Caleb Foster
Trimming your cat's nails is important for their health and wellbeing, as well as the safety of your furniture. Cats' claws are always growing, and if they get too long, they can cause injury to the cat's paw pads or lead to long-term joint issues. While there are several styles of nail clippers available, such as scissor-style, guillotine-style, and pliers-style, it is generally recommended to use clippers designed specifically for cats, as human nail clippers can cause their nails to split, which is painful. If you don't have clippers, there are alternative ways to trim your cat's nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to cut | Every 2-4 weeks for indoor cats; every week for kittens; once a month for older cats; a few times a year for outdoor cats |
| When to cut | When the cat is calm and relaxed, e.g. after a nap or after eating |
| Where to cut | On an elevated surface, such as a counter or table |
| What to cut with | Clippers made for cats, e.g. scissor clippers, guillotine clippers, or pliers-style clippers |
| How to cut | Hold the cat on its back with its rear on your lap; hold the clippers in one hand and the cat's paw in the other; gently squeeze the top and bottom of the paw to extend the claw; cut the tip of the nail, avoiding the quick |
| What to do if you cut the quick | Hold a styptic pencil to the claw for 1-2 minutes to stop the bleeding |
| How to make the experience positive | Give the cat treats, play their favourite game, or provide cuddles and playtime |
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What You'll Learn
Use a styptic pencil to prevent bleeding
Styptic pencils are designed to stop bleeding quickly and efficiently, making them an essential tool for pet owners. They cauterise blood vessels when touched to the nail and help prevent bleeding. If you accidentally cut into the pink part of the nail, also known as "the quick", you can use a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding.
To use a styptic pencil, first prepare the area by wiping it clean with a damp cloth or gauze. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the healing process. Then, take the styptic pencil out of its packaging and break off a small piece, about the size of a match head. Dampen the tip of the pencil with water or saliva.
Next, gently apply the pencil to the bleeding area, using light pressure and circular motions. Be careful not to press too hard or for too long, as this could cause pain or irritation. Hold the pencil in place for a few seconds, or up to two minutes, until the bleeding stops. Then, remove the pencil and discard the used piece.
It is important to note that styptic pencils can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some cases. To minimise these risks, follow the instructions carefully and seek medical advice if you are unsure about how to use the pencil. Additionally, always keep the styptic pencil out of reach of your pets and children.
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Press down on the paw to extend the claw
It is important to be careful not to squeeze the paw too hard, as this can be uncomfortable for the cat and may cause them to struggle. You should also be mindful of the position of the cat's leg, ensuring it is in a natural position and not bent awkwardly. Practice makes perfect, so it may be a good idea to practice extending your cat's nails before you get out the clippers.
When you are ready to cut, place the clipper on the nail at the point where you wish to cut. If your cat has white nails, you should be able to see the quick, and your goal is to cut without getting too close to it. If your cat has dark nails, aim to cut at the point where the nail curves or hooks downward.
The quick is the pink part of your cat's nail where blood vessels and nerves are located. Cutting into this area will likely cause bleeding and pain, so it is important to avoid it. As long as you only trim the white part of the nail, you should be fine.
If your cat becomes agitated during the process, it is better to stop and try again later. It may be helpful to only cut one or two paws at a time, rather than trying to do all of them in one go.
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Only cut the white part of the nail
It is important to only cut the white part of a cat's nail. This is because the pink part of a cat's nail, known as the quick, contains blood vessels and nerve endings. Cutting into this area can cause pain and bleeding.
To ensure you only cut the white part of the nail, you need to identify the quick. Hold the cat's paw gently between your thumb and forefinger and apply slight pressure to the paw pad to extend the nail. This will allow you to see how much of the white part of the nail you can safely trim.
When trimming, be careful not to cut too close to the quick. Only trim the very tip of the nail, and avoid cutting into the pink area. It is better to cut less of the nail than risk cutting into the quick.
If you accidentally cut into the quick, it can be painful for the cat and cause bleeding. In this case, you can use a styptic pencil, styptic powder, cornstarch, or a dry bar of soap to help stop the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure to the tip of the claw and dip it into styptic powder or cornstarch, or rub it against a dry bar of soap.
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Use a different style of clippers
There are several different styles of clippers that can be used to cut a cat's nails. It is important to use clippers designed for cats, as human nail clippers are a completely different shape and can cause the cat's nails to split, which is painful.
Scissors-style clippers are shaped like scissors, with two moving blades that cut when you squeeze the handles together. These are available in small and large sizes, with the smaller "nippers" being better for beginners or if you only need to snip the tips. They are strong clippers that are good for cutting long, thick nails. Many people prefer these for cats, and they are a groomer's preferred type.
Guillotine-style clippers have a hole that the nail is fed through. When you squeeze the handles, a blade rises up from the base to cut the nail. These clippers stay sharp longer than other clippers, but they can be tricky to use on cats because inserting the nail into the hole is difficult.
Pliers-style clippers have a spring, giving them more strength if your cat has extra-thick nails.
Human nail clippers can be used on cats, but it is best to have separate clippers to minimize the risk of spreading infection.
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Wrap the cat in a towel
Wrapping your cat in a towel or blanket is a good way to restrain them if they are putting up a fight or are less receptive to having their nails trimmed. This method can also help your cat feel more comfortable and secure.
To do this, place your cat on an elevated surface, such as a counter or table. Then, lay the towel or blanket flat on the surface and gently place your cat on top of it. Wrap the towel or blanket snugly around your cat's body, leaving their head and one front paw free. You may need an assistant to help you hold the cat and pet them while you work.
Once your cat is securely wrapped, you can begin trimming their nails. Using your non-dominant hand, take one of your cat's front paws and gently squeeze the middle paw pad between your thumb and forefinger. This will cause their claws to extend. Be careful not to squeeze too hard or bend their leg in an awkward position.
When trimming your cat's nails, only cut the white tip of the nail. Avoid cutting too close to the quick, which is the pink part of the nail containing blood vessels and nerve endings. If you accidentally cut into this area, it will be painful for your cat and may cause bleeding.
Remember to take breaks if your cat becomes agitated and always end the trimming session on a positive note with treats or playtime. With time and patience, your cat can become more comfortable with the nail-trimming process.
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Frequently asked questions
Human nail clippers can be used, but it is not recommended as cat nails are thicker and rounder than human nails. Using human nail clippers can cause the cat's nails to split, which is painful.
You can use styptic powder, cornstarch, or a dry bar of soap to stop any bleeding if you accidentally cut your cat's quick.
Wrapping your cat in a towel or blanket and extending one arm or leg at a time can help keep them calm and still. Gently squeeze the top and bottom of the paw to extend the claws.
You can use a styptic pencil, which cauterizes blood vessels when touched to the nail and helps prevent bleeding.
