Your cat's claws are often something you don't think about until you get a sharp reminder that they're too long. Cutting a cat's nails can be a delicate process, but with patience and the right techniques, it can be done safely and effectively.
Tips and Tricks
It only needs to happen every 1-2 weeks, but the more often you cut their nails, the less they will fuss and the less they can hurt you because their nails will always be trimmed. We try to practice this once every week as the quick (the pink part with blood vessel in the nail) grows longer as the cat's nail grows longer. Because of this, trimming longer cat nails can results in nail bleeding. However, as the nail's tip is trimmed, the quick slowly recedes. So, the more often you trim your cats’ nails, the easier it gets.
If you only look at and touch your cat's paws when it's time to trim their nails, your cat may be upset by the unusual sensation. A lot of cats don’t like their paws touched at all, so normalize this by playing with your cat's paws, especially when they are happy, such as when they are eating their dinner or when you are petting them. At first, they may get annoyed, but the more your touch and play with their paws, the more they will think it is normal and let you. This way, when you're about to trim their nails, it will make things much easier.
Essentially playing with their paws when they are calm allows them to become accustomed to the sensation and thus feel safe. It also doesn't hurt to praise your cat and lavish them with treats while playing with their toes. After a few weeks, your cat will most likely accept nail trimmings more calmly.
If your cat is especially bad with nail trimming you can try to give them a treat after each paw, to begin associating this process with treats.
Here's a Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cut Your Cat's Nails:
1. Gather Your Supplies: Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools on hand. You'll need a good pair of cat nail clippers (specific to cats) and a styptic powder or pen in case you accidentally cut the quick (the blood vessel in the nail).
2. Get Your Cat Comfortable: Start by getting your cat in a comfortable position. This can be done by holding your cat in your lap. If your cat is fidgety, try wrapping them in a towel like a burrito to help keep them still. Sometimes a hoodie works as well if you tie the arms around them so they are unable to move.
3. Identify the Quick: Take a look at your cat's nails and locate the quick, if you look at the photo above it is the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If your cat has white nails, the quick will be easily visible. However, if your cat has black nails, it will be more difficult to see, so proceed with caution.
4. Cut the Nails: Hold your cat's paw gently, but firmly so they cannot easily move it. Begin by gently squeezing the top and bottom of your cat's paw until the claws appears. Once you see where the quick is, clip the tips of the nails, avoiding the quick. If you accidentally cut the quick, use the styptic powder or pen to stop the bleeding, you cat will be fine, it happens, just move to the next claw.
5. Reward Your Cat: After you have finished cutting your cat's nails, be sure to give them lots of praise and a treat for being such a good kitty.
By following these steps, you can cut your cat's nails safely and effectively. Remember to be patient and gentle, and always have a styptic powder or pen on hand in case of an emergency. Additionally, if you're having trouble cutting your cat's nails or if you're nervous about doing it yourself, have someone else there to hold your cat from moving, or better yet have someone with experience to teach you the process and watch you do it. If it is really bad, consider seeking the help of a professional groomer or veterinarian.
If you need additional advice, you can ask us for help here!