Cats have 18 nails , ten on their front paws and eight on their back paws, and it is advisable to trim them periodically depending on the activity and routines they carry out. This is a process that can be complicated, especially if it is the first time you do it. But don’t worry, in this complete guide, we will teach you how to safely trim a cat’s nails at home , making caring for your kitty’s nails a comfortable and enjoyable time for both of you.
Is it necessary to cut your cat’s nails?
Yes, it is necessary to trim your cat’s nails, especially if they live indoors. Cats use their nails for many activities, including climbing, defending themselves, and marking territory. However, at home, long nails can cause a number of problems.
Excessively long nails can get caught in carpets and furniture , which can result in broken nails or even injury. Additionally, cats with long nails may accidentally scratch their owners or other animals in the house.
Keeping your cat’s nails in good condition also helps minimize damage to your furniture and other household items. To learn more about how to prevent this behavior, we recommend reading our article “ How to stop your cat from scratching the sofa and other furniture . ”
What should you use to cut your cat’s nails?
To trim your cat’s nails, you’ll need the right tools. There are several types of nail clippers designed specifically for cats, and it’s important to choose the one that’s most comfortable and efficient for you. Scissor-style cat nail clippers are popular because they allow for precise control and are easy to use.
How to cut a cat’s nails step by step
Trimming your cat’s nails can be easy if you follow these steps. Remember that the process should not take more than 10 minutes to avoid your cat becoming impatient and nervous.
1. Choose the moment and calm your cat
The key to successful nail trimming is to make sure your cat is calm and comfortable. Choose a time when your cat is relaxed, such as after a nap or meal. Gently stroke his paws regularly to get him used to being handled. It’s best if you start getting your cat used to it from a young age.
If your cat gets nervous or tries to escape, don’t force it ; try again later.
Place your cat on your lap, with his bottom and back facing you. Stroke his paws and talk softly to him to keep him calm. If your cat is especially skittish, you can gently wrap him in a towel, leaving one paw out to work with.
2. Start cutting little by little
Once your cat is calm, begin trimming the nails one at a time. Gently press on the pad of the paw to spread the nail. Hold the nail up to the light to identify the pinkish vein inside (called the “quick”) and avoid cutting it, as this will cause pain and bleeding. Cut only the tip of the nail, making sure to make small, precise cuts.
Trimming a cat’s nails is not always an easy task, so be patient. At first, you may only be able to trim a couple of nails. Don’t worry, wait for another opportunity and master the technique.
3. Use the nail clipper correctly
Use the nail clippers at a 45-degree angle to prevent the nail from splitting. Cut from the top to the bottom to prevent splitting, and if you’re unsure how much to cut, it’s best to be conservative and cut less. Stay calm during the process, and if your cat becomes agitated, stop and give him a treat to keep the experience positive.
4. Reward your cat
After nail trimming, reward your cat with a special treat . This will help your cat associate nail trimming with a positive experience and reduce resistance in the future. Use treats that you only give at these times so that your cat directly associates them with nail care.
How far should you cut a cat’s nails?
It’s important not to cut your cat’s nails too short. Look at the nail under a bright light and locate the quick, which is the vein that runs along the nail . This appears as a pink line. You should cut a safe distance from this vein, usually just the tip of the nail .
How often should you cut a cat’s nails?
How often you need to trim your cat’s nails depends on several factors, including their activity level and their environment. For most cats, a trim every two to three weeks is sufficient. However, it’s important to check their nails regularly and adjust as needed.
More active cats, who use scratching posts and other items to wear down their nails , may need less frequent trims, while less active cats may need more regular trims.
If your cat doesn’t know how to use a scratching post or isn’t interested in one yet, it’s important to teach him to wear down his nails naturally. Not only does this help keep his nails in good condition, but it also reduces the frequency with which you need to trim them. If you need help with this process, check out our post “ How do I teach my cat to use a scratching post? ”
What should I do if my cat won’t let me cut its nails?
If your cat won’t let you trim its nails, it’s important not to force it or stress it out. Here are some tips:
- Gradual desensitization : Accustom your cat to having its paws handled without cutting its nails. Pet its paws daily and reward good behavior.
- Trim only one or two nails at a time : If your cat gets nervous, don’t try to trim all of his nails at once. Trim one or two nails and then give him a break.
- Use calming aids : In some cases, calming products for cats , such as pheromones or supplements, can help your cat be more relaxed during nail trimming.
- Seek professional help : If you are unable to trim your cat’s nails yourself, consider
taking him to the vet or a
cat groomer.
What are the benefits of trimming a cat’s nails?
Cats need to take care of their nails so they can explore the world and interact with other cats. Cats scratch and leave visual and olfactory marks that they use to communicate with others. Cats also release stress by scratching, and when they live in a natural environment, they need to have their claws sharpened to hunt their prey.
Here we tell you some of the most important benefits of cutting your cat’s nails!
- Injury Prevention : Long nails can catch on carpets and furniture, causing painful tears or even injuries to your cat’s paws.
- Reducing damage in the home : Cats with long nails can scratch furniture, carpets, and other household items. Keeping their nails short minimizes this damage.
- Better hygiene : Overly long nails can accumulate dirt and bacteria, which can lead to infections.
- Greater comfort for your cat : Well-groomed nails allow your cat to move more easily and comfortably.
Cats need to sharpen their own nails, scratching is an innate behavior in felines. To prevent them from scratching your furniture, curtains, armchairs and other objects in the house, it is essential that they have a cat scratching post , a toy that they love and with which they satisfy their instinct, as well as to stretch their muscles, groom their claws and communicate with other cats.
At Tiendanimal we have prepared this selection of the best cat scratchers of all sizes and shapes that are ideal for sharpening their nails and that you can place in any corner of your home.
In short, knowing how to trim a cat’s nails and keeping them well-groomed is essential for their physical and mental health. By following the steps we’ve detailed, you can safely and effectively trim your cat’s nails yourself, preventing them from breaking or splitting. However, if you don’t feel confident doing so, don’t hesitate to go to a professional. Veterinarians and cat groomers are there to help, ensuring the process is as stress-free as possible for your kitty.
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