In the article, we told you why it is necessary to trim your cat’s claws, how to prepare your pet, and what tools are needed. You will also learn how to trim nails correctly, how often and what complications may arise.
A caring housewife may wonder whether her cat's nails need to be trimmed. However, by that time all the furniture may have been chewed off for a long time, so study this issue in advance. In the article we told you whether they need to be cut? Who is not recommended to have a haircut? They also answered questions about what tools can be used to trim a cat’s claws and how to prepare for the first operation.
- What about my manicure?
Do I need to trim my cat's claws?
Claws are needed to climb trees, run and cling to surfaces. In wild animals they wear down on their own due to high activity. What about pets? Pets move much less, rarely walk outside the house and walk on soft surfaces. Our pets begin to damage the furniture and scratch everything. In addition, a cat's fifth claw is located on the back of the front paws just above the toes and never scratches against anything. In older individuals, it can even pierce the skin!
In most cases, nail trimming is not necessary. To determine whether your cat needs this operation, you should focus on the regrowth of the plate. The structure of all animals is individual, rely on the structure of your pet’s paws.
Basic Rules
To properly trim your dog's nails, follow these rules::
- Even if your pet walks on asphalt every day, nail trimming is still necessary, especially if the dog has an accessory digit.
- Don’t skimp on a nail clipper; choose not only the most expensive, but also the most convenient device. The main criterion is a comfortable handle and a sharp blade.
- If you do not have experience, do not try to trim your dog’s nails in one go, spread out the procedure over several passes.
- The best time to trim your dog's nails is after bathing. Warm water will relax your pet, and the claws will be easier to cut.
- If hair interferes with trimming nails, be sure to trim it. Otherwise, you will not see what you are doing, which means there will be a risk of injury to the dog.
If you do not have experience, it is better to carry out the first procedure in a salon . An experienced specialist will not only show you how to trim your nails correctly, but will also give you the necessary recommendations.
When should a kitten's claws be trimmed?
In what cases does a kitten need this procedure?
When does a kitten need to have its nails trimmed?
Overly frisky babies can scratch their mother's nipples when feeding. This is dangerous for the cat because she can get mastitis, so it is worth carrying out the procedure to protect the mother.
Examine the front paws to understand where to cut the kitten's claws. If they are devoid of pigment, then pink blood vessels can be seen underneath them, reaching almost to their tips. If the vessel does not reach the tip, then the claw is too long, so you can safely cut without fear of touching it.
As the claw grows, the vessel also lengthens. If you cut it to the same length next time, you may damage the vessel. You need to trim the claw so that it is a little longer than usual, and cut it again in a couple of weeks.
Never rush
If you look at your cat's claws, you will see a darker part inside a mostly clear, hard surface. This part is called the quick claw.
This is where the nerves and blood vessels are located. Never stop there, otherwise your cat may bleed and become uncomfortable.
If you've ever broken a nail, you know why cats don't like it. Instead, trim only the white part of the nail.
It's always better to leave a larger claw than to cut too deep. You may want to have a styptic or powder on hand.
You can use it to stop bleeding if you accidentally cut too deep. You can find these products at most pet stores.
What tools can you use to trim a cat's claws?
Trimming with nail scissors is a bad idea. People use them because the human nail plate is thin and flat. The structure of cat claws is different. The tool causes delamination. It is better to use nail clippers to trim animals.
Using this tool helps you trim your cat's nails painlessly. Externally, nail clippers resemble tweezers or pliers. There are 2 varieties: sickle-shaped and guillotine. Their choice is large, so each owner can choose the best option for him.
option.
Blisters are a tool that looks like nail scissors, but has blades curved at the ends.
Blister
Secateurs are equipped with a spring, which is located between the handles. It has a limiter, so you can only trim the outer length.
Guillotines – suitable for cats with thick nail plates. The tool looks like a cigar cutter. To cut a claw with it, you need to place it in a special hole at the end of the scissors. You need to move from bottom to top so as not to crush the claws. If your pet is still small, then it is better to carry out the procedure using pruners or a blister. It is dangerous to trim fragile claws with a guillotine.
Guillotine
When choosing a tool, you should focus on the type of structure of the nail plate. The main condition that must be observed is high-quality materials. It is better to spend money on buying a high quality nail clipper than to put your pet at risk. Before the procedure, the device must be treated with an alcohol solution to avoid infection.
You can also buy an electric trimmer. He sharpens his claws quickly, but the cat may be scared by the buzzing sound.
Electric trimmer
Trimming stages
Haircut consists of several stages. Compliance with them will allow the procedure to be carried out correctly and not harm the pet. It is necessary not only to correctly choose the place where the incision will be made, but also to select the right tool.
