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Much like long car rides and baths, trimming your kitty’s nails is one of those activities that probably feels near impossible. But alas, it must be done. Quick trims keep your cat healthy, prevent discomfort from overly long nails, and protect your furniture.
We know that many cats aren’t fans of trims and will do anything they can to wriggle and wiggle their way out of them. Here’s how to trim your cat’s nails at home to make the process a bit easier for you and your feline friend.
Before you even learn how to cut your cat’s nails, you’ll need the right equipment! There are a variety of nail clippers on the market – guillotine-style, pliers-style, scissors-style, nail grinders, etc. You could also use human nail clippers but they’re not generally recommended due to the risk of splintering their nails.
So, which type is the best one to use? That’s up to you (and your cat)! Use clippers you feel comfortable with and cause the least stress for your cat. Just make sure that they’re sharp! The blunt pressure from dull blades can cause nails to split.
Cat nail-trimming position usually includes cats lying down on a flat surface or in your lap. Others have a helper hold their cat as they do the trimming. But many cats still get squirmy as you trim their nails, making the task especially difficult. Our tip for how to cut your cat’s nails and minimize stress? Try using the Cat-in-the-Bag Cozy Comfort Carrier. Made of breathable 100% cotton, this soft cat carrier helps to gently restrain your cat while you cut their nails. It is also resistant to scratches and snags! No trauma, no drama.
You’re almost ready to begin learning how to trim your cat’s nails at home! Find a quiet spot – no loud music or television, away from kids and pets, and where it’s least likely they’ll hear any startling noises. This will help ensure they’re as calm as possible for their nail trimming. It’ll also help reduce your distractions!
Once they’ve been secured in their lightweight cat carrier, take hold of one of their paws through the velcro port. It doesn’t matter which you start with. Since cats have retractable nails, you’ll need to gently apply pressure to the paw pad to reveal their nail. Do this by taking your cat’s paw in your non-dominant hand and softly squeezing it between your thumb and forefinger.
The most important thing to remember when you learn how to cut your cat’s nails is to watch the quick. The quick is the pink part of the nail that’s closest to their nail bed, made of sensitive tissues that contain blood vessels and nerves. It should be easy to spot if your cat has clear nails. But if they don’t, cut where the nail curves or hooks downward.
Cutting the quick can cause pain and bleeding which is why you should only trim the tips of their nails. Cut the quick? Accidents happen! Just apply a small amount of styptic powder to the end of their nail to stop the bleeding. Substitute with cornstarch if you don’t have styptic powder. Flour and baking powder will also do in a pinch.
How to cut your cat’s nails: position the clippers at a 45-degree angle, or perpendicularly. Cutting parallel can splinter their nails. Cutting at an angle will allow their nails to rest comfortably as they walk. Use proper pressure as you use the clippers for a clean cut.
Learning how to trim your cat’s nails at home? Go slowly! Trim just a little at a time to prevent cutting the quick or fur. While this is true for all cat parents, this is especially important for nail-trimming beginners. Listen to your cat. End the trimming session if they’re struggling too much after one or a few of their nails are finished. You can always come back another day.
The final part of learning how to cut your cat’s nails is trimming the dewclaws. They’re located on the inner side of their paw. Think of them like thumbs! Dewclaws can grow into the skin or paw pad, causing pain and inflammation. Trim them with their other nails or during a separate session.
Reward your cat with treats, cuddles, or praise when you’re finished. This can be after each paw or when you’re completely done. It’ll help them understand nail trimming is a positive experience.
Learning how to trim your cat’s nails at home can be difficult for you and your cat. We recommend not only using gentle restraint with the Cozy Comfort Carrier, but doing something to calm yourself too. An anxious human can deter your cat from nail trims entirely. Fake it ‘til you make it! You may also want to try getting your cat acclimated to the nail trimmer, the cat pouch carrier, and with their paws being touched if they’re not already.
Looking for more? Visit our cat blog to learn how to cut your cat’s nails, tips for calming anxious cats, and more helpful cat info!
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