Isla Bennett
Cats' claws are always growing, and while indoor cats or those with mobility issues may need their owner's help to keep their nails in check, outdoor cats tend to maintain their nails by scratching and climbing. Overgrown nails can cause mobility issues, ingrown nails, and accidental injury to the cat, other pets, or humans. To safely cut overgrown nails on an old cat, it is important to prepare the cat for nail trimming by getting them used to having their paws handled. It is also important to use the right tools, such as cat nail clippers, and to cut the nails regularly, but only as much as the cat will permit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to cut | Every two to four weeks |
| Tools | Cat nail clippers, styptic powder, corn starch, torch, towel or blanket, treats |
| Preparation | Get the cat used to having its paws handled, gently pressing the toe to expose the claw, get the cat used to the clippers, cut one nail and give a treat |
| Technique | Avoid cutting the quick, cut the white parts at the tip, cut where the nail curves or hooks downward for dark nails, use sharp blades, cut from top to bottom |
| If you cut the quick | Apply styptic powder, corn starch or flour to stop bleeding, contact a vet if bleeding doesn't stop |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare your cat for nail trimming
Cats are independent creatures and like to do things on their terms. This can make trimming their nails a daunting prospect, especially for older cats. However, with patience and practice, most cats can learn to tolerate nail clipping. Here are some tips to prepare your cat for nail trimming:
Get your cat accustomed to handling:
Start by gently touching your cat's paws with your fingers and playing with each toe. This will help your cat get comfortable with you handling their paws. Once they are at ease, take their paw in your hand and gently press on the toe pads to expose the claws. Remember to pay close attention to their body language and stop if they seem uncomfortable.
Introduce the nail clippers:
Let your cat examine the nail clippers on their own. You can offer a treat and praise if they remain calm. Next, work the clippers with your fingers as if you are cutting the air, so your cat gets accustomed to the sound.
Get your cat used to the trimming process:
Once your cat is comfortable with the above steps, you can start the trimming process. It is important to go slowly and not rush this step. Start by trimming only one nail the first time and offer a treat afterward. If your cat was startled, go back to cutting the air near the claw for a few days before attempting to trim again. Gradually, you can increase the number of nails you trim in one session as your cat gets more comfortable.
Choose the right tools:
There are different types of nail clippers and grinders available for cats. Scissors-style and guillotine-style nail clippers are commonly used. Nail grinders can help file your cat's nails smoothly, but the mechanical hum may be stressful for some cats. Choose sharp, specific-use clippers to ensure a clean cut and minimize stress for your cat.
Create a calm environment:
Trim your cat's nails in a quiet area, away from distractions and startling noises. Using a calming spray or placing your cat on a towel or blanket can also help keep them calm and relaxed during the process.
Remember, the key to preparing your cat for nail trimming is to take things slowly and patiently. By gradually introducing the process and creating positive associations through treats and praise, you can help your cat tolerate and even enjoy nail trimming.
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What to do if your cat resists restraint
If your cat resists restraint, it is important to stop trimming and not force the issue. You could try wrapping your cat in a towel or blanket burrito-style, leaving the head unwrapped so that your cat can breathe easily. This can help to restrain your cat while also keeping you safe from scratches. You can also try the forearm feline lock technique, which involves placing your cat on a flat surface and using your forearm to hold them in place. Your hand should be positioned behind their head, with your fingers gently gripping the scruff of their neck. This mimics how a mother cat carries her kittens and can help to calm your cat.
If your cat still resists, enlist the help of someone else. It is much easier to trim a cat's nails when it is two against one. You could also try using a calming pheromone spray, which can help to soothe your cat. If your cat is still resisting, you may need to take them to a veterinarian or groomer to have their nails trimmed. You can then work on introducing at-home nail trims gradually.
It is important to remember that every cat is different and may respond better to certain techniques than others. The key is to be observant and flexible, adjusting your approach based on your cat's behavior and comfort level. In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe calming medication to make the procedure less stressful for your cat.
Finally, remember that preparation is key. Get your cat acquainted with the tools and techniques beforehand to reduce anxiety and make the process as stress-free as possible.
