If you’re a cat owner, you know how important it is to care for your pet’s nails. Keeping their claws short and clipped regularly reduces the amount they scratch and helps to prevent injury when walking on hard surfaces.
Taking the time to properly trim a cat’s nails can be tedious and can be difficult for some cats, especially those who are highly stressed when they have their paws handled. Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to make the nail trimming process less stressful for your cat.
Preparation
Cats are a wonderful pet but their claws can get out of control and become too long, rough and pointed. This makes them more likely to snag on carpets and blankets, which can cause painful injuries or lead to infection.
Taking care of their nails regularly will make them feel better. They’ll be happier and not as likely to scratch at things like your furniture or doorways.
First, prepare the area for nail trims by removing any items that might make them uncomfortable, such as blankets and rugs. This will also allow your kitty to feel more comfortable and cooperate with you as you work on their claws.
Once you have your supplies in place, take your time to apply nail caps one at a time. This will prevent a glue mishap and help you to adjust the fit of each cap so that it’s perfect for your cat. It’s best to work with a team, so that one person is applying the caps while the other keeps your kitty relaxed and cooperative using physical support and treats.
Getting Started
Getting your cat ready to get their nails clipped is a gradual process, and it can take weeks or months for most cats. But you can smooth out the process by introducing nail trims as early as possible, using positive reinforcement and lots of treats to build your cat’s trust in you.
For your first clip, gently restrain your kitty on a lap while you start with the front paws. This will help you both get used to the tools and the procedure.
If you find yourself trimming a lot of nails, take breaks in between so your cat doesn’t get too agitated by the process.
When you trim, be sure to pay attention to the quick, a spot within each nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. Cutting this area too short can cause discomfort and bleeding. To prevent this, you can apply styptic powder to the affected areas. This will stop the bleeding until you can visit a veterinarian.
Trimming
The cat’s nail is a complex arrangement of bone, tendon and ligament. By default, these strong structures help keep the nail in a stable recessed position and prevent it from extending out of the paw pad or unintentionally causing injury or snagging on anything nearby.
In addition, these tissues keep the claws from becoming too long and out of alignment with their paw pad. Routine nail trimming helps keep these protective features in place and prevents overgrown nails from dragging or causing injury.
Trimming should be done on a slow, patient basis to make it as comfortable for your cat as possible. Start by handling each paw in small, slow stages until your cat is comfortable having their claws handled without objection.
Post Trim Care
While some cats don’t seem to mind having their nails trimmed, others simply don’t like it and aren’t shy about letting you know they’re uncomfortable by squirming or scratching.
Cats that don’t have their nails trimmed can develop a wide range of health problems such as pain and ingrown claws. Keeping your cat’s nails short and clipped regularly helps reduce scratching, prevents ingrown nails and minimizes damage to furniture and carpet.
But getting your cat used to having their nails trimmed can be a little tricky. Start the process as early as possible so you can get them comfortable with having their paws handled.
Before starting, have all of your tools ready including nail clippers, styptic powder, flour or cornstarch and a Q-tip or facial tissue. This will help your cat feel calm and relaxed while the nail trim is happening.