Cat Scratch Fever

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.