Odd claws

Clipped all the cats claws today. Both Ginger and Pebbles had claws that were thicker than the rest, like the sheath hadn't come off. Is this usual in older cats? It is only a couple of weeks since I did Pebbles claws, and only one needed clipping. I think Gingers were done last month at the weight clinic.

My 2 cats are only a year old but I have never clipped thier nails...am I supposed to be doing that? Would`nt they just resharpen them ?

Yes, this is pretty much normal for senior cats who are less active. They sometimes don't groom their claws as efficiently (by clawing the scratching post), so the claws do tend to thicken. It's not something that happens 100% of the time with older cats but it's not strange if it does.

Ah right. I have 2 10 year olds, 2 12 year olds and a 14 year old in at the mo, and only one of the 10 year olds and the 14 year old have a prob. Neither will use a scratching post, although Ginger goes out a lot, so hope he blunts them a bit outside. Also, do you know why their back claws never need cutting?

since Doofus showed up at our door nearly 2 years ago....his back claws always looked funny....they never grew out straight....but at an angle......

Originally Posted by stampit3d

My 2 cats are only a year old but I have never clipped thier nails...am I supposed to be doing that? Would`nt they just resharpen them ?

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Please check their claws to ensure they do not grow under and create problems.

This was actually a clue my vet had when we were re-aging my cat. I've had estimates about her age from a few vets, all varying quite a bit, and I'm finally with a vet I trust. Her back nails are just not shedding properly any longer and are getting quite thick. The vet told me this is common in senior cats, and was what helped place her age at around 10-12 (with other things of course)

Some of my older cats' nails do that. After trimming them, I'll use my nails to gently peel the extra layers of sheath off.

Stampit3d, it's best to check your cat's claws on a regular basis, as NavDoc said - most cats maintain their own claws just fine by scratching, but some cats' claws grow longer than normal and catch on things, or can even grow around into the paw pad (growing into the pad is more common in older cats & polydactyls, but it's best to check just in case).

If they need to be trimmed, here is a page that has good instructions: Claw Trimming (click here)

Back claws are naturally not as sharp as the front claws. Cats use their front claws more as weapons in hunting while the back claws are for balance, traction, and climbing.

The consequence of this for us poor humans is that being scratched with front claws just leaves a little scratch in the skin while a scratch with the dull back claws will leave us completely shredded.

As for nail trimming, there is no need to cut them unless they are causing a problem for the cat by growing under or whatever. This is very rare as long as the cat grooms his own claws by scratching. Some people prefer to trim the claws to blunt them and help prevent scratch wounds to themselves. This is totally a matter of personal preference.