should i trim my cats nails?

Everything about a cat has a purpose.

The coat to keep them warm in winter.
The nose to sniff out the treats in the cupboard.

Nails are no different. They have many functions, but one of the most important is protection — and not in the way you might think.

When a cat is frightened, its first impulse is to run. To escape. To find a safe place.

That safe place has traditionally been high up, often in a tree.

Having sharp nails allows a cat to grip a tree trunk or other surface, meaning they have a better chance of getting to safety.

A modern cat living indoors generally doesn't need to escape.

Even so, there are limited reasons for trimming a cat's nails. Some older cats stop using scratching posts enough to shed the outer sheath, and the nail can grow long enough to curl into the pad. Or, if you're on medication such as blood thinners, a cat that likes to pad on you can draw blood. Either way, those are the nails that need trimming.

However, if your cat goes outside at all, even for a moment, it is important to leave their nails long.

Threats can appear in an instant, and your cat may not see inside as the safest place. If their nails have been cut, they may not be able to access the place they consider safest.

So, a cat's nails should only be trimmed when there is a reason to trim them — when they risk causing harm to the cat or to you.

Otherwise, leave them be.