Like many other large cats, Maine Coons often sharpen their claws. If you don't want your furniture to become a target for their sharp claws, it's crucial to provide special places for them to scratch. Cats usually choose soft furniture or door frames for this purpose. If this doesn't suit you, make sure your Maine Coon has access to a designated scratching post. These accessories are available at pet stores and can be installed in the center of the room or against the wall. It's important that the scratching post is securely attached so your large cat can't tip it over.

Typically, a scratching post looks like a wooden column covered with rough material. Maine Coons prefer rough wood, so you can use a rough-sanded log. Ensure it's securely attached to the floor.

Maine Coons are active and curious cats, so it's recommended to have several scratching posts with different textures. Place them in accessible areas where your cat spends most of its time.

Training methods for using scratching posts may vary, including using catnip or training with the Maine Coon's paw. It's important to reward your pet for using scratching posts and to be patient during the process.

Even if your Maine Coon successfully uses scratching posts, regular claw length checks are essential. Long claws can cause discomfort for an active cat. Special attention should be paid to the fifth toe, as its claw, not touching the ground, can become too long. Owners should be proactive in caring for their cat's claws to avoid problems. Trimming claws is a relatively simple task, especially when the claws are unpigmented and appear transparent, revealing the red blood vessels inside.

Under normal circumstances, the blood vessels usually extend almost to the tip of the claw. If you observe that the claw's tip is entirely transparent or stained milky-white, it indicates that the claw has grown beyond the blood vessels. In such cases, you can carefully trim the tip of the claw. It's crucial not to damage the blood vessels during this process, as it may lead to bleeding.

Trimming the claws of a Maine Coon with pigmented claws is more challenging. In this case, you cannot visually determine whether the blood vessels extend to the end of the claw. Trimming pigmented claws requires a more experiential approach. It is advisable to cut the claws with a small margin to ensure you won't hit the blood vessels. This precaution guarantees that you won't accidentally injure the blood vessels. It's important to note that claws on the hind legs are always shorter than those on the front.

During the trimming process, pay close attention to ensure your pet remains calm and comfortable. If you notice signs of distress, gently talk to your pet, stroke its fur, or hold it. If your pet continues to resist or meow, stop your attempts for a while. You can resume the procedure during the next playtime. Building understanding between the owner and the pet is crucial for the success of all grooming procedures.

Due to the Maine Coon's substantial size, it's advisable to have an assistant during the claw trimming procedure. Even with a well-understood cat, the process may be intimidating, potentially leading to stress-induced scratching or resistance. A helper should securely hold the cat throughout the procedure, preventing it from escaping.

If your pet is highly agitated, wrapping it in a tight fabric may help. While the assistant holds the cat, the owner can proceed to trim each claw one by one.

When trimming, gently hold the pad of the paw below the claw with your index finger and the skin above the claw with your thumb. Slightly squeeze your fingers to expose the claw for cutting. Cut the claw straight across, avoiding any diagonal cuts, as this may risk damaging the blood vessels.

After a successful trimming, carefully polish the sharp edge of the claw with a nail file or a small emery board.

If, during claw trimming, you miscalculate the distance and damage a blood vessel, it's essential to stop the bleeding promptly. Apply gentle pressure to the wound with a piece of cloth or dust it with talcum powder. If bleeding persists, apply a compressive bandage and seek veterinary assistance promptly.

In case a cat breaks a claw during play, it requires immediate unscheduled trimming. A broken claw can cause discomfort and injury during movement. Completely remove the broken tip of the claw and treat the wound with antiseptic solutions.

Kittens naturally wear down their claws through play, but for adult cats, this process occurs more slowly. As cats age, their claws become more brittle, developing cracks. Regular claw trimming for adult cats is recommended every 1-2 months. It's crucial not to rush during claw trimming. Maine Coons are very curious, so allow your pet to familiarize itself with the tools. Initiate play with your cat, making an effort to frequently hold its paws. If you notice signs of discomfort, immediately stop the game. The main idea is to engage the cat, making it accustomed to you frequently handling its paws and retracting its claws. Over time, the cat will tire and relax, allowing you to proceed with the trimming procedure.