Your kitten's claws
Your kitten’s claws aren't just for fighting and hunting. They also help her balance on smooth and slippery surfaces and keep her grip when climbing. She'll use the claws on her front paws to hold on to things. The wonders of nature allow her to simply withdraw them into their sheaths if she wants, so they're rarely damaged.
You have a really important role to play here, as it's up to you to check your kitten’s paws regularly and see if the claws have overgrown. This is most likely if she’s an indoor kitten because those who go outside will keep theirs trim by scratching on trees or fences. That’s why it’s important to provide your little one with a scratching post if she’s kept indoors (it’s better for your furniture as well).
If you notice that her claws are very long, we’d suggest you get the vet to cut them the first time and try it yourself the next time, keeping the vet's advice in mind.
Nothing beats watching the vet and getting some tips, however here are some suggestions if you decide to take on the responsibility of clipping yourself:
• Use either ordinary nail clippers or buy special ones from a pet shop.
• Make sure you work in a good light
• Avoid cutting the pink "quick" growing at the base of her claws; we all know how painful it can be when we cut our nails too deep. This is more difficult with very dark claws
• If you do cut through the dermis, your little one will have a lot of pain and bleeding to deal with. The bleeding will eventually stop, but she'll remember her bad experience and won't be very cooperative during future clippings!
• And, make sure you have a treat ready for afterwards.