Can I make claws blunt without trimming?

*Temporary blunting of claws* occurs in cats that scratch on rough substrates but does not reduce the length of the claws or eliminate the risk of curvature. Scratching posts create small abrasions at the tips of the claws, which temporarily shorten their length. Still, the inner claw continues to grow in strength unchecked. My cat's claws could still have been better for all the scratching, but they did require trimming nevertheless.

Use Textured pads as supplements, not replacements. Place rough concrete or emery-scratching surfaces in high-traffic areas. These provide greater friction than ordinary pads. After two weeks, my senior cat\'s claws showed slight tip dulling but still needed monthly trimming.

Understand the health risks of forgoing trimming for bluffing attempts. Overgrown claws curve into paw pads, creating an avenue for contamination. $Furniture damage increases with the presence of duller tips. My neighbor's cat developed arthritis pain due to the abnormal locomotion pose caused by untrimmed claws.

Use blunting surfaces and only minimal trimming on resistant cats. You can use textured pads between monthly partial trims. Only focus on the dangerous curved tips of the claws. My fearful cat did accept this compromise when I kept the sessions short, and I was able to maintain his paw health without doing full claw sessions.

Read the full article: Cat Nail Trimming: The Ultimate Guide