After another client recently asked me how to keep her cats’ nails and paw pads clean, I realized not all cat parents check their cats’ paws. Most assume that because their cat uses a scratching post, it keeps them clean, but their nails can still collect dirt, litter, dust, and other debris. Indoor cats may get litter trapped around their paws, or if like her kitty liked to do, they dig into indoor plant pots and can pick up soil and grime.
Keeping your cat’s nails clean and healthy is a simple part of regular bonding and grooming time and can also help you spot potential problems before they become serious.
Here are 8 tips to keep your cat’s nails clean and healthy:
1. Keep the litter box clean – A clean litter box is the first step in reducing the amount of dirt and bacteria that comes into contact with your cat’s paws and nails. Scoop the box regularly and follow a consistent cleaning routine. If your cat has long fur around its feet, keeping that fur neatly groomed can also reduce the amount of litter that becomes trapped between the toes.
2. Check your cat’s nails regularly and be sure to choose a calm time – Timing can make paw cleaning much easier. Making nail checks part of your regular play and cuddle time is best. Avoid trying to clean their nails when they are excited or already anxious. Sit and let your cat settle beside you. Speak softly and offer gentle affection before handling their paws.
3. Have supplies at the ready – You generally need only a soft washcloth or cotton pad and some lukewarm water. You may also want a few cat treats nearby. Always avoid using household cleaners, disinfectants, alcohol, or strongly scented products on your cat’s paws. Cats lick their paws during grooming, so anything on their paws may eventually be ingested. (You can read more about household hazards here.)
4. Gently examine each paw – Gently press the toe pad to extend the nail and look for dirt or litter around the nail. Do not force the claw out or pull at debris that appears deeply embedded. If something seems stuck or your cat reacts as though the area is painful, stop and consult your veterinarian.
5. Use a damp cloth – For ordinary dirt, a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water is usually enough. Gently wipe around the outside of the nail and the surrounding toe. If dirt is stuck, hold the damp cloth against the area briefly to soften it rather than scraping aggressively. Never use a sharp object, such as a needle or tweezers, to dig under the nail. You could accidentally injure sensitive tissue.
6. Clean one paw at a time – You do not have to clean every paw in one session. If your cat becomes squirmy, hisses, or shows other signs of irritation or aggression, take a break and try again later. For particularly nervous cats, cleaning one or two claws at a time can be much less stressful. Reward calm behavior with praise and/or their favorite treat so your cat begins to associate paw handling with positive experiences.
7. Keep nails properly trimmed – Overgrown claws can make it easier for dirt and litter to accumulate. Regular trimming can help keep the nails at a manageable length. Use cat-specific nail clippers and trim only the pointed tip. Avoid the quick, which contains blood vessels and nerves. If you are uncertain about trimming your cat’s claws, use a professional groomer – me! I had a client whose cat’s nails had grown so long, one of them curled into her pad and looked to be swollen and possibly infected. It also affected her gait, and I could see she was limping a bit, so I trimmed all her other nails and advised that he take her to the vet immediately.
8. Know when to call the vet – Cleaning your cat’s nails gives you an opportunity not just to keep their nails clean and healthy, but also to look for abnormalities. Contact your veterinarian if you notice swelling, persistent redness, bleeding, discharge, a bad odor, a broken claw, significant discoloration, or signs of pain.
With patience and gentle handling, these tips to keep your cat’s nails clean and healthy will make their nail cleaning a quick and stress-free part of your cat’s grooming routine. Regular paw checks, simple cleaning, proper nail trimming, and good litter-box hygiene can help keep your cat’s claws clean, comfortable, and healthy.
Have questions about your cat’s nail care? Our FAQ page can help, or please reach out anytime.
