When it comes to grooming, cats like to do things on their own terms, and this can make trimming their nails a hassle. But it doesn't have to be! In fact, most cats can learn to tolerate nail trimming with a little practice and lots of treats. So, are you ready to learn to trim cat nails with us? We're here at Petaholic to give you step-by-step advice on how to trim your naughty cat's nails to help you and him through the process. We also have all the supplies you need to do this safely in our store.
How to learn to trim cat nails, step by step, even with your fussy cat?
Prepare the necessary supplies for this process
Make sure you have everything you need close at hand before you begin. You shouldn't have to interrupt a nail-cutting session, especially if your cat isn't a big fan of nail trimming and is very mobile. So make sure you have these cat nail clipping supplies before you begin:
- nail clipper
- A towel to wrap your cat in (optional)
- Treats (optional to use when necessary to calm your cat)
- Calm nerves and a lot of patience!
Find a quiet and comfortable place for your cat
Cat breeding needs cat nails to be trimmed. Doing this in a quiet area of your home and away from children, other pets, or loud noises will help keep your cat calm; Which makes it easier to trim her nails. With practice, you will find the best way to hold your cat in a way that is comfortable for both of you. If you are a beginner at clipping your cat's nails, try these positions:
- Sit and hold your cat lengthwise on your lap.
- Stand and hold your cat on a flat surface that you don't mind getting scratched, like a padded ironing board.
- Lean back with the cat lying on your chest.
- Sit with the cat lying in the valley between your legs.
You can always try a few different modes until you find what works for you. If your cat is particularly nervous, one way to hold her securely is to wrap her in a towel, with only one paw outside the towel at a time. This makes it more difficult for your cat to escape or to scratch you. Some cats may also relax if you lift a corner of the towel over their head to muffle the noise and prevent them from seeing what you're doing. For other cats, these methods may stress them out more, so do what's best for them. It's all about knowing your cat well.
Isolate the nail to cut it
When you find a comfortable position for you and your cat, lift one of her paws. Do your best to hold your cat's paw in the normal position without bending it backwards or forwards or bending its leg in an inappropriate way. Choose a claw to start with, any one will do. Since cats have retractable claws, you will have to apply pressure on the foot pad to extend their nails. Using your non-dominant hand, place your index finger on the pad of your cat's paw, and your thumb on the top of the toe. Gently press to extend the nail, and note where the vein is so you know exactly where to cut the nail. This vein can cause pain or bleed if you cut it while clipping your cat's nails. But here's the good news: Since most cats have clear nails, it's relatively easy to locate and avoid the pink part of the nail. As long as you only trim the white part of the nail, you're good to go.
Trim cat nails at an angle of 45 degrees
Use scissors to trim the tip of your cat's nail. Instead of cutting straight across, aim for a 45-degree angle, which will allow the nail to rest comfortably on the floor when your cat walks after clipping her nails. Use firm, firm pressure to clip the nail; A slower, gentler approach and hesitation can accidentally crush the nail, rather than clipping it safely and smoothly.
*Pro tip: If your cat has long hair around her paws, make sure to pull her back and out of the way so you can see what she's doing.
Cut a small portion of nails each time
Start by trimming the tip of your cat's nails, paying close attention to make sure you don't accidentally hit a vein. Cut a small section at a time. Especially if you are a beginner, it is best to start slowly and work up to cutting more in future manicure sessions. Instead of stressing your cat by accidentally cutting a vein. As you cut more and more of your cat's nails, you may see a pink or black dot on the dark nails in the middle of the cut area of the nail. Stop there, as this is a sign that you are close to a vein.
To help your cat enjoy the experience, you can try giving treats after each nail you cut. Some cats may refuse treats during nail clipping. If your cat doesn't eat during the grooming, you can save treats for her until she's finished. As for nail trimming, look for warning signs, such as tail twitching, body stiffness, or panting. These signs indicate an angry cat may scratch or bite. If you see any of these signs, take a break.
If you are looking for the best clippers to safely trim your cat's nails without much fuss, we recommend:
How often should you cut your cat's nails?
In general, domestic cats need their nails trimmed every two weeks. Cat nails grow more quickly, and in some cases you may need to trim them every week. While you need to trim the nails of older cats only once a month. As for the sneaky cats that get out of the house, they need sharper nails to defend themselves, so you may only need to cut their nails a few times a year.
Here are some signs that as soon as you notice them, it's an indication that it's time to get your nail clippers out:
- When the nails are too bent.
- When it's incredibly sharp.
- If you can't bend them.
Long, huge claws may not seem like much of a problem to you, but letting a cat's nails grow out too long can cause some serious damage, including:
- Injury to your cat's claws from nails that have curled and grown in.
- Changes in the way your cat walks, which can lead to long-term joint problems.
- They can get stuck in carpets and anywhere you walk, which can cause distress or injury to your cat.
- furniture damage,
- Risk of scratching your cat.
Some of the best nail clippers we recommend to you in our store:
Once you know how to trim your cat's nails, it can become an easy process for you and your cat, saving you the hassle of going outside to do it. With a little patience and lots of treats, you and your cat can be pros in no time. You will also find at Petaholic a group of the finest nail cutting supplies that facilitate this process for you at the best prices.
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