A cat’s claws grow throughout its life and are continually renewed. To speed up and facilitate this process, cats need to sharpen their claws by scratching objects that are not always suitable for this. And very often cats injure their owners with sharp claws while playing.
Can a kitten’s claws be clipped? The answer is yes.
In this post you will learn how to trim a cat’s nails the right way.
How do I clip my cat’s claws properly?
Try to get the kitten used to such an unfamiliar procedure as nail trimming as early as possible.
Also don’t forget to teach the kitten to use the scratching post.
Stroke his paws, gradually moving to the pads, press lightly on the pads until the claws appear. This simple exercise should be done as often as possible, and then your pet will be quite comfortable with clippers.
It is good if during the procedure the kitten will be in a sleepy or at least calm state.
Don’t try to catch it while you’re playing and start cutting off its nails.
There is no need to force the kitten. Some cats cannot get used to hygienic procedures.
Then I advise you to swaddle the kitty so as not to injure yourself or the kitten during the clawing process.
I made a video on how to trim a cat’s claws at home.
8 tips on how to trim a cat’s nails
- Wash hands and disinfect trimming tools
- Take the kitten. Talk to it softly and gently
- The paw should be held gently but firmly, so that it does not slip out at the most inopportune moment
- Press gently on the center of the pad to open the claw
- Look at the claw, you can usually see the free edge that can be trimmed. Further, the pink tissue inside the claw is the nerve endings and blood vessels, which shouldn’t be damaged. So, be careful and watch out for them
- Trim the free edge of the claw, leaving a couple of millimeters to the pink tissue. If necessary, you can lightly file the edge of the claw so that it does not cling
- Repeat the procedure with the rest of the claws
- Praise and pet the kitten even if he doesn’t behave very obediently. You can give him some treats or vitamins
If you happen to trim a claw deeper than necessary and it starts bleeding – DO NOT PANIC! Calm your kitten down and treat the injured claw with hydrogen peroxide. The claw may bleed for a while, but it usually stops bleeding fairly quickly.
If you do not have time to constantly cut claws, then pay attention to anti-scratchers for cats.
Be prepared for the first procedure
If this is the first time you’re getting your cat’s claws clipped, we recommend that you take our advice and prepare thoroughly.
First, you may not be able to guess the right tool the first time. But since a cat has 18 toes (10 on the front paws and 4 on the back paws), you will have an opportunity to experimentally choose the tool that is most comfortable for you and painless for the cat.
Tool options:
- Manicure scissors;
- Manicure tweezers;
- Special cat scissors – blister;
- Trimmer.
In addition to cutting tools you will need:
- Hair clipper (use it if there is a lot of hair growing between the cat’s fingers);
- Absorbent cotton or cotton pads;
- Hemostatic agents (hydrogen peroxide, hemostatic sponge, tannin, etc.);
- Nail file or emery board.
Tools for cat’s claw cutting
You can buy similar to human clippers for clipping the cat’s claws in pet stores or online. Such a tool has reinforced edges of the blades and the blades themselves are shaped as if encompassing a fingernail.
But popular among pet owners are two main types of claw clippers – sickle and guillotine. The first ones are designed for those animals whose claws are particularly strong. Most often these are not cats (although there are exceptions).
The guillotine trimmer is a more convenient and advanced device, which also makes the cut better and “cleaner”.
When choosing a tool, give preference to one made of stainless steel. Rubber pads on the handles of the tool will be a powerful argument in favor of the choice. It won’t allow your hand to slip and the claw trimming procedure will be faster.
How often to trim a cat’s nails?
Claws are cut as they grow, and centuries of experience have shown that it is better to do it every 2-3 weeks. You may encounter the opinion that claws on hind legs can not be cut. You can check this statement at the cost of your furniture, but it is better to be reassured.
The usual manicure schedule may be disrupted if the cat is to participate in a show or mating.
Claws must be trimmed before these activities.
What you shouldn’t do
Do not be lazy and skip the “nail day”, do not trim cat’s claws if the cat is nervous and breaks out (so you can hurt him, dislocate a limb or cut more than acceptable).
Recap
- Trimming cat nails is important.
- Do it once in 2-3 weeks
- Use special cat trimmers to do the procedure safely