How to trim the claws of a domestic cat: features of the procedure and its safety

Trimming your beloved pet's nails is a dual procedure. Someone constantly delays it, just to avoid outbursts of cat discontent and loud squeals. For some, giving their pet a pedicure seems like a real holiday. Much depends on the sleight of hand of the owner, on the temperament of the animal, and on a simple coincidence of circumstances. In order not to rely on the power of chance, let's talk about how to trim a cat's claws, avoiding heartbreaking dramas and assault.

How to trim a cat's claws

Structure of a cat's claw

A cat's claws are a keratinized layer of the epidermis that has a translucent whitish tint. They have a crescent shape, thanks to which the cat easily clings to many surfaces. The protein keratin, which makes up cat's claws, ensures their reliability and performs a protective function.

The idea of ​​a cat's claw as an insensitive layer of dead cells is erroneous.

Despite the fact that this stratum corneum consists of half of dead cells, the cat's claw in no case loses its sensitivity. Only the very tip of the claw remains insensitive to various mechanical damage. The remaining surface has pulp underneath, containing both blood vessels and nerve endings. Therefore, deep damage to a cat’s claws is very painful.

Cats only take out their claws when necessary.

Thanks to special muscles and tendons, cats have the ability to retract their claws when they are not needed. This ability greatly facilitates the cat’s existence in everyday life and prevents various injuries.

Discovery of Uncaria in the Modern World

In other countries outside of South America, they learned about Uncaria only in the 1970s. This happened just after the Austrian explorer Klaus Keplinger went to the rainforests of Peru. He discovered the plant among the healing priests of Ashinaka. Over time, Keplinger received patents for substances isolated from this vine.

Since the 1990s, cat's claw has been used as a tonic to treat cancer and AIDS, as well as other diseases that target the immune system.

Since then, cat's claw has become an incredibly well-known herbal supplement throughout the world. Since the need for this plant has recently increased significantly, the Peruvian government has even banned cutting the roots of the plant.

Exactly the same substances can be found in the bark of the plant, which is cut starting from 1 m above ground level. Thanks to this, the plant is preserved and does not die, and after a couple of years it can be collected again.

In herbal medicine, cat's claw is now used throughout the world to treat many different conditions, including immune disorders, gastritis, cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatic disorders, neuralgia, chronic inflammation of all types, and viral diseases such as shingles.

Fingers

For many people, the phrase “cat toes” sounds unusual, but it is completely anatomically justified. Probably the reason for the misconception that cats have claws growing straight from their paws comes from the fact that the cat's toes are hidden under a layer of fur.

The fifth toe on the forelimbs most often remains invisible to the owner

On each cat's paw there are several toes, from which claws already grow. Unlike people, cats have a total of 18 fingers and the same number of claws:

1. Cats have five toes on each of their front paws;
2. The hind legs are equipped with only four toes.

The different number of fingers is associated with different functions that the hind and forelimbs are endowed with. The hind legs are used primarily as a support, while the front legs are an important defensive and hunting tool. Due to the divergent tasks, the structure of the claw on the front and hind paws is also different. The front claws are sharper, but at the same time brittle. They are more susceptible to delamination. The claws on the hind limbs are replaced less frequently and are more hard.

Polydactyly is common among both humans and animals.

The phenomenon of polydactyly or polydactyly also applies to felines. Exceeding the normal number of toes usually does not prevent cats from living and hunting. The Guinness Book of Records contains information about a record-breaking cat from Ontario with a total of 27 toes.

Clinical studies of the biological activity of the plant

With so many documented traditional uses of this plant in tropical forests, it is not surprising that scientists have taken notice.

The first studies began in the 1970s. Then Klaus Keplinger completed his first work on the study of the cat's claw. After this, several cat's claw extracts were sold in Austria and Germany as herbal remedies. Keplinger was also able to obtain a patent for alkaloids isolated from the plant.

Other independent researchers from Spain, France, Japan, Germany and Peru followed Keplinger. Many of them have similarly confirmed the presence of immune-stimulating alkaloids in the vine and root.

Many of these studies, published from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, found that whole vine bark extracts and 6 separately tested alkaloids, when used in relatively small quantities, increased immune function by up to 50%.

These results were confirmed by Canadian researchers at the University of Ottawa (1999) and Peruvian researchers (1998) who studied whole vine extract. Cat's claw extracts have been produced everywhere since 1999.

But then the facts supporting the benefits of cat's claw got a little confusing. One cat's claw manufacturer funded a test-tube market study on the effects of immune-stimulating alkaloids.

