author Amy Gryga/Miller………Sweetlilpaws RagaMuffins
Many families keeping us updated on how fabulous their kittens are growing up also have some general maintenance questions once they see their kitten transitions out of the initial kitten phase. Nail trimming should continue as needed to keep nails safely comfortable for carpeting & climbing. Kittens and adults will never outgrown the need to scratch to remove the outer sheath of the nail. It feels good to them & is a form of relaxing as well as reaffirming their scent on appropriate kitty items! We like to keep newborn nail clippers in easy to reach areas of the house where we sit often with kittens so nail trimming can become an easy & enjoyable part of family time. Unlike pups, kitty nails retract when not in full use so it can be surprising how much they’ve grown. Pressing gently on the paw pad & just below the nail bed will help that kitty nail to extend. There is no reason to try to get the nail as short as safely possible…a nice little trim off of the tip or a tad more is fine! Remember to keep paw touching in your safe & happy playtime to keep your kitten from developing any aversions or over sensitivity to those areas!