Cat Health: How To Care For Cat’s Claws
Just as every rose has its thorns, every kitty has its claws. But you might not think much about those – at least not until they are used to shred your favourite couch. While this feature of your fur baby might not be your favourite topic, what goes on with your cat’s toe beans can have an impact on her health. At what point do you have to decide between taking your cat to the grooming crew or claiming from your pet insurance to take her to the vet? That’s what we aim to answer in this article.
Cat Claw Care Essentials
Make sure your cat’s paws are clean
Although cats have the reputation of being the more low-maintenance of most pets, this doesn’t mean they don’t need a little help from time to time. However, this can also be a pet health danger for your cat. Apart from being a pain in the paw, unhealthy substances that stick to kitty’s paw may end up on the tongue during grooming.
One of the easiest ways to potentially prevent a health issue that may require a dip into your pet insurance policy is to gently wipe those fluffy paws with a damp cloth, checking between her toes, and around the paw pads. Keeping the floors of your house free of debris and household chemicals.
Check your cat’s paws for cuts, sores, splinters, or swellings
As the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat. Cats are naturally curious and adventurous pets, and sometimes that results in them bringing home some prickly keepsakes. Make a regular habit to remove splinters or debris gently with tweezers. Also be sure to clean any small cuts. If you notice any blood, pus or an unusual odour, please get your cat to the vet to check for infection.
Long-hair cats may have tufts of fur sprouting between their toes
Long-haired cat breeds are especially prone to the above toe-bean troubles. They are more likely to pick up thorns and splinters on a day out in the garden. However, these breeds have the added irritation of tufts of purr poking through their toes. This is why part of caring for your long-haired kitty should include trimming her paws with a small pair of rounded scissors.
Understand that kitty’s paw pads are actually very sensitive
More than dogs, a cat’s paw pads can be incredibly sensitive to hot and cold surfaces. You can ask your vet about what moisturising product you can apply to that sensitive exposed skin. Otherwise, try to prevent your cat from hot driveways or other uncomfortable surfaces.
Image: Adobe Stock / Yimmyfoto
When Would Cat Claws And Paws Need Vet Attention?
If you see your cat doing any of the following, you should book a visit with your veterinarian sooner rather than later:
- Your cat is obsessively cleaning their paws
- Your cat is limping or favouring one leg
When you are trying to save on pet care and all those trips to the vet that can often feel like they come out of nowhere, pet insurance can take the pressure off. Apply for a selection of quotes in minutes!