The study found that there are presumably two different chemotypes of cat's claw growing in tropical forests. These varieties produce both "good alkaloids" pentacyclic (POA) and "bad alkaloids" tetracyclic (TOA). In this case, one set of “bad alkaloids” counteracts the immune benefits of the “good alkaloids.”

Claw diseases in cats

As we have already learned, a strong-looking claw is only a superficial layer that protects a delicate layer of skin filled with nerve endings. Therefore, claw injuries and subsequent diseases associated with damage are not so uncommon. The list of existing claw diseases in cats is quite short and is often associated not with the epidermis itself, but with what surrounds it. This list includes:

• Paronochia is inflammation of the soft tissues located around the claw;
• Pionochia is a purulent inflammation in the claw area resulting from infection;
• Abnormal growth of claws is typical for older cats with weakening muscles that do not allow them to retract the claw in time and for cats with excess thyroid hormones.

Both paranochia and pyonochia occur due to the weakened immunity of the animal

Diseases leading to deterioration of claws

In addition to injuries and infections that get into the tissues surrounding the claw, there are a number of diseases that affect the pet’s body as a whole, leading, among other things, to changes in the claws. We will talk briefly about such diseases below.

Table 1. Diseases affecting claws in cats

Sources[edit | edit code]

1. ↑ 1.01.1 Erowele GI, Kalejaiye AO. Pharmacology and therapeutic uses of cat's claw. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 2009; 66:992-995.
2. Carvalho MV, Penido C, Siani AC, Valente LMM, Henriques MGMO. Investigations on the antiinflammatory and antiallergic activities of the leaves of Uncaria guianensis (Aublet) JF Gmelin. Inflammopharmacology. 2006; 14: 48-56.
3. Piscoya J, Rodriguez Z, Bustamante SA, Okuhama NN, Miller MJS, Sandoval M. Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried cat's claw in osteoarthritis of the knee: Mechanisms of action of the species Uncaria guianesis. Inflammation Research. 2001; 50: 442-448.
4. Miller MJS, Mehta K, Kunte S, Raut V, Gala J, Dhumale R, Shukla A, Tupallli H, Parikh H, Bobrowski P, Chaudhary J. Early relief of osteoarthritis symptoms with a natural mineral supplement and a herbomineral combination: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Inflammation. 2005; 2(11): 1-14.
5. Miller MJS, Ahmed S, Bobrowski P, Haqqui T. The chondroprotective actions of a natural product are associated with the activation of IGF-1 production by human chondrocytes despite the presence of IL-1β. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2006; 6(13): 6-13.

How to trim a cat's claws

In addition to the standard nail clippers, which are the first to be found in every pet store, there are several other tools for cat “pedicure”. List of products used for trimming nails

Table 2. Tools for cat pedicure

What chemotypes exist?

Two chemotypes of Peruvian U. tomentosa have been identified: the tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid type (tetracyclica) and the pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid type (pentacyclica).

The latter type is known to have immunoenhancing properties, while the former type is immunosuppressive. Initially, these chemotypes were largely ignored in cat's claw preparations. But over time, the chemical profile began to be studied better.

As a result, it became known that pentacyclic alkaloids are found more in the bark, and tetracyclic alkaloids - in the leaves and stem of the plant. Accordingly, the leaves were considered unhealthful for commercial purposes.

As for the possibility of the emergence of a “new chemotype,” the plant does not change its chemical composition for five years. Again, there are two species of cat's claw - U. tomentosa and U. Guianensis. They have a similar chemical composition, but different ratios of these alkaloids.

It is generally accepted that the number of Uncaria pubescenta has decreased significantly in the Peruvian rainforest due to overharvesting over the past few years. And the second variety, U. guianensis, which is easier to find, is often used by unscrupulous producers as a replacement.

Other significant studies

Additionally, the antitumor properties of the plant were studied. Five alkaloids do have anti-leukemia properties, and various root and bark extracts have demonstrated antitumor and anti-cancer properties.

Swedish researchers documented that cat's claw suppresses the growth of lymphoma and leukemia cells in vitro in 1998.

Italian scientists reported in 2001 that cat's claw inhibited the in vitro growth of human breast cancer cells by 90%.

Another important area of ​​research has focused on the plant's anti-inflammatory properties. Plant sterols and antioxidant chemicals, as well as quinic acid glycosides, have been recognized as the most potent anti-inflammatory components of the plant. In 2002, another group was also included in these substances - carboxyalkyl ethers.

Scientists say that cat's claw (especially its glycosides) inhibits inflammation from 46 to 89% in various in vivo tests. These results support the long history of using cat's claw for arthritis and rheumatism, as well as other inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines.

