How to trim cat nails
It doesn't have to be stressful for anyone to trim a cat's nails or ask how to trim cat nails, yet it frequently is. Every cat can be taught to tolerate and even love having its nails clipped, according to cat behaviorists.
If your cat's nails grow out too long, they could hurt both you and your furry buddy by giving you painful scratches. so you should know how to trim cat nails.
10 Tips on How To Trim Cat Nails At Home
Check out our 10 easy tips on how to trim cat nails at home without pain or hurting your cat.
1. What you’ll need
To know how to trim cat nails, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Grinder or nail clipper
- Styptic powder (recommended), flour, or cornstarch are common cat treats.
- Wrap your cat in a towel (optional)
- An aid (optional, but handy)
- Have patience and calm nerves!
2. Setting a Mood To Trim Cat Nails
- In an ideal scenario, you would begin preparing your cat to tolerate nail trimming when it was still a kitten and they were still adjusting to the outside world.
- No matter when you begin, you should always trim cat nails in a serene, quiet setting.
- Ideally, you should trim your cat's nails after a meal or another time when they are asleep.
- Avoid windows and other animals that could distract you or them.
- Bring your cat to a place where you may sit comfortably holding them in your lap.
3. Make the Paw Your Friend
- Some cats find it more offensive to play with their feet than the trim itself.
- It will be beneficial in the long run to take the time to get them used to have their paws touched.
- Gently rub one paw for two to three seconds while holding it between your fingers.
- During the procedure, if your cat moves, gently imitate its motion.
- In order for one nail to expand, compress the paw.
- Give your cat a treat and release it right away. If you can, repeat this two or three times daily until your cat becomes accustomed to it and shows less resistance.
4. Learn More About the Clipper
- For your cat, unfamiliar objects can be upsetting.
- Make sure your cat can inspect the clippers by leaving them outside.
- To entice your cat to sniff them and get accustomed to them, you might even place a treat on them.
- When their nails are being cut, some cats are frightened of the noise the clipper creates.
- Put some dry spaghetti in the clippers as your cat sits on your lap.
- Gently massage one paw while keeping the clippers close by.
- Then, cut the noodle so it creates a loud cracking noise.
- As soon as your cat tolerates the loudness and massage, reward them.
5. Best Time To Trim Cat Nails
- It's time to start trimming once you've given your cat some time to get acclimated to the notion. Make your cat sit on your lap with its back to you.
- When you can plainly see the claw, gently press on the paw pad with one of your cat's paws in your palm to know the exact timing for how to trim cat nails.
- If the claw needs to be trimmed, make sure to only remove the sharp point and leave the quick alone.
- Always give the cat a treat or special toy after you trim the cat's nails.
- This demonstrates to your cat that trimming is enjoyable and not unpleasant.
- To get every one of their nails trimmed, you could require multiple quick sessions on how to trim cat nails.
6. Never cut the quick when you trim your cat’s nails
- Your cat's claws have a darker area inside the mostly clear, hard exterior that you may see if you look closely.
- The quick is what we call this. Blood vessels and nerves are located there.
- Never cut too close to the bone; doing so could cause your cat to bleed and suffer.
- Cats dislike broken nails, as anyone who has experienced it can attest.
- Instead, merely cut the claw's white portion.
- If your cat has detected that you are trimming its nails, release the paw right away and offer them a treat.
- Continue with additional nails if your cat is calm and doesn't seem to resent being how to trim cat nails.
- After you've trimmed two or three nails, many cats will whine.
- If this occurs, stop trimming and allow them to go.
- Always prefer leaving more of a claw than making a deep cut.
- A styptic stick or powder may be something you wish to keep on hand.
- If you unintentionally cut too deeply, you can use it to stop the bleeding.
- These items are typically available at pet supply stores.
7. Make a Schedule on how to trim cat nails
- The majority of cats need to have their claws trimmed every two to three weeks.
- It will be simpler to keep your cat's nails under control if you establish a routine.
- Ask a groomer or veterinarian for assistance if you need it to trim cat nails.
- Declawing cats is strongly discouraged by the ASPCA.
- It may result in chronic problems and discomfort.
8. What Should You Avoid While You Trim Your Cat Nails
- When your cat is agitated or when you're feeling down, never attempt to clip their nails.
- The process becomes more stressful as a result.
- Never trim your cat's nails too quickly.
- You risk nicking the quick if you cut too deeply.
- Don't chastise or spank your cat for showing resistance.
- They won't stop avoiding cutting as a result of how to trim cat nails fast.
9. Cut one nail at a time and Give Your Cat Treats
- Don't worry if you can't manage to cut all 10 nails at once.
- Take what you can get, give your cat praise for being cooperative, and then keep an eye out for the next opportunity—possibly even a catnap—to reduce things down to size.
- Few cats are patient for longer than a few minutes if you know how to trim cat nails with ease.
- Trim your cat's nail tip with your clippers tips for how to trim cat nails.
- A pro tip is to pull your cat's long hair back and out of the way so you can see what you're doing if your cat has long hair around its paws.
- This is crucial if you decide to use a nail grinder since it might snag your hair and tug firmly.
- After you've completed how to trim cat nails, spoil her with plenty of goodies, kisses, playing, or anything else that will help the experience end well.
- It has been a good sport about allowing you to trim its nails, and it deserves something nice in return.
- Make the treat special by using vacuum-packed chicken or fish.
- Some cats also enjoy butter or sour cream.
- By using a particular treat, you can be sure that your cat will start to link getting its nails cut and this treat.
- Your cat may not enjoy the nail-trimming procedure, but it will look forward to the treat afterward, making future resistance less likely.
10. Check your cat’s nails frequently
- Every cat's nails will develop at a different rate, but it's a good idea to trim your cat's nails every two weeks to once a month in order to prevent overgrown, split, or broken nails.
- Although it's possible that your cat will maintain the sharpness and health of its claws on its own, keep a check on its nails nonetheless.
- You can help your cat by clipping a broken nail if it is currently wandering around with one to know how to trim cat nails.
- Older cats require extra care since their larger nails can occasionally press into the pads and nick them.
Summary
Trimming a cat's nails can be challenging because cats prefer to do things on their own terms when it comes to grooming. But it's not necessary to know how to trim cat nails! In reality, with some work and lots of incentives, the majority of cats can be trained to tolerate nail trimming.
References
- Cat Nail Clipping: How and When to Cut Cat’s Nails [1].
- How to trim your cat's nails [2].
- How to Trim Cat Nails: Step-by-Step Tips From a Professional Groomer [3].
If you’re adding a cat or have adopted a new kitten or any pet to your family, our articles will help you to find answer of can cats eat yogurt. Visit Drlogy Pet for detailed information on the pet care domain. You can find more articles about can cats eat yogurt on our page.
Drlogy
