Some people get very upset when their new kitten or cat uses the couch as a scratching post while others are fearful that their children will be scratched and hurt. Nails were used for grabbing prey. Now that we have domesticated the cat, we need to trim the cats nails when they become too long. Your vet or a book on cat care can show you how to do this safely.
Claws are the cat s first defense in times of danger.
If a child grabs, or hurts a cat or kitten, the animal will naturally use its claws. This sets limits for the child and protects the animal. When my child was small I slowly introduced him to cats in our home. I also monitored him so neither of them would be hurt. In the United Kingdom, declawing a cat is outlawed and no vet will perform the surgery.