Tips on Cutting Cats Nails: A Comprehensive Tutorial
Trimming your cat's nails is an important part of maintaining their health and well-being. Long nails can cause discomfort, pain, and even infection in your feline friend, and bacteria can accumulate underneath nails and also cause infection for you if you get scratched. Scratching is a natural instinct for them, and sometimes this comes at the expense of our furniture (as you may be aware of!). It can be a tricky and stressful task for both you and your cat, but with the tips below, and some time and preparation, we can help you tackle this daunting task stress-free for both you and your cat. Read on for our best tips on cutting cats nails!
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Important to note: we never want our cats to experience stress during this process. Each cat is different, so if at any time your cat is exhibiting any sign of stress, please discontinue trimming and spend more time on desensitizing your cat from having his or her paws touched. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about cutting their nails, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer for advice. If your cat struggles with anxiety in general, we have some great tips for cats with anxiety here! With time and preparation, you will be setting yourself up for cutting cats nails easily and stress-free!
1. Prepare for the task
For a cat who has never had his or her nails trimmed, you will want to see how they will tolerate this process first. Try picking up a paw and see how they react. Are they fine with it? Do they run away? If they don’t like it, you may need to spend some time doing something called desensitization. This is where you will work him or her up to the full process of nail-trimming and having their paws touched, while sprinkling in some positive reinforcement (treats!) along the way.
Each day, practice picking up a different paw, and if they tolerate it well, then reward them with their favorite treat! If you have nail clippers, it’s a good idea to also let them see, sniff, and investigate those as well. It’s a good idea to have treats nearby, and reward them throughout this process, so that they have a positive association with nail trimming time.
Before you even begin cutting, take the time to take a closer look at your cat's nails. Investigate the anatomy of their nails. You will want to know which part to trim, and where to avoid. Cats can retract their nails, so you need to know how to push on each toe pad to expose the nail. Once you do, you'll see a pinkish area called the quick, which contains nerves and blood vessels. You should avoid cutting the quick, as it can cause bleeding and pain. The white area at the tip of the nail is where you can safely trim.
2. Gather your tools
Once you are actually ready to start, make sure you have all the necessary tools. You'll need
a pair of cat nail clippers (we use these from Amazon). For new learners, this is a good option to avoid over-clipping. And if you need some extra assistance, here is a lighted option!
a styptic powder or solution (to stop bleeding in case you accidentally cut the quick) In a pinch, I used regular all-purpose flour once. I would recommend pouring some into a small ramekin or measuring cup, so that you are prepared, should you accidentally cut the quick (trust me, you’ll be glad you did)
Some treats or a toy to keep your cat distracted and calm. Greenies are always a great option!
A large towel for the clippings- This is to catch the nail trimmings so that you can focus on the cat while clipping, not having to worry about nail clippings getting all over the place!
Choose a comfortable and well-lit spot to do the trimming. Start on the floor and see if your cat will tolerate it (maybe in a small bathroom or closet), where your pet doesn’t feel trapped, but can’t go too far. Make sure your cat is relaxed and in a good mood before you start. You can give them some time to explore the area, or give them a few treats to put them at ease.
If they are not tolerating the floor, you can try to put them up on an elevated surface. Please ensure that they will not get hurt if they jump down. For one of my cats, I like to put a towel on the bed, and sit on the bed with my cat in my lap. She tolerates this well. Try to find a place that they already naturally feel relaxed and comfortable.
3. Trimming their nails
Take one of your cat's paws in your hand, and gently press on the toe pad to extend the nail. Use the clippers to trim the nail in a straight line, taking care not to cut too close to the quick. Repeat the process for each nail, taking breaks if your cat becomes agitated or stressed. Remember- there is nothing wrong with clipping only a nail or two at a time. If they remember this as a bad experience though, it will only get harder and harder each time you attempt this.
If you accidentally cut down to the quick and the nail starts bleeding, dip the nail into the styptic powder or flour. This should stop the bleeding right away. The reason this is such a big deal is because cats (or dogs!) can bleed a lot from cutting their quick too short and I am sure you don’t want a trail of blood throughout your home!
4. Reward your cat
During and after the trimming, reward your cat with some treats, cuddles, or playtime. This will help them associate the experience with positive feelings and reduce stress in future sessions.
5. Be patient
Trimming your cat's nails can take some time and practice, especially if your cat is not used to it. Don't rush or force them into the task. Gradually introduce them to the process, and reward them for their cooperation. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about cutting their nails, consult a veterinarian or professional groomer for advice.
Other Alternatives:
If your cat becomes too stressed during this process, there are some other options.
Ask someone to help- two is better than one sometimes, and it may be beneficial to ask someone to help hold your cat so that you can just focus on clipping nails
Nail Caps- these are put on top of your cats’ nails to prevent them from scratching you, or furniture! They come in different sizes and are affordable. The only downside is that they may fall off from time to time and need to be re-applied.
Take them to the vet for a nail trimming- being that veterinary staff do this all the time, they may be able to do it faster, and time is of the essence when it comes to a cat’s patience! You could even ask to watch so that you can see it done before attempting it yourself
Sedation- It would be remiss not to bring this up because this is a common option that will be presented at a vet’s office. I personally would not recommend this, as I think there are other options and don’t think it’s worth it to put a cat through that just to cut their nails. My 2 cats both hated getting their nails trimmed, and now I am able to do it with little or no resistance from them. Practice makes perfect! Try spending more time on desensitization before actually attempting it, or recruit someone to help. Try different positions or places around your house. Remember- treats and lots of pets and encouragement are allowed, too!
In conclusion, cutting your cat's nails is a necessary and beneficial part of their care. Depending on how quickly your cat’s nails grow, you may have to repeat this process every 2-3 weeks. With these tips, you can safely and effectively trim your cat's nails, keeping you, them, and your furniture from any injury caused by scratching. Let us know if you have any further questions. Best of luck!
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