In 2000, researchers in Argentina concluded that cat's claw is an extremely powerful antioxidant.

The alkaloids rhynchophylline, hirsutine and mitraphylline have demonstrated hypotensive and vasodilatory properties. Rhynchophylline is known to prevent the formation of blood clots in blood vessels, dilate peripheral blood vessels, reduce heart rate and lower blood cholesterol levels.

New research suggests that cat's claw may benefit people with Alzheimer's disease, possibly due to its proven antioxidant properties.

The immunostimulating alkaloids of cat's claw, pteropodine and isoperopodine, also have other properties. They have a positive effect on brain neurotransmitters called serotonin receptors.

These receptors are targets for drugs used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain conditions and obesity.

How to trim an adult cat's claws?

The ritual of trimming the claws of kittens and adults is hardly different from each other. The only danger lies in the greater physical strength and sharpness of the teeth of an adult animal, which, if dissatisfied, can use them against you. Let's briefly go through the main stages of nail trimming:

1. Before the procedure, make sure your hands and nail clipper are clean by lubricating them with alcohol. The use of rusty tools is strictly unacceptable;

   Working with contaminated tools can, in the worst case, lead to blood poisoning in the animal.

2. Choose a well-lit room. Natural light is desirable, but if there is none, then a lamp will do;
3. Take the cat in your arms and sit with him for a while, establishing contact and calming the pet. If he is wary even before the procedure begins, the process itself will be more difficult;
4. Press two fingers on your pet's paw pads and inspect the claw that comes out. You should see the whitish tip of the claw slowly fade to a pale pink base. This is precisely what should not be affected;

   A pink tint indicates that sensitive skin is hidden under the claw.

5. Determine in advance 2 mm from the beginning of the pulp and try it on using a tool. In this case, the instrument should be in the right hand of right-handers, in the left hand of left-handers;
6. When holding a paw, do not press on it under any circumstances or change the force of pressure, since such changes will immediately cause anxiety in the pet and cause an instinctive desire to take the paw;
7. Trim the claw by holding the tool perpendicular to it;
8. If, after completing the procedure, you find uneven protrusions, treat them with a file;
9. If your pet gets wounded, take a cotton pad and soak it in hydrogen peroxide. Place cotton wool on the cat's claw and hold it in your hands for a while.

Ignoring the fifth claw by the owner can lead to it growing into the animal’s skin

Important! Do not forget about the existence of a fifth claw, which, due to its location and size, usually remains hidden from the eyes of the owner. This claw wears down very slowly, but grows very quickly, which can one day cause it to dig into the cat's paw, causing pain and severe limping.

Video - Trimming a cat's claws

Useful video

Video on how to properly trim a cat's claws:

If you accidentally cut the living part of the claw or the skin on the pad, then the main thing here is not to panic. If there is a small amount of blood coming out, just gently treat the bleeding claw or wound with hydrogen peroxide and calm the offended pet.

If, without keeping an eye on your pet, he jerks unsuccessfully and the bleeding from the wound is abnormally strong, immediately cover the cut with a clean piece of tissue and take the cat to the veterinarian.

scratching post

Monthly nail trimming does not always relieve your cat of the need to take care of her claws on her own. If you see that your pet, despite timely care, periodically looks for materials on which it wants to “practice,” then it makes sense to think about buying a scratching post. A scratching post will allow the cat’s other needs, which we talked about earlier, to be realized. Marking territory, kneading muscles, grinding claws - all this will be provided by a scratching post for your pet.

A flat scratching post is a convenient place to start introducing your cat to such devices.

Please note that not all cats accept scratching posts. There are times when owners, having bought a huge gaming complex for their cat, sell it as completely unnecessary. To decide whether your pet is interested in this type of leisure activity, you can start by getting acquainted with such a simple and cheap option as a flat scratching post. It is upholstered with a special hard material that allows the cat to successfully tear at it. Attached to some vertical surface, it will give your dog an initial idea of ​​scratching posts and allow you to predict his reaction to such devices.

For some cats, the purpose of the scratching post remains a mystery.

A flat scratching post needs to be hung high enough so that the cat can stretch all its muscles while sharpening its claws. The minimum mounting height for such a scratching post is eighty centimeters.

