How to Do Cat Nail Clipping?

According to some people, cutting a cat's nails is a difficult experience, but that is not the case. However, you can train your feline friend to bear and enjoy nail trimming.

Are you here to get more knowledge about cat nail clipping? If yes, we will guide you step-by-step on cutting your cat's nails. So, let's start without any further delay.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Trim Your Cat's Nails?

Here are some tips that you can follow while a cat nail grooming. Let's find out what they are:

Gather Your Essentials

Before cutting your cat's nails, ensure you have everything to have a smooth nail trimming session. It would be best if you had these things for your cat's nail trimming:

• Cat treats
• Cat nail trimmer
• Towel for wrapping your pet
• Styptic powder, flour or cornstarch
• A helper

Creating the Environment

Kitten nail trimming is effective but no matter when you are starting, choose a quiet and peaceful location. Also, ensure that your cat falls asleep before trimming nails. Keep other pets away, as they can distract your cat. You can learn about various positions and choose what's best for you.

Make Friends with Paws

Some felines don't like it if you play with your feet. Taking the time to make your pet comfortable while touching your cat's paws is pretty. Carefully hold a cat's paw and rub it gently for a few minutes. After that, squeeze your pet's paws and release them immediately.

After that, give your cat a treat to make your pet happy. Repeat this process twice to three times until your feline friend gets used to it and doesn't resist like earlier.

Get Familiarize With a Clipper

Unfamiliar objects can stress out your feline friend. So, it's best to familiarize your cat with a clipper. Sometimes, the clipper sound while trimming the nails can scare your cat. After keeping your cat in your lap:

• Keep a piece of dry spaghetti in the clippers.
• Keep the clippers near your cat's paws and gently massag.
• Cut the noodles to make a cracking noise, and reward your pet for accepting the noise.

Start Cutting Nails

After finding a comfortable position for your cat, hold your cat's paw gently without the leg. For extending your cat's nails, apply some pressure on the paw pad and place your forefinger on it and your thumb on the toe. After that, start cutting the nails at a 45-degree angle with the help of clippers. A lighter pressure can accidentally crush the nails than cutting them cleanly.

Ensure to pull back hair around your pet's paws if your cat has long hair, or trim the cat's hair in advance. It's essential if you use a nail grinder that might hurt your pet's hair.

Avoid Cutting the Quick

You might have seen a darker section inside the hard exterior of your pet's claws. It is called a quick containing blood vessels and nerves. So, avoid cutting the quick; otherwise, your cat can get hurt and become uncomfortable.

Trimming only the white part of your pet's claw is recommended to avoid cutting too deep. If your cat gets a deep cut accidentally, try using a styptic stick or powder to stop the bleeding. These products are easily available at pet supply stores where you can get them.

Clipping Schedule

Trimming your cat's nails after every one or two weeks is better. Following the routine can keep your cat's nails under control. Seek advice from a groomer or veterinarian if you have trouble trimming your pet's claws.

Reward Your Cat

Once you finish cat nail trimming, give your furry friend plenty of cuddles, treats, and playtime. Doing this will strengthen your bond with your pet and makes his experience better for the next time.

How Often Should You Cut Your Cat's Nails?

Are you asking how much you should keep going for nail cutting for cats? Here's the answer.

It would be best to cut the nails of indoor cats every couple of weeks. Kittens' nails grow quickly and should be trimmed every week. However, older cats only need nail trimming once a month. On the other hand, outdoor cats need trimming a few times a year as they need sharper nails for their defence.

When Are My Cat's Nails Too Long?

In the case of the following signs, keep in mind that it's time to get rid of your pet's nails:

• A cat's nails are much curved.
• Your pet's nails are pretty sharp.
• Your cat's nails don't retract all out.

What Happens If My Cat's Nails Are Too Long?

If your pet has too big nails, they might cause some serious damage like:

• Injury to a cat's paw pads as nails get curled and grow into them.
• Risk of injury of a pet owner because of your cat's scratches.
• Discomfort or injury because of sticking a cat's nails in carpets.