How Often To Trim Cat's Nails

Your Cat's Nails | Regularly Trimming Matters

July 26, 2016

Pet parents know the importance of regularly trimming a dog'due south nails, simply did you know that regularly trimming a cat'south nails is just as important? For many of the aforementioned reasons as for dogs, cats need their nails regularly clipped to heighten their quality of life. In this blog and video, we've presented some nuts on trimming your cat's nails.

Why is it of import?

First and foremost, trimming your cat'due south nails keeps him healthy and comfortable. When his nails get besides long, they can brainstorm to ringlet inwards towards his paws, making information technology difficult to walk correctly. Over time, this tin can impact his gait and certainly begin to bear upon his activity level (if your toenails were overgrown and painful, would y'all still become for those early morning runs?). Trimming them keeps your kitty active and getting the do he needs to stay fit.

Another reason for nail trimming is furniture salvation. We all know how cats honey to scratch and knead on almost annihilation they tin conveniently become their paws on. As a matter of fact, scratching serves a more useful purpose than nosotros dim-witted humans call up. Scratching allows your cat to stretch his back and shoulder muscles, shed dead outer layers of boom, and exit his scent on and around his territory (using the scent glands located in his manus pads). Although scratching is vital to your cat's happiness, that expensive Pottery Barn loveseat may be vital to yours, so in order to keep it equally pristine and intact as possible, clip that cat's claws (a well-placed scratching post volition assist, besides!).

A 3^rd reason for trimming your cat'south nails (and this ane'due south a biggie) is keeping Yous safe. Although y'all adore your precious "little ball of fur," (The Big Bang Theory, anyone?), occasionally he volition skewer yous with his claws of decease, whether intentionally or not. To minimize the carnage, trim his nails on a regular basis and testify him that, although you respectfully acknowledge that he is descended from human-eating sabor-toothed tigers, yous deserve a fiddling respect, too.

How often should you trim?

The frequency of nail trimming depends on the individual true cat and state of affairs. If you have a kitten, you may desire to give him a trim (or at least check for trimming) fairly ofttimes so that he gets used to the process, thereby making your life much easier down the road. Likewise, if you accept an older cat, yous should check his nails for trimming every couple of weeks, since older cats may take problem retracting their claws and are more prone to injury from getting them caught on things. If you lot have an outdoor cat, y'all may actually want to consider doing it less oftentimes so that you lot're not inadvertently taking away his defensive weapons against the other cats and critters he may encounter out and virtually. Plus, outdoor cats will naturally trim their own nails by climbing and scratching at trees and generally carousing around the natural world.

What methods can you use?

While the best advice is to use whatsoever method is most comfy for you and your cat, here are iii ways that Pet Camp counselors have successfully trimmed cat nails:

Football cat: agree your kitty under your arm as if you lot are running him downward the field for a touchdown. While sitting downwardly, circle your arm effectually him to secure him, and with that hand gently press downwards on his paw to make his nails extend. With your other hand, clip any long nails you run across, conscientious to avoid the pink vein or "quick." Work advisedly, simply rapidly, so as to avoid agitating him more than than is necessary.
Burrito cat: using a towel or coating, make your cat resemble everyone'southward favorite subsequently-hours Mission commune meal and wrap him upwards like a tasty burrito! This method helps keep him calm and gently restrained, and keeps the novice nail trimmer safe and confident.
Babe or Toddler cat: this is my own personally-preferred manner to trim true cat nails, but, in all honesty, should only exist attempted on a true cat that is pretty tolerant. As if holding a toddler or babe on my lap (or at least, as someone who has no kids, what I imagine that scenario to look similar), I sit down kitty belly-side up with legs facing forward and cradle as I cut. Again, this is not for the faint of eye or for a challenging cat, but it has worked for me thus far.

If all else fails…

If after reading this weblog and watching our handy-keen video yous're still not sure what to do, bring your petty Mittens down to either our Chief Campground or Cat Safari location and let the experts do it for you! At only $xviii, it'southward a bargain and well worth the time, anxiety and possible blood you'll salvage trying to wing it yourself. Whatever you choose to practice, don't fail this important part of cat wellness and happiness. Remember: a happy cat is where it's at!

Cheers for reading!

Michelle @ Pet Army camp