Types of scratching posts

In addition to the flat version, there are the following types of scratching posts:

1. Post – A cylindrical post covered with a stiff material (such as jute). At the top of such a pillar there is usually a platform on which the pet can climb if desired. Sometimes the posts are equipped with additional toys to attract attention, sometimes they make do with a minimalist design. You can make a claw post with your own hands by taking a leg from a table or coffee table and upholstering it with the appropriate type of fabric;

   The stand is suitable for both adults and little ones

2. A scratching post built into the play complex. On the Internet you can find many design solutions for the location of entire cat “palaces” in apartments. They combine posts, flat scratching posts, beds, and everything you can imagine. It would seem that the cat’s leisure time in such conditions is guaranteed, but sometimes it happens that the pet remains completely indifferent to such “architectural ensembles” in his honor;

   Play complexes are upholstered with the same materials as flat scratching posts

Operation Soft Paws

The scientific name for Soft Paws is onychectomy. The essence of this operation is as follows: the phalanx of the finger along with the claw is surgically removed from the animal. Initially, this operation was prescribed exclusively for medical purposes (for example: losing only the phalanx, and not the entire paw, due to the spread of certain diseases), but later it became a type of cosmetic service. Often offered as a nail trimming option. No claws - no problem! And you never need to cut anything again. Comfortable!

A flayer operation with the innocent name “soft paws”
But the reality is that the price for an untouched sofa is the health of the cat. A disabled person with impaired health, musculoskeletal system, motor skills and psyche. This is not the price an animal should pay for the comfort of humans. As you already understand, dear readers, we are categorically against Operation Soft Paws. Only and exclusively knackers can do this to their cats. And if the veterinarian suggests performing this operation on your cat for the sake of beauty and practicality, spit in this vivisector’s face and change the clinic. An adequate doctor would NEVER suggest mutilating a cat. The ONLY exception is medical necessity.

Why do my cat's claws peel?

The separation of the keratinized layer of the epidermis is characteristic equally of both humans and cats. However, due to the fact that cats use their claws much more actively, their deterioration affects the cat’s well-being and mood.

With peeling claws, the cat may show resistance when the owner tries to take the paw and look at the claw, and may show increased aggression due to the pain experienced. In addition, peeling claws are fraught with damage and even tearing out, so treating this problem with indifference is a big mistake.

Splitting claws cause significant discomfort to their owners.

Among the reasons why claws become separated are the following:

1. Incorrect/lack of trimming. Even with frequent care of your pet's claws, there is a risk of their delamination. As already mentioned, any carelessly trimmed claw tends to cling and “tear.” A file can help in this situation, as it will bring the cat’s claw to the most streamlined shape. The lack of a haircut as such leads the cat to long, breaking off claws, which sooner or later will certainly begin to break and split;
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   In the absence of proper care, even the healthiest and strongest claws begin to peel.

2. Lack of vitamins. Calcium and vitamins of group D are responsible for the strength of the keratinized layer of the epidermis, in a desperate search for which cats begin to chew their claws. In such cases, it would be a good idea to take your pet to the veterinarian and ask him about possible vitamin supplements, or foods rich in substances in which the pet is lacking. Biotin is often prescribed to cats with dehiscent claws, which should be taken twice a year. It replenishes the lack of calcium and allows you to restore the epidermis;

   Vitamins allow the cat to keep his body in good shape

3. Rapid growth of claws. Due to malfunctions of the thyroid gland, cats sometimes experience excessively rapid growth of their claws, which literally does not allow the owner to keep up with them with a nail clipper. Treatment for this disease lies in the veterinarian’s office, which will identify the causes of gland dysfunction and prescribe appropriate treatment with an accompanying vitamin complex for the general strengthening of the body and claws in particular.

Claw separation is often observed in nursing cats.

Claw separation is often found in pregnant and lactating cats due to the fact that she wastes all her physiological resources on feeding her offspring. In such cases, the above-mentioned calcium deficiency can be easily compensated with the help of vitamin supplements and specialized feed. As a rule, even without vitamin interventions, when kittens grow up, the cat’s claws return to their previous healthy state.

Recommended dosage

Tea is brewed at the rate of 1000 mg of dried bark per 1 glass of water. Leave for about 15 minutes and take 1 cup three times a day.

Dry extract in capsules: 100 mg every day (for osteoarthritis); 200 – 350 mg per day for immune support. Tincture: 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon 2 - 3 times a day or according to instructions.

Cat's claw supplements come in different forms. As a rule, these are liquid extracts, teas, and capsules that are made from the bark of the plant.

The most commonly used dosage form these days is capsules. But the choice of the form of the drug directly depends on the purpose of administration.

If you have arthritis, then definitely buy the capsules as they need to be taken regularly. At the same time, just one cup of tea effectively helps those who suffer from irregular body pain.