Grooming your cat is an important part of being a responsible pet owner, and nail trimming is a step that should not be avoided. However, clipping your cat’s nails can be intimidating for a finicky or skittish cat, especially if you’re inexperienced. The best way to make the experience as stress-free as possible is to come up with a plan.
In this article, we will look at the seven steps you need to follow to trim your cat’s nails at home. While following these steps, if you ever feel concerned for your cat’s welfare or feel overwhelmed by the task, don’t hesitate to take a break or consult a professional groomer for help.
Gather Your Supplies
Before trimming your cat’s nails, you must have the right supplies. You should never use human or canine nail clippers on your cat. Clippers that are not designed for your cat’s nails can make the process more difficult and cause injuries.
Trimmers
First, you will need to choose your cat nail trimmers. There are many different types of trimmers to choose from, and you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each to make an informed choice. The first option is a scissor-style clipper. They are like scissors with curved blades to fit your cat’s nails.
If your cat has particularly strong nails, you may want pliers-style clippers. They have a little extra power behind them to cut tough nails, but that also means you have to be more careful where you cut.
Another option is guillotine-style clippers. The blade on the clipper will stay sharper longer, but it can be more difficult for beginners to use. To use them, you will need to insert your cat’s claw into a small hole where the blade will cut. It’s like threading a needle but with a wiggly cat instead.
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Support Items
Speaking of squirmy cats, it may help to have a towel, blanket, or second person nearby as a helper. Wrapping your cat in a towel or blanket can keep your furry friend occupied while you trim their nails. If you have a helper, they will be able to hold the cat while you clip the nails, which will make the process easier.
Treatments will also be important in this process. To keep your cat calm and patient, you’ll want to feed them a treat after every claw or so. If you accidentally cut your cat’s quick claw, you’ll need a styptic powder on hand to reduce bleeding and reduce pain.
How to Trim Cat’s Nails at Home in 7 Steps
Once you have your supplies, you can start trimming your cat’s nails. Throughout this process, take breaks if you feel like your cat is growing, and don’t be afraid to call an experienced pet parent for help if you feel overwhelmed. By following these steps, you can make nail trimming as quick and easy as possible.
1. Find a Calm, Quiet Place
If you’re in a house with a lot of people or pets, you don’t want to cut your cat’s nails in the middle of the commotion. To make the experience as stress-free as possible for you and your cat, go to a separate part of the house and close the door.
If your cat is in a very emotional state, soothe them. Take the time to calm them down from their excitement and settle them into a relaxed state before you begin.
2. Get Your Cat in a Comfortable Position
Once your cat is calm, it’s time to get them into position for nail trimming. Experience will tell you which position is best for you and your cat, as some cats may feel stressed in one position, while others may prefer it. Some ideas include sitting with your cat on your lap or laying back on your chest.
If your cat seems unhappy in any position, this is where the towel or blanket and an assistant can come in handy. You can wrap your cat like a burrito and keep one leg out to cut. The more you trim your cat’s nails, the better you will understand their preferences and what position will help them feel more comfortable.
3. Find the Nail and the Quick
Gently touch your cat’s paw and pick any nail to start. With your index finger on your cat’s paw pad and your thumb on top of his toe, apply gentle pressure to expose the nail. Observe where the quick is, which will be the pink part of the nail rather than the white part. Quick should be avoided as it is the root of your cat’s nails.
4. Cut at Right Angles
Once you’ve identified the nail and the quick, it’s time to cut. Cut at a slight angle rather than straight across, which will help the nail rest more naturally on the ground as your cat walks.
Although your instinct may be to be cautious and tentative during the process, you must cut firmly and firmly. If you are too slow in cutting the nail, you may crush it instead of cutting it cleanly.
5. Cut Little by Little
Instead of cutting the entire nail at once, cut a little at a time. This will help you to ensure that you avoid accidentally cutting too fast. This will also help you monitor your cat’s reaction. If your cat appears agitated and growls or hisses, it’s time to rest.
6. Repeat for Each Nail
Repeat this process for each nail. If the cat remains calm, it’s a good idea to give your cat a treat after each claw. You may also consider ending the session on a positive note and try another nail the next day.
7. End With a Positive Experience
After trimming your cat’s nails, be sure to end the process on a positive note. Give them treats, cuddles, or playtime—whatever they want. They deserve it!
Helpful Tips for Trimming Your Cat’s Nails
If you are still overwhelmed by the prospect of trimming your cat’s nails, we have some tips that may help you.
- Practice, practice, practice. Before trimming your cat’s nails, go through the entire process without clipping any nails. This helps you and your cat become accustomed to the sensations involved, giving your cat plenty of time to adjust before the real deal.
- Take advantage of support tools. Soft music or soothing pheromones can calm your cat.
- Stay calm. If you’re not calm, your cat won’t be either. Your cat can pick up on the smallest emotional cues, so it’s important that you stay patient with the process. If you feel yourself getting agitated, take a break.
Conclusion
While trimming your cat’s nails may seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be. By following the seven basic steps in this article, you can make the process simple and effective. Start by gathering your necessary tools and training before you begin the process. If you keep the experience positive, clipping your cat’s nails will be easier in the future.
Featured Image Credit: GaiBru-Photo, Shutterstock