What do they do on cats' nails? - briefly
Trimming cats' nails involves carefully cutting the tips to prevent overgrowth, reduce scratching damage, and maintain their overall paw health.
What do they do on cats' nails? - in detail
Cats' nails are a vital part of their anatomy, serving multiple functions in their daily lives. They are retractable, allowing cats to extend them when needed and retract them to keep them sharp and protected. Cats use their nails for climbing, hunting, and self-defense, making them essential for survival and mobility. Regular scratching on surfaces like trees, scratching posts, or furniture helps cats maintain their nails by removing the outer sheath, which keeps them sharp and healthy. This behavior also serves as a way to mark territory through scent glands in their paws. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort or even health issues, such as ingrown nails or difficulty walking, which is why trimming them is sometimes necessary. Trimming a cat’s nails involves carefully cutting the tip of the nail, avoiding the quick—the sensitive, blood-filled part inside the nail. Some owners use nail caps, small plastic covers glued onto the nails, to prevent scratching damage to furniture or skin. These caps are temporary and fall off as the nails grow. Proper nail care ensures a cat’s comfort, prevents injuries, and maintains their ability to perform natural behaviors.