cat’s nail is infected, it is important to have it examined by a veterinarian. The doctor will ask about your cat’s medical history and will perform a thorough examination of the nail. He or she will determine the cause of the problem and will prescribe medications.
After the infection has been treated, the veterinarian will schedule a follow-up visit. At that time, the doctor will likely remove any infected tissue or the whole nail plate.
Apply nail caps to your cat’s furniture
Cat nail caps are an effective way to protect your feline from scratching your furniture. They are also great for protecting your furry friend from small children.
Although they are effective, they do come with some downsides. First, your cat might not like them and bite them off. Second, they can be very expensive. Third, they are not for all cats.
Fortunately, cat nail caps do come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can choose between small, medium, and large caps. Some even come in glow in the dark varieties. However, you should keep in mind that some caps are not glued on very well.
Nail cap kits should include a tube of adhesive. The glue must be applied to the inside of the cap before the actual application. In addition, you should wear gloves while applying the glue.
For the most part, you can buy cat nail caps at pet stores, online retailers, or at your veterinarian’s office. Depending on the manufacturer, there might be a size guide.
Don’t forget to extend your cat’s nail
It is important for your cat to have their nails extended, as they help to keep them healthy. Cats have four toes, and the nails are generally light in color. The dewclaws, or thumbs, are located on the inner part of each front leg. They are non-weight bearing and prone to curling. If your cat has a polydactyl species, they may have extra toes.
You can trim the dewclaws yourself, but you should always check your cat’s nail for any damage before beginning. A quick is often visible, and if it is nicked, it will bleed. Use a small amount of cornstarch or styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Bandaging can also be used to prevent bleeding for up to five minutes.
When trimming your cat’s nails, be sure to use a gentle squeeze, and avoid cutting close to the quick. If you cut the quick, the nail will bleed, and your cat will suffer pain. Your cat may also display symptoms such as flight or fight mode, and you should avoid these behaviors while clipping the nails.