You won't have to worry about nail-trimming if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, as rough surfaces tend to take care of things. Indoor and elderly cats, however, may need to have their nails trimmed every few weeks. This prevents the claws growing inwards into their pads, causing pain and infection.

How to trim your cat's nails

• Get your cat used to the idea of nail-trimming from an early age. 'Pretend trim' by applying slight pressure to your cat's toes and then offer a reward.
• You can keep the soft toenails of a kitten in trim just by filing them. This is less likely to cause pain or bleeding.
• Check your cat's nails once a week. If they show when the cat is resting - normally the nails would be completely retracted and tucked away - then they will need trimming. Usually, it is the back paw nails that need it most.
• For adult cats, use specially designed cat-claw clippers - and keep them sharp and well-maintained.
• Press your cat's paw between your finger and thumb to unsheath the claw. Snip off just the transparent tip of the claw.
• If you are inexperienced you can hurt your cat if you get it wrong and cut into the 'quick', the sensitive tissue embedded close to the nail bed. Ask your vet or groomer to show you how to trim nails properly if you are unsure.
• Have silver nitrate sticks and cotton wool balls nearby in case you do accidentally nick the nail quick. If so, and it bleeds, don't panic. Calmly apply the silver nitrate and press with a cotton wool ball for a moment.
• Silver nitrate may sting, so you might want to enlist some help to hold your cat if the need arises.
• Check with your vet if the bleeding doesn't stop.
• When you check the nails, also check the paw pads for any cuts or foreign bodies. Check between the toes for any signs of soreness. Contact your vet if you find anything unusual.