Your cat's nails need to be trimmed so they don't get damaged, which can help if she tends to scratch, scratch, etc. Trimming your cat's nails is fairly easy once you get used to it. Read this article for further instructions.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Cat
Step 1. Organize your cat
Most cats will feel a little startled when their paws are touched, so you will need to train them to get used to it.
- Wait while the cat is relaxing or relaxing.
- Start by stroking your cat's paws while stroking their favorite places (back of neck, under chin, where tail and back meet, etc.)
- Do this for each claw whose nails are trimmed.
- The cat may tug on its paws, or even get up and walk away. Just let it go and don't force it. However, keep stroking your cat's paws gently if you get the chance.
- When you hold a cat's paw, reward it with treats and praise to build positive associations.
Step 2. Hold the cat's claws
Once your cat is comfortable enough to let you put your hand on its paw, start gently holding the paw in your open hand.
- Place your hand on the cat's paw, then flip your hand over so that the bottom of the cat's paw is on top of your palm.
- Continue to reward the cat with petting and treats; Give your cat a new, special treat that he would only associate with clipping his nails.
Step 3. Massage the cat's paws
Once your cat has gotten used to holding her paws, start grasping and massaging her with your fingers.
- Gently massage the top and bottom of each claw with your fingers.
- Reward it with treats and compliments.
Step 4. Look closely at the cat's nails
Eventually you can squeeze the cat's paws (squeezing the lower paws) to remove each nail without startling the cat.
- When the cat's nails pop out, you'll see the thick part of the nail and the quick, which is the pink area inside the nail that leads to the cat's toe.
- The quick is the living part of the nail and contains blood vessels and nerves so if it is cut, the cat will be in quite a bit of pain. Never cut a cat's nails near or on its toes; your goal is simply to trim the sharp edges of the nails.
- Know the location and size of the quick carefully. If the cat's nails are clear enough, it will look like a pink triangle. The location of the quicks on each cat's nails will be similar so even if your cat has dark nails, find one clear nail as a reference point for the other nails.
Step 5. Make the cat feel comfortable with the “nail clipping position”
If your cat is comfortable sitting in the right position for trimming her nails, she won't struggle much when her nails are actually trimmed.
- If you're trimming your cat's nails yourself, the cat will need to sit with its bottom on your lap, and its back to you while holding the paw in one hand (the other hand will hold the nail clipper).
- Practice making the cat sit up this way and holding each paw. Gently press each nail to lengthen it. Again, reward the cat with treats and praise.
- If you can help someone, have him hold the cat facing you, or hold him, while you hold the paw in one hand (and the nail clipper in the other).
- Practice with your assistant to hold the cat while holding each paw and press gently until the cat seems comfortable. Reward it with treats and compliments.
Part 2 of 3: Trimming Your Own Cat's Nails
Step 1. Wait for the right opportunity
You can't trim your cat's nails all the time. Choose a time when your cat is happy and relaxed, such as when she just woke up, is about to sleep, or is lying on her favorite surface.
- Another ideal time to trim nails is after the cat has eaten when he is sleepy and calm.
- Don't try to trim the cat's nails after playing, when it's hungry, or when it's restless and running, or when it's aggressive. Cats are much more compliant when their nails are trimmed.
- You may find broken or split nails on your cat's paws and want to trim them right away. Remember and wait for the cat to relax before trying to cut it so it doesn't get worse.
Step 2. Use the right tools
Before sitting down and trimming your cat's nails, make sure you have the proper equipment to do it. We recommend that you use special cat nail clippers and a styptic pencil (blood retainer).
- There are several types of nail clippers, and most do the same job. The important thing is that the tool must be sharp so that it can immediately cut nails neatly. Dull clippers not only make nail trimming sessions longer and more difficult, you can also make quick squeezes which can be painful for the cat. There are two main types of nail clippers: scissors and guillotines.
- The nail clipper cuts the cat's nails using a scissor motion which is usually available in large and small sizes. Small cutters are usually better for those who are new to cutting cat nails, or just want to get rid of the tips of the nails. Large nail clippers are better suited for older, stronger nails.
- The guillotine nail clipper uses a sliding blade that "snaps" the nail when the two handles are squeezed. The cat's nail is inserted into the gap and the clip blade will trim the nail. This nail clipper is strong so it is suitable for long, thick nails (but not for nails that have grown too much. Large nail clippers are better for those nails).
- If the nail clipper is sharp enough, the cat won't feel the nail being cut. However, nail clippers aren't always sharp so you'll need to discard any dull ones (or send them in for sharpening). A sign that the nail clipper is dull is that you have to press hard to cut the nail or the nail feels like it is “chewing” instead of being cut by a nail clipper.
- Also, have a styptic pencil in case you cut a cat's quick (which is actually pretty slim because it's shorter than in a dog's fingernail). Styptic pencils can be purchased at pharmacies (usually in the shaving department). This product closes the blood vessels when touched to the injured nail and helps prevent bleeding. If you're cutting a quick, hold the styptic pencil against the claw for 1-2 minutes to stop the bleeding.
Step 3. Take the cat and place it in the “nail clipping position”, with its buttocks on your lap and facing away from you
- Hold the nail clipper in one hand and hold the cat's paw with the other.
