Trimming a cat's claws every two to three weeks is an important part of maintaining your pet's health. Not only does a quick trim protect you, your pet and your family, it can also save your sofa, curtains and other furniture.
If not trimmed or filed down, these nails can keep growing to a point where they are uncomfortable for the cat or may even curl back into their toe or paw pad. In some cases, long nails may get torn out and cause bleeding or other problems for the cat.
Both indoor and outdoor cats need to have their nails trimmed because their nails can be snagged and caught in soft surfaces, or the cat may lose their ability to retract their claws altogether. Arthritic cats, indoors or out, usually don't exercise enough to keep their nails short via scratching.
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.
Trimming cat nails may not sound like a job for the faint of heart, especially with the pressure of avoiding the quick. If you cut the quick when trimming cat nails, it can be painful for your feline and can lead to bleeding.
You should only trim your cat's nails if they are too long, not because they are sharp. It's best to speak to your vet if you're unsure. If your vet has advised you to cut your cat's claws, you need to do so slowly and carefully. You'll need some cat nail clippers or cat nail scissors, and your cat's favourite treats.
They also scratch to trim their nails. Outdoor cats probably use some tree around. However, your cat is an indoor cat, a scratching post may come in handy. And if you do not have a scratching post … well, then you will find it difficult to stop your cat scratching the sofa - regardless of your opinion about that.
The other style of nail clippers is called a scissors style; two blades come together, like a pair of scissors. Either of these can be safely used with cats. In fact, you can even use human nail clippers on cats.
Cats are naturally able to file their nails and trim them on different surfaces, such as the trunk of a tree. However, in the case of a domestic cat that does not have the opportunity to find plants on which to trim his claws, it is essential to put in one or more scratching posts.
If the quick is clipped, it causes a lot of pain and bleeding. Injury is most likely the reason your cat hates getting their nails trimmed; once they feel that pain, they know what to avoid. A well-trained cat will not mind getting its nails trimmed.
If you're unsure, veterinary clinics or grooming facilities can often apply claw caps for a minor fee.
Can I Cut My Cat's Nails with Human Nail Clippers? While it is not dangerous to use a human nail cutter it may cause the nails to split. This can make your job more difficult and may be painful for your cat. All pet stores carry pet nail clippers.
Take a paw in your hand and use your thumb and pointer finger to gently press down on the top and bottom of the paw on the joint just behind the claw. This will cause the claw to extend so you can quickly but carefully snip off the sharp tip and no more.
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.
They're soft, small, and just unexplainably adorable. But there is a reason why most cats don't like their paws touched: their paws are extremely sensitive. Cat paws contain large concentrations of nerve receptors, turning your cat's cute paws into finely tuned sensory organs.
Tips to Help Calm Your Cat While Trimming
Feed them, give them a nice warm spot to relax, and approach them calmly while they're dozing. Some will be on edge immediately, but many will be relaxed enough to at least give you a bit of time to work. Another option is to try catnip.
You will know if your cat's nails have grown too long if your cat gets their nails stuck in carpets or other soft surfaces, or if your cat can no longer retract her nails. Severely overgrown and curved nails can grow into the footpad, causing significant pain and mobility problems.
Nail clippers are also an option, but you run the risk of catching the 'quick' blood supply inside the claw. Doing so causes a lot of pain for the animal and likely for you too. A pet nail grinder is a much more gentle and natural alternative to declawing and far safer than using clippers.
Starting nail trims as soon as 6-8 weeks of age is recommended to get them used to the procedure, even if you're only able to do one paw at a time. Start slow, offer breaks, and give them a high value treat with every nail trim: think feline greenies or other treats or canned cat food.
Hold the paw in one hand and press down to extend the nail. Then, carefully place the clippers at the tip of the nail and make a clean cut. Never rush. Always cut vertically, never horizontally.
Keeping your cat's claws trimmed is good grooming and will reduce the damage done by sharp nails. If possible, get the cat used to having their claws trimmed while they are still young.