Most cats don't like to have their nails trimmed and some will absolutely not tolerate it. If your cat won't even allow you to hold his or her paws, you may have to rely on a pet groomer or your cat's vet to trim your pet's nails.
Just like the pink part of a human fingernail, the quick is very sensitive; cutting into this area will likely cause bleeding and pain.
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.
A well-trained cat will not mind getting its nails trimmed. However, not all cats are well trained, as several of us know. If you have a kitten, start nail training early.
For the most part, cats require nail cutting about every 2-3 weeks. Mature cats usually need more frequent nail clippings than kittens. Make sure you provide a scratching post to support your cat's instinctive urge to claw and to keep those nails trimmed between clipping sessions.
Long nails can cause injury to your cat's paw or leg because once their long nail hits the ground it adds unnecessary pressure to the foot or leg area. Additionally, if left unkempt, long nails can be dangerous for your cat when they want to retract their claws.
If your cat's claws get too long, they can start to curve and grow into their paw pads causing a lot of pain and problems for your kitty. It's best to keep an eye on your cat's claws so you know if they're starting to get too long and if you suspect they've grown into the pad, it's best to call your vet for their help.
So if your kitten whines or squirms when you are cutting her nails, that doesn't mean you've hurt her. Just that she's anxious about the process and the strange pressure on her nails.
If you do cut the quick, it will bleed. It may also cause pain for your cat because not only is there a blood vessel in the quick, but a nerve ending as well. The bleeding should stop within a minute. If not, you should use styptic sticks to stop the bleeding.
Declawing can cause paw pain, back pain, infection, tissue necrosis (tissue death) and lameness. Removing claws changes the way a cat's foot meets the ground and can cause pain like wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes.
Absolutely! Your cat will instinctively scratch, not just to keep their nails trimmed but to strengthen the muscles that allow them to retract their claws. You can train your kitten or your cat to use a scratching post and discourage them from scratching on furniture, drapes, and carpets.
Rub some catnip on a scratching post and then take her over to the scratching post several times a day to encourage her to stretch and scratch it. Reward her with petting (if she will tolerate it), a treat or verbal praise to encourage her to seek out the scratching post again and again.
Cats' mouth bacteria could trigger a skin infection, abscess or even potentially fatal sepsis. That's why vets advise pet owners to prevent their cats from licking their wounds.
Cutting whiskers is not only painful, but can decrease a cat's spatial awareness. This can cause them to knock into things, become disorientated, less able to protect themselves from danger and less agile. So, put the scissors away and let your cat's whiskers grow wild!
Clip one nail (no more than 1/16th of an inch), give her a treat, and take a break. If you do accidentally clip through the quick. dab with some styptic powder to stop the bleeding. As she gets more comfortable with the process, you'll be able to trim more than one nail at a time.
What to do if? Cat nails never stop growing, which can mean bad news for anything that crosses their path because cats scratch to buff and shorten them. Nail trimming can prevent a cat from scratching belongings. Scratch posts or scratch mats can help as well.
Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be provided. Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
While some vets and animal experts seem to agree that cats can get ADHD, the condition isn't recognized by all. Cats can exhibit symptoms or personality and behavioral traits that are often linked to ADHD in humans, especially human children.
Signs of Emotional Trauma in Cats and Dogs
Trauma can also manifest as “shaking, hiding, urination and/or defecation when the trigger attempts to interact, howling, pacing, excessive vocalization, and panting,” says Pia Silvani, director of behavioral rehabilitation at the ASPCA's Behavioral Rehabilitation Center.