Kitten's claws are incredibly sharp, so sharp in fact that even the tiniest scratch to your skin can be quite painful.

What to do?  Many cat owners shy away from trimming their kitten's nails.  
But, it is okay to trim your kitten's nails, and by doing so, it will help keep kitty's nails from catching on everything - upholstery, curtains, pant legs, etc.  

It will also protect your and your family members' skin from scratches and the potential transmission of "cat scratch fever" (or Cat Scratch Disease) which is an actual human illness contracted from a scratch due to the bacteria under a cat/kitten's claw.  Kittens are more likely to transmit it because the bacteria may be carried in their blood.  Some signs of cat scratch fever in humans are swollen lymph nodes, fever, backache and headache.  The illness usually resolves itself, but complications may occur in people with compromised immune systems.

When clipping kitty's claws, be sure to use nail trimmers meant for cats and dogs.  Make sure the trimmers are not dull because they will not give you a clean cut of the nail tip and instead will bend or crush your kitten's nail.  This can be very painful for your kitten.  It will also take longer to trim the claws if the trimmers are dull.   Avoid cutting the nails too short, into the quick (which is the pink part of the nail).  You're just trying to get rid of the razor sharp nail tips. If you cut the nail to the quick, it will bleed and cause your kitten pain.
Note that your kitten's claws grow much faster than a cat's claws.  In fact, you may need to trim them as often as every week or every other week.

If you are still reticent about trimming your kitten's claws, just give us a call.  

The Zoomin Groomin Mobile Van will be offering Nail Clipping with donations to benefit PCS!

Join us!
PCS PETWALK 2011
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
10AM – 3PM (rain or shine)
NORFOLK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL
400 Main Street, Route 1A 
Walpole, MA

Tie on your walking shoes and join fellow animal lovers for the 13th Annual PCS PetWalk at the Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole. Enjoy a day of fun and don’t forget to bring the dog! This annual event is held to raise money for homeless animals cared for by the Purr-fect Cat Shelter. Ask friends, family and coworkers to sponsor you and collect donations to be turned in the day of the walk. Participants turning in sponsor money by 1pm will be eligible for a chance to win a $100 shopping spree at Especially for Pets! Participants meeting certain pledge levels will be eligible for prizes. The PetWalk is an approximate 3-mile wooded walk along the trails of the “Aggie” campus. A shorter paved route is also available for those who choose not to walk the wooded path or, collect donations and let the PCS Walk Team walk for you. Canine companions are welcome to join the fun and will receive a doggie bandanna and a goody bag from PetWalk Sponsor Especially for Pets (while supplies last). After your walk, head over to the field area for fun, music, refreshments and lots of great booths! 

Center field events and activities for Everyone 
Booths: Animal rescue organizations, animal related businesses and services
Demonstrations
Pet Samples
Raffles
Zoomin Groomin Mobile Van - Nail Clipping will be available with donations to benefit PCS
Photo Contest
Live Music by “Double Trouble” - Ruth Debrot and Fred Lungo
Refreshments also available

For the Kids:
Face painting
Games
Pet Portrait Contest 

For the Dogs:
The Purr-fect Pooch Contest
Doggie Buffet by Especially for Pets

And MORE!

It’s a day for family, friends, co-workers (and of course the dog!) to enjoy. So come walk, visit the booths, move to the music and have fun at the PCS PetWalk! Walker Sponsor form and more information available here - http://www.purrfectcatshelter.org/forms/PetWalk2011Brochure.pdf