What should you do if your cat’s claws start getting a bit long?

What should you do if your cat’s claws start getting a bit long? It’s a good idea to clip your cat’s claws every now and then: certainly it’s far more humane and caring that declawing. Your cat needs its claws for protection, for climbing up trees and other hard to reach places (both when hunting and fleeing from danger). Trimming down your cat’s claw every now and then can, however, save your furniture some serious damage. Make sure your cat is relaxed when you approach him or her. Hold your cat gently but firmly, and systematically go from claw to claw. If the cat struggles, don’t force it too much. Sometimes you have to do these things in stages. Remember not to clip them too short. What also works is having a friend (someone the cat knows and trusts) tickle or stroke her back while you get on with business of cutting. This helps distract the cat.