CAT CLAWS - INDISPENSABLE!
Why do cats need claws? 
- Defense: They are their first line of defense against other animals or predators.
- Capture prey: Claws hold the prey until she can deliver the killing bite at the back of the neck.
- Play: Claws hold the toy while the cat rubs against it or kicks it with the hind feet. Climb: Claws help the cat maneuver up and along trees, bookcases, furniture, wherever they need to go. Communicate: Claws leave a visual territorial mark while the scent glands in the paw pads brush on an olfactory mark. This leaves messages for other cats.
How to minimize scratching damage.
- Provide suitable scratching surfaces. Sisal, fabric, carpet, corrugated cardboard, or rope-covered posts usually fill the bill for many felines. A. The posts should be a minimum of three feet so the cat can stretch to scratch. Cat trees provide great scratching surfaces while giving a place to climb, play, or relax. Cats love to be up high. You can also lay the surface flat. B. To encourage scratching place catnip on the surface then give them a treat for using the post.
- Trim nails. Claws that are blunt do little or no damage if the cat strays from the post.
- Place double-sided sticky tape on forbidden surfaces.
TRIMMING YOUR CAT'S CLAWS
If possible, start when the cat is young.
Make it pleasant. In the beginning, start by holding your cat's paw, once he is comfortable with that only trim a few nails at a time then offer a reward.
To trim the claw:
- Hold the pet in your lap or have someone hold the pet on the table.
- Hold the paw and apply light pressure to the pad to extend the claw.
- Locate the quick and clip below it. The quick is the red or dark.
- If you accidentally clip the quick and it bleeds stay calm. Apply direct pressure with a cloth for 5 minutes or use a clotting powder.
To keep your pet calm, talk soothing and be PATIENT.
If the cat tries to claw you, wrap her other paws in a towel.
If you can't make it fun, make it fast.