How To Cut A Cat's Nails Without Getting Scratched

When learning proper cat petting techniques, the purpose is non to become mauled. Because when you exercise get mauled, you can exist at the mercy of their sharp nails. So your favorite role of beingness a cat possessor probably isn't cut their nails. This task tin be daunting or even painful at times. You tin can choose to have your veterinary cutting your cat's nails, just this takes actress time and money — it is best to learn to practise it yourself. We know yous desire to savour all of your time effectually your pet, and so here are some tips to assistance make the process of cutting nails a breeze.

clipping cat claws — Denis Val/Shutterstock

Get your true cat acquainted

Information technology is platonic for a cat to exist introduced to nail clipping at a young age. This way they volition quickly become used to it and the act will exist easier on all parties involved. You should exercise the introduction while your cat is calm, perhaps when they are sleepy or right after they eat. Earlier using the blast clippers, make certain your cat gets acquainted with the sound of the clippers. The sound can be loud and potentially frighten cats. To train your cat to get used to blast clipping, you lot'll need the help of a dry slice of spaghetti. Insert the pasta into the nail clippers, and gently press ane of your cat's toes. This should cause them to extend a nail; when your cat's smash is out, prune the spaghetti. Repeat a few times, preferably with different toes and on multiple paws. Treats will probably exist useful in having a successful training session.

If your cat is reluctant to have their paws handled, exercise massaging and grabbing toes prior to cutting spaghetti. When they go to pull their paw away, don't resist — instead, continue belongings on and gently move with them. Gently push button on one toe pad, which should crusade a nail to be extended, then immediately release your grip and give your cat a treat.

How to cut a true cat's nails

Past observing your cat'due south nail, y'all will notice the end closest to the paw is pink. This is called the quick of the boom, and it contains blood vessels and nerves. You should never cutting so far equally to nick the quick. Just clip off the white part of the boom — and if you lot're unsure, information technology'south ameliorate to exist safe than sorry. When in doubt, leave a decent amount of white blast to protect the quick.

Another preparation before cut nails is having the right tools on paw. Man nail clippers are not strong enough, infant nail scissors can cause hurting when used on a true cat's nails, and domestic dog clippers are too big. You should get a pair of blast clippers designed specifically for cats. They should take precipitous, stainless-steel blades. For your condolement, consider a pair of smash clippers with cushioned or ergonomic designs.

When yous're ready to begin clipping, place the cat on your lap with their head facing abroad from y'all. Have one of their toes in your hand and gently printing it, revealing the nail. Decide how far you lot should cut (remembering to leave a border around the quick), do the deed, cutting at a slight down bending, then release your true cat's paw. Now it's time to give them a treat. Cats who are just getting used to nail clipping should not take more than a few nails cutting at one time. Cats take at to the lowest degree eighteen toes, then you might beginning by doing one paw per sitting.

How ofttimes do I need to cut my cat's nails?

A cat's nails continuously grow. If not trimmed, they will grow downward and sometimes into a cat's hand. It will somewhen become painful for a cat to walk if their nails are not regularly cut. The time betwixt routine nail clippings will depend on how fast your individual cat'south nails grow, just on average it should be every 10 to fourteen days.

Keeping your cat'southward nails short is an important function of feline hygiene that requires your help to complete. Although they might be reluctant to cooperate at outset, with the proper training techniques, your cat will exist thankful that you're around to trim their nails for them.

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