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How to identify the quick
The quick of a cat's nail contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues that support the nail. If you cut the quick while trimming your cat's nails, it can be very painful for your cat and cause bleeding. Therefore, it is important to identify the quick before you start trimming.
Cat nails are translucent, and in light-coloured nails, it is usually easy to see the triangular pink quick at the base of the nail. The clear portion in front of the quick does not contain any nerves or blood vessels, which is why cutting this area is not painful. If the nail is dark, you will need to be more cautious to avoid hitting the quick.
To identify the quick, gently press on your cat's paw pad to extend the nail and take note of where the quick is. You can use a small flashlight to help you identify exactly where the quick ends. Once you have located the quick, only trim the white part of the nail, a few millimetres past where the quick ends. If you are unsure where to cut, it is better to start slowly and trim a little bit at a time, especially when you are a beginner.
If you accidentally cut the quick, apply a styptic powder, such as Miracle Care Kwik-Stop Styptic Powder, to the affected nail and apply pressure for a few seconds. You can also use flour or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn't stop, see your veterinarian immediately.
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How to cut nails without splinters
Trimming your cat's nails is important for their health and comfort, especially for older cats that are less active and may be less inclined to use a scratching post. Overgrown nails can curl around and grow into the paw pads, causing a painful ingrown nail or infection.
To cut your cat's nails without splinters, it is recommended to use sharp, cat-specific nail clippers or scissors. While some sources suggest using human nail clippers, others advise against it as they can crush the claw. Cat nail clippers are designed specifically for the job and can provide quick and smooth cuts without applying unnecessary pressure, reducing the risk of splintering.
Before cutting, it is important to identify the quick of the nail, which is the pink part containing blood vessels and nerves. For cats with white nails, the quick is visible, and you should cut without getting too close to it. For cats with dark nails, cut at the point where the nail curves or hooks downward, avoiding the pink part of the nail.
When cutting, apply pressure from top to bottom rather than from side to side to minimize splintering. It is better to make several small cuts, gradually shortening the nail, than to accidentally cut off too much in the first attempt. Only cut the white part of the nail, trimming at a 45-degree angle to allow the nail to rest comfortably on the ground when your cat walks.
By following these steps and using the right tools, you can safely cut your cat's nails without causing splinters.
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What to do if you cut the quick
If you accidentally cut the quick of the nail, it can be a painful and stressful experience for your cat, and it will bleed. It's important to stay calm, as your cat may pick up on your nerves and become more anxious.
Firstly, you will want to stop the bleeding. You can do this by applying a small amount of styptic powder to the affected nail. This will also help to relieve any pain. If you do not have styptic powder, corn starch or flour can be used to stop the bleeding. Apply pressure for a few seconds until the bleeding stops.
If the bleeding doesn't stop, contact your veterinarian for advice. Keep a close eye on the nail and paw in the following days to ensure it doesn't become infected.
If your cat is very distressed, it may be best to stop the trimming session and try again another day. You can give your cat treats throughout the process to help them develop a positive association with nail trims.
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Frequently asked questions
Older cats tend to require more frequent nail trims than younger cats as they are less active and their nails grow faster. The general rule of thumb is to trim nails every two to four weeks. However, you may need to trim your cat's nails more or less frequently depending on their lifestyle and nail growth.
It is recommended to use cat nail clippers or claw scissors designed specifically for cats. Human nail clippers can be used, but they need to be turned on their side to avoid crushing the claw.
First, take your cat's paw in your non-dominant hand and press the middle paw pad between your thumb and forefinger to extend the nails. Then, place the clipper on the nail, ensuring you don't cut too close to the quick (the pink part of the nail containing blood vessels and nerves). For black nails, use a torch to light the nail from the opposite side to locate the quick.
If you cut the quick, apply pressure and use styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch to stop the bleeding. Keep an eye on the nail and paw to ensure it doesn't get infected. If the bleeding doesn't stop, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Prepare your cat by gently touching their paws and handling their toes to get them used to the sensation. Give your cat treats throughout the process and go at their pace. You may also want to get assistance from another person or consult your veterinarian for guidance.
