How to trim the claws of cats and cats 🐾

Although it may seem difficult, trimming your cat’s claws is an essential grooming task. Frequent claw care keeps your pet comfortable and shields your furniture from harm. It also lessens the possibility of unintentional scratches.

Since many cats dislike having their paws touched, it’s important to take a gentle approach to the procedure. It can really help if your cat is accustomed to the clippers and the routine. You can stress-free manage your cat’s claws with the correct technique and patience.

This post will walk you through the process of safely trimming your cat’s claws, along with some helpful hints to make the process go more smoothly for both of you. Let’s get to work maintaining those immaculate paws!

Why do you need to trim your claws

Throughout life, horny skin formations called claws develop. Claw wear and tear is a normal part of life in the natural world. Unlike humans, the animal does not have to worry about clipping its nails short; nature takes care of the cat’s manicure. When owners allow their animals to run around in the wild, they run on asphalt and climb trees, which sharpens their claws.

Domestic cats also attempt to scratch the door frame, any wooden surface, and the owner’s walls by trimming their claws. How often do you hear owners lamenting over ripped walls, upholstered furniture, and multiple cat scratch marks?

Cats can follow their instincts when using a scratching post, but this is not very helpful as the cat can still happily destroy the corner of his favorite sofa while ignoring the handy device. That being said, a scratching post won’t significantly shorten the cat’s claws.

The animal will suffer when walking if you do not assist it and do not clip the cat’s long claws, which may grow into the paw pads.

Tools for cutting cat claws

It is important to note that cats should never be clawed by themselves. Regular scissors and the owner’s favorite manicure set are not appropriate for this task. An exception to this rule is when one uses just a nail file.

You can safely purchase a range of cat care accessories at veterinary pharmacies and specialized pet stores. These establishments always offer guidance, recommend practical equipment, and even offer tips on how to clip a cat’s claws.

Items utilized for a feline’s manicure:

• a claw clipper, which must be sharp. Dull blades often touch sensitive areas and cause pain. Claw clippers are divided into sickle-shaped and guillotine nippers;
• a means for stopping bleeding or an antiseptic. These drugs can be useful if you touch a sensitive part. Iodine or hydrogen peroxide are great. After cauterization, the wound is sprinkled with baby powder;
• blisters – special scissors that look like manicure scissors, but are designed to fit the shape of a cat"s claw;
• a file for grinding;
• for long-haired cat breeds, such as Persians, you will need a hair clipper, as the fur on the paws interferes with the process of trimming the claws. If the cat is timid or the sound of the clipper irritates it, then the fur from the paws is cut manually using scissors;
• alcohol for disinfecting accessories. All tools for trimming claws must be treated before the procedure.

How to prepare a cat for the procedure

The owner needs to be aware of his cat’s personality and capable of customizing any procedures to suit it. This is particularly true for tense or hostile animals, as they may react incoherently. It is preferable if multiple people clip the cat’s claws at home because then an assistant won’t be needless.

It is best not to force a nervous cat who makes a lot of attempts to escape. Claw trimming during the struggle can cause damage to the paws. The cat has to be calmed down before you attempt to trim its claws once more.

When the animal is a kitten, they start acclimating it to all kinds of manipulations. The cat shouldn’t be afraid to touch its paws in any scenario. As soon as the animal is calm, gather all the necessary equipment.

The cat is initially caressed on its favorite spots and its paws. Make careful to touch every paw. Don’t stop the pet from leaving if she expresses the desire to do so; she needs to know that nothing will be done against her wishes in order for her to relax.

Give the animal lover some praise and give her some treats if she lets you pet her paws. She will become accustomed to these manipulations and consent to you touching her limbs with pleasure.

The cat’s paw is placed on the palm and given a particular treat, which is always given just before the cat’s claws are trimmed. Fingers are used to massage the paws alternately while the claws are being checked. When you apply pressure to the pads, an animal that trusts its owner will let its claws come free.

Claw trimming is a crucial component of your cat’s grooming regimen that keeps their paws healthy and guards against furniture damage. You and your feline friend can avoid stress during the process by using the appropriate tools and techniques. Regular de-clawing not only makes your cat more comfortable, but it also contributes to keeping your home safe.

Basic rules for trimming claws

In order to properly trim a cat’s claws, you must adhere to the same protocol, which involves both the animal’s preparation and the actual procedure.

Although you can have a professional do a cat’s manicure, you can easily clip a cat’s claws at home.

1. The claws contain a certain number of nerve endings and blood vessels that form the pulp. You should not injure it, since it immediately begins to bleed, which becomes very painful for the animal. Cut off no more than 2 mm of the stratum corneum.
2. The procedure is scheduled for daytime so that the claws are clearly visible.
3. After preparing the animal, take it on your lap and talk affectionately. The cat hears the owner"s voice and is distracted by it.
4. Slightly press on the pad of the paw: the claws should appear.
5. Use tweezers to cut off only the upper part of the stratum corneum.
6. Repeat the same with the hind legs.
7. It is better to grind the ends of the cuts with a file and do not forget to treat each area with an antiseptic.
8. After the manicure, the cat is praised and treated to treats again.

When trimming a cat’s claws, it’s important to consider the animal’s health and avoid handling it while it’s actively playing or has an empty stomach. You have to be certain about the pet’s wellbeing. However, it’s time when the cat is getting ready for bed, has consumed a substantial meal, and appears content.

If the family favorite does have a damaged claw, but trimming it is not advised due to its condition, so let it alone for the time being. The rules must be strictly followed when getting a manicure!

How often to trim a cat"s claws

Cat manicures are performed on demand, that is, as soon as the stratum corneum lengthens. Usually, this can be completed in three weeks. The animal will wean itself off of the procedure if you do it less frequently.

Prior to the show, always trim.

Checking the cat’s claws once a week will suffice, and a vigilant owner will know when the cat needs to have its claws trimmed.

In the event of an issue, the animal might require veterinary assistance. Keep in mind that the animal’s trust in you and the availability of clean tools are prerequisites for cutting.

Claw trimming is a crucial component of your cat’s grooming regimen. It aids in preventing harm to your furniture and your pet. You can make the process less stressful for both of you if you can get your cat used to it early on.

Don’t forget to use the right instruments and methods. A peaceful setting and an excellent pair of cat nail clippers can make all the difference. Try again later, but take breaks if your cat is resisting. The secret is to be patient!

Claw trimming can develop into a bonding activity with practice and time. Frequent haircuts will maintain your cat’s comfort and overall health. Together, enjoy the process and acknowledge small victories!

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