You’re vacuuming the house and see a strange white thing on the carpet. When you pick it up you notice it’s one of your cat’s claws. Oh no! Should your cat be shedding claws? Does he need to go to a vet?
If you’ve got cats shedding claws, don’t freak out. A cat’s claw comes in layers similar to an onion and it’s normal for these layers to come off. As their nails grow, the outer layers lose blood supply and sheds off. This leaves a healthy, sharper talon underneath. This process usually takes between two and three months for a cat’s claws to shed. If you trim your cat’s nails it will speed the process up.
There are many reasons why cats scratch and shedding claws is one of many reasons. Scratching helps them shed the outer layer of the claws to keep them healthy. This is why we want to encourage, not discourage, our cats from using their claws and scratching. If you don’t want your kitties to destroy your furniture whilst they reduce stress, strengthen muscles and make healthier claws, try offering them tall and strong scratching posts. Reward them for using the scratching posts instead of your furniture.
According to vet street, “Felines who never scratch can require medical attention for nails that have grown so long that they curl under and pierce the paw pads.” Encourage your kitties to scratch and be sure to keep an eye on those claws so that you can trim them back when necessary!
Don’t freak out or rush to the vet if you find cat’s claws around your house. Shedding their claws is a normal process of being a cat and they are happier and healthier for it!
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