Liam Carter
Cats need their nails trimmed, just like humans and dogs. Scratching posts can help maintain a cat's claws for a short while, but they will eventually need a clip. Trimming a cat's nails can be a challenging task, but there are several tricks that can help, such as using treats, waiting until they are sleepy, or taking them to a vet or groomer. It is important to avoid cutting the 'quick' of the nail, where blood vessels and nerve endings lie, as this can cause pain and bleeding.
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What You'll Learn
How to hold your cat
To cut your cat's nails, you'll first need to get your cat in the right position. Pick up your cat and place them, paws up, in the crook of your arm. They should be facing the same direction as you, so you can hold their paws (one at a time) in your hand from behind while holding the clippers in the other.
If your cat is fidgety, try wrapping them in a cat towel to help keep them calm. Gently squeeze between the top of the paw and the toe pads on the bottom to expose the claws. Take care not to squeeze the whole paw, as this will increase blood flow.
With one paw in your hand, use your thumb and pointer finger to gently press down on the top and bottom of the paw on the joint just behind the claw. This will cause the claw to extend so you can quickly but carefully snip off the sharp tip. Be careful not to get too close to the pink part of the nail, called "the quick", where blood vessels and nerve endings lie. Just like the pink part of a human fingernail, the quick is very sensitive, and cutting into this area will likely cause bleeding and pain. If this happens, apply a little pressure to the very tip of the claw with a clean towel or washcloth, dip the claw in some styptic powder or cornstarch, or rub the nail across a dry bar of soap.
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Choosing the right tools
Firstly, decide between nail clippers and a nail grinder. Clippers offer a quick snip, while grinders like a Dremel slowly and gently file down the claws. If you opt for clippers, there are a few varieties to choose from:
- Scissors-style clippers are similar to small scissors with divots for the nail. They are a popular choice for groomers due to their ease of use.
- Guillotine-style clippers have a hole that you poke the nail through before sliding the blade across to cut it. While these clippers stay sharp longer, inserting the cat's nail into the hole can be challenging.
- Pliers-style clippers have a spring that provides extra strength for trimming thicker nails.
When selecting a tool, it's important to avoid cheap, scissor-like clippers that can pinch the nail and cause discomfort for your cat. Additionally, consider choosing a grinder designed specifically for pets, such as the Dremel Cordless Pet Dog Nail Grooming and Grinding Tool or the Wahl Premium Nail Filer.
In addition to the clippers or grinder, it's a good idea to have styptic powder or a styptic pencil on hand. These are anticoagulants that can help stop bleeding in case you accidentally cut into the "quick," the sensitive area containing blood vessels and nerve endings. Kwik Stop Styptic Powder is a popular brand. Alternatively, you can use flour or cornstarch to stop the bleeding, but styptic powder has the added benefit of easing pain due to the topical pain reliever it contains.
Remember, the right tools will help make the nail-trimming process more comfortable and safe for both you and your cat.
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Avoiding the 'quick'
Trimming a cat's nails can be stressful for both the cat and the owner, but it is an important part of a cat's healthcare program. The quick is the pink part of a cat's nail where blood vessels and nerves are located. Cutting into the quick can be painful for the cat and cause bleeding. To avoid cutting the quick, only trim the white part of the nail at a 45-degree angle, taking off just a little bit at a time. Use firm, decisive pressure and cut a few millimetres past where the quick ends.
It is important to get your cat accustomed to having its feet handled. Offer praise and treats and stay calm, regardless of the cat's reaction. Always trim your cat's nails in a calm, quiet location, and when the cat is sleepy, such as after a meal. If your cat has long hair around its paws, make sure it is pulled back and out of the way so you can see what you are doing.
If you do accidentally cut the quick, apply pressure to the tip of the claw and dip it in styptic powder, cornstarch, or rub it against a dry bar of soap to stop the bleeding.
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Calming techniques
Calming a cat while cutting its nails can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. Here are some techniques to help calm your cat during the nail-trimming process:
Choose a Quiet and Familiar Location: Select a quiet room in your home where your cat feels comfortable and at ease. Avoid areas with distractions like windows or other pets.
Prepare the Right Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools ready, such as nail clippers, styptic powder or cornstarch in case of bleeding, a towel or blanket, and calming products like CBD treats or oil.
Keep Your Cat Comfortable: Make your cat comfortable by placing a blanket or pillow on your lap. You can also use a towel or blanket to "swaddle" your cat gently, providing gentle pressure to keep them still.
Stay Calm and Positive: Cats can sense your energy, so stay calm and positive. Take deep breaths, and remember that your cat will pick up on your anxiety.
Use Treats and Rewards: Offer your cat treats or their favourite food before and after nail trimming. This will help create a positive association with the experience.
Start When Your Cat is Sleepy: Try trimming your cat's nails when they are calm and sleepy. Cats tend to be more relaxed and less resistant after a meal or during a catnap.
Handle Their Paws Regularly: Get your cat used to handling their paws. Touch their paws often, so they get accustomed to you handling them, making nail-cutting less stressful.
Flower Essences: Flower essences, such as Bach's Rescue Remedy, can have a calming effect on cats. Consult a veterinarian familiar with flower essences for specific recommendations.
Remember, it's essential to be patient and gentle throughout the process. With time and consistency, your cat may become more comfortable with nail-cutting sessions.
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When to call a vet
It is recommended that cat owners consult a veterinarian when their cat's nails appear painful or infected. Senior cats, in particular, may have nails that are in worse condition, with thicker and less transparent claws that are harder to cut. In such cases, it is advisable to seek professional assistance.
If a cat is fractious or short-tempered, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian who can administer medication or anesthesia to safely trim their nails. Similarly, cats with double paws or nails that are hidden and curled may require professional grooming.
Veterinary nurses are often skilled at clipping cat nails and may have more availability than veterinarians. They can provide guidance on how to trim nails and assess whether any additional measures are needed to calm the cat during future clipping sessions.
It is important to note that a bad nail-cutting experience can traumatize a cat, making future attempts challenging. Therefore, if a cat is resistant to nail trimming, it may be best to consult a veterinarian for advice on handling and techniques to ensure a positive experience for the cat.
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Frequently asked questions
Cutting your cat's nails can be done at home or by a professional groomer or vet. If you choose to cut them at home, place your cat in the crook of your arm, facing the same direction as you, so you can hold their paws in your hand from behind while holding the clippers in the other.
You can use scissors-style nail clippers, guillotine-style nail clippers, or pliers-style nail clippers. Scissors-style clippers look like small scissors with divots for the nail. Guillotine-style clippers work by sliding a blade across a small opening that you put the nail through. Pliers-style clippers have a spring and are best for cats with thick nails.
You should only cut about 2 millimeters from the end of the quick, which is the part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. If you cut into the quick, it will likely cause pain and bleeding.
You can try wrapping your cat in a towel or placing them in a bag to restrict their movement. You can also try giving them treats before and after cutting each nail.
