Moving in Your Four Paws
TRIMMING A CAT'S NAILS
One of the reasons that cats scratch is to keep their nails trimmed. You can help your pet by trimming his nails regularly. The clipper we recommend is a special nail clipper for cats that looks like a small scissors with curved cutouts in the blade. While nail trimming can be an emotional experience for both pet and owner, it doesn’t have to be with these few simple tips:
One of the reasons that cats scratch is to keep their nails trimmed. You can help your pet by trimming his nails regularly. The clipper we recommend is a special nail clipper for cats that looks like a small scissors with curved cutouts in the blade. While nail trimming can be an emotional experience for both pet and owner, it doesn’t have to be with these few simple tips:
- Before you ever trim your cat’s nails, get your pet used to the idea of nail trimming. Start by gently massaging the toes a few times, going over each toe. You can also give your cat a treat so that he associates nail trimming with a positive experience. You may have to spend a few days using the massage technique before your cat is ready.
- Start by finding a quiet spot without any stimulation from other pets, children, or outside noises.
- There are a few choices for the actual trimming:
- Sit in a comfortable chair while holding your cat in your lap, tucked against the arm of the chair.
- Wrap your cat in a blanket to comfort him (similar to swaddling a baby).
- Kneel on the floor with your cat tucked between your legs so he can’t back away.
- Take one paw, and gently squeeze a toe so the nail protrudes. If your cat protests, try petting him and giving him a treat.
- Once you squeeze the toe so the nail protrudes, clip the white tip of the nail using the special nail trimmers. Never cut the pink part of the nail as this is a very sensitive area! If you are uncertain how far to cut, only clip the very end of the nail. Give your cat a treat so that he knows this is a positive activity!
- You may want to clip one paw at a time, with a rest in between for your cat before moving on to the next paw. Don’t forget to offer treats!
- Take your time and go slowly, petting your cat throughout the process.
- Your cat’s nails grow fast, so try to trim his nails every 10-14 days.
- If all else fails, your veterinarian or a groomer can clip your cat’s nails for you.