Anyone who has a cat knows: they scratch, but it's not always because they're angry. Sometimes it looks like they're just softening the ground, other times it's just a joke, in the best style. cat to be – with lots of scratches! The truth, however, is that, more than a powerful weapon of attack, your cat's nail has essential functions for him, you know? Therefore, it is important to know how to take care of them in the best possible way. Check it out below.

Cats are extremely hygienic animals. They bury their poop, get stressed in very dirty places, are bothered by strong smells and groom themselves almost all day long. But there is something they do for their own hygiene, which many people are unaware of: they scratch themselves.

Yes, cats like to scratch themselves to remove dirt stuck to their hair, to clean their skin of ticks and old hair… In short, to exfoliate themselves, somehow.

That's why cats' nails are so important: not only are they used to attack their eventual enemies – they are also an important way for the cat to clean its body and the environment around it. That's why cats scratch themselves and their owners so much, sofas, curtains and beds.

For cats, scratching is not just for cleaning. Just like humans get a manicure, cats need to scratch to take care of their nails too. Or he may simply be bored and want to pass the time.

Another thing that makes your cat want to scratch everything is for him to pass his “signature” around the house. When he scratches some furniture, the cat is leaving a little of his scent on it, a natural instinct, to convey the idea of possession and territory.

Cats also scratch the environment due to their explorer instinct. The nails, in addition to being a protection and cleaning tool, also serve as a tool for him to “feel” the environment. And of course, not least, the nail is for your cat to hold on to when it jumps. That's why your nails always need to be strong and sharp.

Lots of functions, isn't it? That's why we're talking about it here and will repeat it throughout this article: take care of your cat's nails. Cutting, sanding and cleaning is very important for him to be a happy and healthy animal.

This doesn't mean you should go around trimming your cat's nails every week, unless the vet says so. Did you know that your cat's nail has veins?

Unlike human nails, a cat's nail is not completely dead tissue. Like this? The human nail, which grows beyond the finger, is a tissue that we don't feel when we cut it. There are no veins, nerves and the like there.

In the case of cats, the situation changes a little, because pets' nails grow throughout their lives, too, but a part of them, connected to the fingers, has veins and nerve endings inside.

So, cutting the nail at the wrong height will make your cat feel a lot of pain. It's more or less like a human tooth: inside it has a nerve, and anyone who's had a filling knows what that's like.

For this reason, never try to cut your cat's nail unless you are sure. absolute how to do it. There is a line on the cat's nail, which is where the sensitive part ends and the nail that can be cut begins. But discovering this line requires study and knowledge, because it is not as apparent as it may seem, the way we talk here. When in doubt, you already know: look for a petshop or veterinarian.

So, you might ask: if the nail is so sensitive, why do I need to take care of it, for my animal?

Domestic cats are different from wild cats for many reasons, and one of them is "perks". Like this?

Think of your cat: he has food in a suitable texture, he lives surrounded by cushions and pillows, he has scratchers and cute toys to grab and jump on... All of these are demonstrations of love that we do for our friends, and they really like it.

In the wild, cats don't have all that stewardship, so their nails wear out much faster.

Thus, domestic cats need to have their nails groomed. In addition to the cat's nail growing a lot, a thin layer of old nails forms on the new nail, which, if not well trimmed, can cause a lot of discomfort for the cat. A scratching post helps, but going to the vet and pet shop frequently is essential.

Another thing that can help with your cat's nail care is synthetic nails. Usually, they are made of silicone, and some can even have different colors. But they serve primarily to maintain cleanliness, proper growth, and correct texture.

It's just not recommended to buy any synthetic nail, just as you shouldn't use a human nail clipper. The key we've been hitting here is always: go to the vet, that professional will always have the best tips and guidance on your cat's nails.

Caring for a cat's nails may seem daunting at first. But don't be scared! Taking care of your cat's nails is very important for their health, and it's much simpler than it seems, and if you give them a treat after each session, rest assured, your cat will love it when it's manicure day!

To learn more about cat care, take a look at the content we have prepared below!