At the cat spa, we clip cats’ claws all the time, and some are much easier than others. Some cats simply lay there with their paws out, but others, like a couple of our own cats, wiggle and cry because they do not like their paws touched. Claws are an important part of the cat's anatomy, trimmed or not, and they do more than just shred! About Cat Nails
Like human hair and nails, a cat's claws are made up of keratin, a type of protein that lines the outside surfaces of the body. However, cats' claws come out the front of the bone. Think about if our fingernails pointed out the front of our fingertips, rather than sitting on the top of our fingers. Cats are also able to extend and retract their claws at will. They can extend one claw, or all claws at once! And don’t worry if you find a nail sheath; they are supposed to shed these every month or so. You may even see your cat nibbling at their claws if the sheath doesn’t shed easily on its own. Front Claws The front claws are much sharper and finer than rear claws. The fronts are thin, almost dagger-like, and clear. The nail quick is the pink portion of the nail, which has the blood supply and contains nerves and tissue. These are attached to the bone, and help the claws extend and retract. The front claws have four obvious nails, but there is also a dew claw; this is farther up from the other four, near the cat's ankle. Back Claws Cats’ four back claws are thicker, shorter, and more opaque, so it can be harder to see the nail quick. Their back claws are usually thicker and more blunt than their front claws because they use them to climb and manage footholds. For this reason, back claws need to be stronger than their fine, pointy front claws. Trimming Cats’ Nails Trimming nails can be difficult because, as we mentioned above, your cat doesn’t always want to cooperate while you do this precise work. Most importantly, when trimming any cat’s nails: You don’t ever want to cut the quick. If the quick is cut, it will bleed a lot, and be very painful for the cat. Dew claws in particular are tricky because trimming them properly might require bending at an odd angle, but these are most the important claws to trim, since they don’t get as much use as the other four front claws. The four front claws are constantly being used for reaching and grabbing, so wear down a little bit. We have seen some dew claws that grow so long, they can curve back into the ankle. Back claws don’t always need trimming because they are thicker and used as leverage when running around and climbing. They may get long though, so even the smallest trim is helpful to keep them healthy. Back claws are harder to trim, and may require more pressure than the front claws, and it may be more difficult to see the quicks. Polydactyls Sometimes you’ll encounter a polydactyl. This means the cat has a mutation which causes them to have up to seven toes per paw! We have had many cats here with extra toes, and it always catches our eyes because their paws look like mittens, and they walk a little extra tippy-toed. Declawing Never declaw your cat. When declawing, the bone that it is attached to the claws is also cut and removed. It is like cutting off your finger tip at the first joint. Since cats walk on their toes, not having this important claw and bone is extremely painful, and can cause limping, nerve damage, and behavioral issues. Things like couches can be protected or replaced, but a cat's health and wellbeing should always be most important. Regular nail trims, furniture protectors, and a variety of cat scratchers will protect your furniture and keep your cat very happy. New York State has outlawed declawing cats, and more states are following suit. Continuing Maintenance Regular claw care is important, and can easily be done regularly by a groomer or your veterinarian. It can also be done at home, and your groomer or vet will be able to show you how. We recommend always having two people for any nail trims; one to hold your cat, and one to trim. Starting the habit young will make trimming easier as the years go on, and your cat will thank you! Trimmed or left sharp, cats nails are so interesting, and important to their health and happiness. Dating back hundreds to thousands of years, the Arabian Mau (“mau” meaning “cat” in Egyptian) is a fun and interesting breed with unique traits. These energetic cats are mostly found in the Middle East, but if you’re lucky you might find one here in the United States. Desert Cats
Since these cats naturally lived in hot desert climates, Arabian Mau cats can tolerate heat, and love it. This is much like the way Siberian or Norwegian cats, a breed acclimated to extreme cold temperatures, do best in colder climates. The Arabian Mau loves and thrives in the heat, and their large ears help them stay cool! Their short, sleek, low maintenance coat is only one layer, which also assists the cooling process, and as a housecat, helps prevent dander and shedding. (But they are not hypoallergenic, so anyone with allergies would still run a risk of issues, but a lesser chance at least). Mau Looks The Arabian Mau is medium-sized, and can be found in any color, but they are primarily seen in a black, brown, and orange tabby. Their eyes are typically green, but like their coats, they may also have different colors of eyes. If this is the cat for you, you will have a feline friend for a very long time because Maus live up to 20 years. It has been determined that these cats aren’t genetically predisposed to any health issues, but annual veterinary visits are recommended like with any other kitty. Wild Personalities The Arabian Mau was once a wild cat, so even after being domesticated over the centuries, you will find some wild traits. They have a love for climbing, jumping, and roaming outdoors. While we don’t recommend letting your cat outdoors, know that this breed will still try to be outside, and they are prolific hunters. Street smarts seem to be in their DNA. These cats are extremely smart and can be trained, thanks to their intelligence, high energy level, and need to be around people. If you’re looking for a lap cat, you may need to reconsider! The Mau would have endless fun with kids, but be careful with other animals, since they can be territorial. Their quiet chirps are well known, but some can be super chatty and yowl. If you are looking for a unique type of breed, with all the fun and energy of an active cat, the Arabian Mau is for you. The breed is recognized by several international foundations, so while they may be hard to find near you, they are around. If you do adopt one you’re sure to enjoy being endlessly entertained by your new, sleek, furry friend. |
AuthorWhen Cari has some free time from all the kitties, she likes to share her knowledge of all things cat in this bi-monthly blog. Enjoy the read! Archives
September 2024
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