- Squeeze the top and bottom of the cat's paws gently, at the joints just behind the paws to remove the claws.
Step 4. Find the point where the nail has separated from the quick
Make sure you know the location of the quick before trying to trim your nails; it looks like a little pink triangle inside the nail.
Trim only at the tips of the nails, and when you're comfortable, trim closer to the quick, but never cut the quick so the cat doesn't hurt and bleed
Step 5. Trim the cat's nails
Hold the cat according to the instructions above and trim the cat's nails one at a time. Position the cutter halfway between the tip of the quick and the tip of the nail.
- Try to position the nail clipper so that when the nail is cut, the blade cuts from top to bottom. This step helps prevent the nails from separating.
- Try not to get frustrated. Your cat may protest, meow, and try to scratch you. However, don't yell or rush through this process so you don't hurt your cat and fear cutting her nails in the future.
- You may only be able to trim 1-2 nails at first.
Step 6. Give the cat a treat
He has behaved well by letting you cut his nails and needs to be rewarded.
- Make a special treat: salmon or chicken in an airtight bag. Some cats also like sour cream or butter.
- Using a special treat will ensure that he begins to associate the treat with clipping his nails. So, even if he doesn't like having his nails cut, he'll ask for a snack later so he'll be more obedient in the future.
Step 7. Check your cat's nails regularly
Cat nails grow differently, but the rule of thumb is to trim your cat's nails every two weeks or every month so they don't become too long, broken, or separated.
- Even though your cat will sharpen their nails and keep their shape on their own, monitor your cat's nails regularly. Cats can walk around with broken nails, and you can trim them to get them back into shape.
- Older cats require special attention because their claws are thicker and sometimes push them through the lower paws. If so, the cat will need to be taken to the vet for antibiotics.
Part 3 of 3: Trimming Cat's Nails with Help
Step 1. Choose people the cat knows and trusts
Don't ask strangers to trim your cat's nails so that the cat won't be more frightened.
While you should try to get your cat to get used to clipping her nails, the reality is that sometimes cats will still complain, and you may need some extra help
Step 2. Have your assistant hold the cat still
You can stand opposite each other on a high surface, such as a table.
- You two need to talk calmly and reassure the cat.
- Ask an assistant to pet the cat and try to keep it still without hurting or scaring the cat too much.
- If your cat likes to be brushed, do so to distract her while she is clipping her nails. Ask the assistant to stroke the cat's head, under the neck, or anywhere else he likes.
Step 3. Grasp one of the cat's paws with your hand
While holding the paw, press the cat's lower paw to release the paw.
If the cat struggles, wait until it calms down so it can hold its paws
Step 4. Trim the cat's nails as usual
The assistant will continue to try to distract the cat while you trim the nails.
- Just follow the guidelines in the previous section to make sure your cat has smooth and neat nails without pain.
- When you're done, reward them with a delicious snack.
Step 5. Check your cat's nails regularly
Each cat's nail growth rate is different, but it's common for cats to trim their nails every 2-4 weeks so they don't grow too long, separate, or break.
- While your cat will sharpen her claws and keep her shape on her own, keep a regular eye on her nails. Cats can walk with broken nails and need trimming to restore their shape.
- Older cats require more attention because their nails are thicker and sometimes penetrate the underfoot and injure them. Check your cat's nails weekly, and trim the tips if needed. This is easier than leaving the cat's nails too long, which could penetrate the underfoot. If this happens, the cat may need to be taken to the vet for antibiotics.
Tips
- Start with the back toenail. Many cats will use their hind legs, but once they've been cut off, you won't be scratched easily.
- Many cats can clip their nails when they are nodding off with their owners. If you have a nail clipper within reach, you can trim your nails without disturbing your cat's rest.
- Covering your cat's eyes or blocking her view when her nails are cut can sometimes help.
- If you're not sure where exactly the cat's nails are cut, have someone show you how. Most veterinarians, animal shelters, and cat groomers are willing to give free demonstrations.
- If you want to trim your cat's nails but he struggles, wrap the cat in a towel or blanket, and remove one cat's paw at a time. However, if you're forced to do this, it's likely because you don't have time to prepare your cat, and it will be more difficult to do because he's already associated nail clipping with trauma.
- For long-haired cats, it helps if the paws are wet.
- You can condition your cat as a child, even as early as a month old. At this age, small nail clippers are best suited because the claws are still small. Just trim the tips of the nails. Then, be sure to provide a snack. The sooner he associates clipping his nails with a snack, the better.
- Trimming your nails frequently is better than cutting them deeply. If you cut too deep, your cat will have a harder time trimming their nails later.
- Don't forget the side claw nails. Most cats have side claws, one on each front paw. These claws are like little thumbs, which are on the sides of the forelegs. Because of their infrequent use, these claws tend to grow long and should be checked at least once a month in healthy cats.
Warning
- Do not use human nail clippers or clippers. Cat nails can split.
- Be careful not to cut too far back and hit the quick. If hit, the cat will be in a lot of pain.
- The ASPCA (the association in the United States that works to prevent animal abuse) strongly discourages "declawing" cats, which can also cause nerve damage and stress the cat. It's a good idea to trim your cat's nails every few weeks and provide a scratching post for the cat to scratch.
