Claws, ears, eyes and teeth: stress-free care at home

Start with trust

Looking after claws, ears, eyes and teeth is easy if your cat is used to being touched. Start while your kitten is young: in calm moments, gently hold a paw, touch the ears, lift the lip — and praise or reward right away. A few seconds every day works far better than one big session a month.

It's handy to combine everything into a short weekly check, for example after brushing when your cat is relaxed.

Claws

Most cats keep their claws in shape on their own — that's what the scratching post is for. So not every cat needs its claws trimmed regularly: cats need healthy, sharp claws for climbing, playing and gripping. Indoor cats do sometimes need a hand, though, for example when the tips start catching on carpets or fabric.

Check the claws every few weeks. If they need shortening, here's how:

• use special claw clippers made for cats;
• sit your cat on your lap facing away from you while it's calm;
• gently press the toe pad to extend the claw;
• snip off only the transparent tip and stay well clear of the pink part inside, which contains a blood vessel;
• don't forget the dewclaws on the front legs, as they don't get worn down on the scratching post.

If your cat gets anxious, stop and try again another time, even if that means one claw a day. Always finish on a positive note with play or a treat. If you're unsure, ask your vet to show you how to do it safely.

A word about scratching posts: a good one is sturdy and tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully. Put it near where your cat sleeps, since cats love a good scratch right after a nap. Many munchkins also enjoy horizontal cardboard scratchers.

Ears

Healthy cat ears usually don't need cleaning. The tissue lining the ear canal is very delicate, so vets advise against poking around in there yourself: no cotton buds and no home remedies inside the ear.

Your job is to look. During your check, watch for:

• dark discharge or an unpleasant smell;
• redness or swelling;
• frequent ear scratching or head shaking.

If you notice any of these, see your vet. They'll find the cause and, if needed, show you how to care for your own cat's ears.

Eyes

Most cats look after their eyes perfectly well. If a dry crust collects in the corner of an eye, gently wipe it away with a cotton pad dampened with clean water. Use a separate pad for each eye and don't touch the eyeball itself.

It's time to see your vet if you notice:

• heavy or colored discharge;
• red or swollen eyelids;
• squinting, pawing at the eye or keeping it half-closed;
• cloudiness or any change in how the eye looks.

Teeth

Teeth are easy to forget, yet regular brushing is the best way to keep teeth and gums healthy. As with everything else, it's best to start young and go gradually:

• begin by simply touching your kitten's muzzle and lips, rewarding it each time;
• then let it lick a little cat toothpaste off your finger — it comes in flavors cats like;
• once that feels normal, move on to a small toothbrush designed for cats.

Human toothpaste isn't suitable for cats: they find it unpleasant and it can upset their stomach. Only use toothpaste made for cats. Brushing every day is ideal; if you're not there yet, what matters most is consistency and a calm atmosphere.

See your vet if you notice bad breath, red gums, or your cat starts eating cautiously, chewing on one side or turning away from dry food.

If your cat won't cooperate

Not every cat is happy to be examined straight away, and that's fine. Don't turn it into a wrestling match: stop as soon as your cat tenses up and try again the next day. It helps to practise the start of the routine rather than the whole thing: hold a paw — treat, touch an ear — treat, let go.

If there's no way to do it without restraining your cat, ask your vet clinic for help rather than struggling at home. That way you keep your cat's trust, and the next check will be easier.

Home care and vet checks

Home care doesn't replace a professional examination. At routine visits, ask your vet to look at your cat's claws, ears, eyes and teeth and to advise you on caring for them.

The takeaway

A weekly check takes just a few minutes: check the claws and trim only the transparent tips if needed, look at the ears and eyes, and gradually get your kitten used to a toothbrush. Anything that worries you is a reason to call your vet.