How To Safely Trim Cat Nails – A Step By Step Guide

Keeping your cat’s nails short is a necessary but daunting task for many cat owners. Like human nails, cat nails are constantly growing. While some cats’ claws wear down, other cats (especially indoor cats) don’t wear down their toenails as much.

So should you trim cat nails?

The answer is yes, if you don’t trim your nails regularly, they can catch things and tear off, causing injuries that require veterinary treatment. If you’re not careful, cat nails can even grow in a circle and eventually penetrate the cat’s paw pads – ouch!

Long, sharp nails can also do more damage if your cat accidentally scratches your skin, and sharp nails can do more damage if your cat scratches your couch or chair.

Also read: How to Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture

If you’ve never trimmed your cat’s nails before, you may not know where to start. Never be afraid!

With the right tools and a few helpful tips, you can easily learn to trim your cat’s nails at home. If after reading this tutorial you are still nervous, seek help from your veterinarian or groomer. Most pet specialists will provide a quick demo. They will also trim your cat’s nails for a fee.

Tools Needed for Trimming Cat Nails

If not trimmed, a cat’s nails can grow until they pierce the pad, which is painful and can cause infection.

Before you begin, make sure you have the correct nail trimming tools. You can buy all the nail clippers you need at a pet supply store or on Amazon or other online retailers.

You will need:

• Small pet nail clippers: You can find cat nail clippers or smaller for cats and small dogs. Clippers come in a variety of styles, including scissors (also known as pincers) or guillotines. Which nail clipper to choose is entirely a matter of personal preference. Both styles are suitable for cutting cat nails.
• Nail file or nail grinder: These tools are optional, but if your cat is obliged, you may wish to file the nails after clipping to smooth them. Pet nail grinders can be used in place of nail clippers, but these tools have a learning curve. They also vibrate and make noise. Some cats may find nail grinders scary.
• Styptic pen or powder: If you accidentally cut a blood clot, the pink vein that runs through the inside of your nail, an anticoagulant product will come in handy.
• Delicious Dim Sum: Whether it’s tuna, chicken, or your cat’s favorite treat, using candy will help convince your cat to stay still and nail clipping a pleasurable experience.

Introduce her nails slowly

Cat nails are small, so choose small nail clippers that fit your style

If you have a kitten, or if you’re trimming an older cat’s nails yourself for the first time, start by simply stroking the paws to get your cat used to the sensation. Hold your cat gently (trying to hold her down will only make her nervous).

Gently squeeze the cat’s claws to stretch them, but don’t try to snip them. Give your cat lots of treats and petting, and end the session while she’s still happy and relaxed.

Do this several times a day, up to a week. If your cat is receptive to this step, move on to the next stage. If she’s struggling or seems uncomfortable, practice touching the paws and claws more before trying to clip her nails.

How to hold a cat and trim its nails

Get your cat used to working on her paws and nails before attempting a trim.

Next, move on to the actual nail trimming. It’s easier if you have a helper who can hold the cat while you focus on trimming the paws, but you can also try holding the cat on your lap while you sit down, or you can place the cat on a table (put a Make her comfortable with a soft towel first).

Keep nail clipper supplies nearby before picking up the cat. Be sure to eat some treats when trimming your nails and keep them handy in case your cat gets upset.

Be sure to trim the front and rear paws. Cats usually have four paws on each paw. Some cats also have dewclaws, and some have extra toes (called polydactyly).

Separate one of your cat’s nails and look closely to see the fast (vein) running down the middle. It’s easy to see the quick thing inside a cat’s nail – it’s the pink part. Never cut into a fast filled with blood vessels and nerve endings. Nail clipping is painful, and the nails bleed (that’s where styptic powder comes in handy).

Take your best cat nail clippers in hand and cut smoothly, trimming only the hooked white part below the pink part of the nail. Don’t try to cut your nails too short. There is no need for one size fits all. If you feel like you didn’t cut enough the first time, you can cut a little more. If using a file, smooth the ends of the nails.

Here’s a Step-by-Step Breakdown for Trimming Cat Nails

• Choose a comfortable place to trim your cat.
• Seek help from friends or family if possible.
• Gather your nail-trimming supplies, including treats for your cat.
• Hold the nail clippers in one hand.
• With the other hand, gently squeeze the cat’s paw to expose the nails.
• Focus on one nail at a time, pinching the toes between the thumb and index finger.
• Cut off only the hooked white part of the nail, being careful not to get too close to the nail.
• Trim every nail on your cat, including the nails on any claws or extra toes.
• Smooth the ends of the nails with a nail file (optional).

Also read: Declawing a Cat: What You Need to Know

What if you act fast?

Because the burrs on cat nails are so easy to see, they are rarely trimmed when trimming cat nails. This condition is more common in dogs because many dogs have black nails and you cannot see the nails. If your cat struggles or tries to move her claws while you trim her nails, you’re more likely to clip her nails.

If you accidentally cut your cat’s fast, don’t panic. Make a quick cut and your cat may cry or run away. If the wound is deep, the wound may bleed. But all in all, a cut is a minor injury that can be treated with styptic powder.

Put a little powder on your finger or a cotton swab, and press lightly but firmly onto the bleeding nail. Stay there for a minute or two until the bleeding stops. Vow not to trim too quickly again, or your cat may start to resist your efforts to trim the nails.

How often should a cat’s nails be trimmed?

Trim your cat’s nails as often as needed. For most cats, this is every other week or so.

All cats wear their nails differently, depending on how much they use scratching posts, run or climb. Check your cat’s nails at least every two weeks and trim them if they grow too long.

You’ll notice that the rear paws are usually much shorter than the front paws. Trim your cat’s nails about every two weeks. The nails on the front paws are usually longer than those on the rear paws.

Some cats wear down more of their rear nails when running and climbing. If the back nail is very short, just cut off the tip.

What Happens If You Don’t Trim Your Cat’s Nails

Keeping your cat’s nails short is key to avoiding claw and claw injuries. Nails may grow into the paw pad, causing a potentially painful injury. Trimming your cat’s nails may help minimize scratches on furniture.