Nail Clipping

Category: Cat Care, Pet Health, Pet Tips | Tags: Tags: cat nail trimming, cut my cats nails, nail trimming, trim my cats nails

Date: September 12th, 2013

I do clip all of my pets nails myself, so I guess I’m lucky to have pretty good pets, but it’s also a lot of patience and practice! My vet cannot even clip my one cat’s nails, the infamous Leo. He is already so nervous when going to the vet, so he is on high alert, and then after being poked and prodded he is NOT in a good mood. I guess he is a moody cat to begin with anyway, so you can imagine! But I did learn to clip his nails at home, where is he stress-free and more relaxed.

Here are some pointers!

1) Having extra hands is always easier, so if you can have someone help you, the faster the process will be.
2) When your cat is relaxed is the best time, so maybe clip them after a meal. And clip them in a quiet room with no other pets around.
3) First make friends with the paws. Take your cat’s paws between your finger, and press so the nail extends out, then release and give her a treat. Do this once a day, one nail a day, until you’ve done it with all 10.
4) Never cut to the quick. The pink part of the cat’s nail, called the quick, is where the nerves and blood vessels are. Do NOT cut this sensitive area. I always err with caution and cut less, instead of getting really close to the quick; cutting the quick is very painful for your cat. If you do cut it by accident, you can stop the bleeding with a styptic powder or stick.

5) When its time to clip, lay your cat in your lap facing away from you (or if you have someone helping you, in their lap). Take one of her toes in your hand, massage and press the pad until the nail extends. Check to see how much of a trim her nails need and notice where the quick begins. Now trim only the sharp tip of one nail, release your cat’s toe and quickly give her a treat. If your cat didn’t notice, clip another nail, but don’t trim more than two claws in one sitting until your cat is comfortable. Be sure to reward her with a special treat afterward. Please note, you may want to do just one paw at a time for the first couple of sessions.
6) Every two weeks is a good schedule for nail clipping.
7) If you are nervous, or it’s hard to tell where your cat’s quicks are on her nails, you can ask your vet or groomer for help.

What not to do!

1) If your cat resists, don’t raise your voice or punish her.
2) Never attempt to clip when your cat is already agitated.
3) Don’t rush the clipping.
4) Don’t try to trim all your cat’s nails at once in the beginning. I still never clip Leo’s nails all at once, its too stressful for him, but Mya I can because she is much more laid back.
5) If you can help it, I would not declaw your cat. It involves amputation and is really painful.

Good luck!