Trimming Cats Claws 

If your contemplating trimming cat claws, it’s important to work up to the big moment. Plunging right into the process without experience will only create a traumatic experience for you and your pudda.

Chances are, you could end up with some scratches and bites.

When You Are Trimming Cat Claws Start Gradually

If you haven’t trimmed their claws before it would probably be a good idea to have a vet or groomer take care of it for you for the first couple of times.

This will give your cat time to get used to having you someone handle their paws, that way you can begin doing it at home without stressing them.

Most vets or groomers will trim your cat’s claws for you for a small fee. You can also ask to observe the process – most won’t mind showing you how they trim the nails.

What You’ll Need

I recommend the small scissors-type of cat nail clippers – they’re less likely to cause splintering than human clippers or larger pet clippers, and are easy to handle.

Getting Your Cat Used To It.

To get your cat accustomed to having its nails trimmed, massage gently and take a moment to touch their paws whenever you get the chance.

Get your cats accustomed to having you handle their paws gradually – when they’re sleepy, handle their paws briefly (no trimming) as you pet them, and give them a treat afterward, if they like treats (or whatever else they like – brushing, more petting).

Make brief episodes of paw handling part of your regular petting routine. Then, after your cats get used to having their paws handled without the stress of being trimmed, you can begin trimming their claws.

Start with just ONE claw, when your cat is sleepy, and try to be as quick, gentle, and self-assured about it as possible. After trimming the claw, pet & praise the cat, &/or give it a treat.

The next day, try two claws. After that, just trim 2-3 claws per session, and they’ll all get done in time, without stress to you or to the cats.

You don’t have to trim all the claws at once.

As long as you always make an effort to keep it brief & positive, you may be able to gradually increase the number of claws you can clip in a session.

Whatever you do, DON’T introduce punishment into the mix – squirting a cat for struggling will make it a negative experience for the cat, and it will struggle more, and learn to fear the claw trimming sessions rather than appreciate them as a special petting & treat session.

Trimming cat claws can often be a two person job – one person to hold the cat and one person to trim the nails. Cats usually have five nails on each front foot and four on the rear although they can be born with extra toes. The nails on extra toes tend to become ingrown and should be trimmed more frequently.

There is also the towel wrapping or burrito technique to keep your cat contained this will make your cat more manageable and you safer.

How to trim your cats claws without causing them injury.

Please Note: You should be able to see the quick, the pink part of the nail that contains the blood vessels and nerves, through the nail. Always cut above the quick to make sure you are just cutting the sharp tip of the nail off.

The quick is the part of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. Cutting the quick is painful for your cat and will cause bleeding.

Place the cat in your lap or get someone to hold them and gently hold one of their paws.

Un-sheath your cat’s retractable nails by placing your index finger underneath one toe and your thumb over the top of the same toe. Squeeze your fingers together gently.

When you do this, you’ll see the toenail protrude; it will remain extended until you release your hold.

Carefully trim each nail just beyond the point where it starts to curve downward. Make sure you use pet nail clippers specifically designed for cats.

Start gradually, clipping a few nails in one sitting, using positive reinforcement such as patting or treats as you clip.

If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the tip of the nail with a cotton bud. You should also have styptic powder on hand in case you clip too far and the quick starts bleeding. dip the nail in styptic powder and the bleeding will immediately stop.

If the bleeding does not stop, always seek veterinary attention.

Remember if your cat is stressed gradually build up to trimming all the nails in one sitting.

How Often Should My Cats Claws Be Trimmed
Check and trim all your cat’s nails every one to two weeks. They can get too long and sharp if you let them go for weeks. Not only that you can get your cat used to cutting nails if you do it on a regular basis.

I think people wait too long and that’s why a lot of cats don’t cooperate in nail trimming. Trimming cat claws is an essential part of a cat grooming, not only does it keep your cat claws healthy but it protects you and your furniture.

Videos: Trimming Cat Claws