Reference! If the cat has a violent temperament, it is better to carry out the procedure with several people rather than alone. Then everything will go faster, and the owner will reduce the risk of being scratched and bitten.
Selecting a location
You can't just take a claw and cut where you want. In this area the animal has many nerve endings and blood vessels that form the pulp. If it is damaged, blood will begin to flow from the nail area, and the pet will be in pain. Therefore, you should choose the right place. It is permissible to remove no more than 2 mm of the stratum corneum, cutting off only its upper part. If the owner is not sure that he can cope, it is worth contacting specialists. The first procedure must be carried out carefully, acting with extreme caution.
Using a nail clipper
There are several different tools available to carry out the procedure. One of these is a nail clipper. The principle of its operation is similar to nail scissors. At the ends of the tool there are special cutouts located vertically. They help to quickly and safely remove part of the nail.
When using a nail clipper, proceed as follows:
- With your left hand, carefully take the cat's paw and lightly press on the pad. This will allow the animal to release its claws;
- Take the tool with your right hand and cut off a maximum of 2 mm from the tip. It is better to be careful and cut a little than to harm your pet and hurt him;
- Using a nail clipper, you need to place your nail between the cutouts of the tool and bring the ends together.
The more carefully and calmly everything goes, the more likely it is that next time the pet will resist and be less nervous.
Anti-scratch for cats
Can I cut my hair with regular scissors?
It has already been noted that there are special tools for trimming claws. Some people wonder whether it is possible to use ordinary scissors to perform the procedure, and if not, then why? By deciding to do this, the owner risks harming the animal. It is strictly forbidden to use standard scissors and other tools from a regular manicure set. Especially if the objects are not sharp, but blunt. They can split the claws, cutting will take a long time and the cat may be hurt.
Important! The only exception is the sanding file. It can be used to treat the animal’s nails after the procedure.
You can purchase special tools for cats at pet stores or veterinary pharmacies.
How to prepare a cat for the first procedure?
Preparing for the first procedure
It is difficult for adults to get used to various changes, so you need to get acquainted with the instrument from childhood. The nail clipper should become a familiar thing in the house for the animal. To do this, you need to let your pet smell the instrument and play with it so that it does not cause him fear.
When the pet is in a good mood, you need to take it in your arms and press on its fingertips. The pet will get used to it and in the future will not be afraid when its paws are touched.
Once your pet gets used to it, you can perform a simulated haircut.
The cat is placed in the owner's arms. They take his paws in their hands one by one. At first she may break out of your hands, but after the second or third time she will get used to it. Talk to your pet and distract him with something interesting, and after the procedure treat him with something tasty. This will ensure that the cat has a positive reaction. Carry out a few more of these “rehearsals”, and then you can start trimming the claws for real.
After the procedure, the pet is treated to food
There is no need to distract the cat from its business to carry out the procedure. And also you can’t hit or shout at her. However, it is worth being persistent. It is best to ask someone for help, so that one person holds the cat and the other does the haircut. If your pet is struggling violently, you can wrap him in a towel.
The process of getting used to cutting hair
This procedure is not new, and it is quite successfully provided by specialists in animal salons and veterinary clinics. But, of course, you can do a haircut at home with your own hands. First you need to decide whether you need to trim your cat’s claws and why you should do it. If sharp paws cause a lot of inconvenience, then you can use special means to solve the problem. If the procedure is carried out skillfully, there will be no harm to the animal.
Kitten with claws
Reference! There are special anti-scratch products for cats. These are multi-colored nail overlays that help reduce damage from sharp claws. You should try this option before cutting your hair. And if that doesn’t help, you can arm yourself with scissors.
Carrying out the procedure yourself is very difficult. Especially if we are talking about an adult cat and its owner’s lack of such experience. The animal does not really like this process. Therefore, the pet will begin to resist in every possible way. To reduce stress for your pet, he should be accustomed to grooming from a young age. But even if the cat is an adult, it also takes time for him to get used to such a regular ritual. The owner needs maximum patience.
Important! Some people prefer to give the animal sedatives before the procedure. This does not benefit the pet. It is better to spend more effort and safely accustom him to a haircut.
Step-by-step instructions - how to trim a cat's claws
Trimming a cat's claws
If you have finally decided to carry out the procedure, then step-by-step instructions on how to properly trim a cat’s claws will help you:
- Prepare the place. Take out the alcohol solution, napkins and cotton pads in advance in case of injury. Treat the nail clipper with an antiseptic and disinfect your hands to prevent infection.
- Make sure your cat is calm.
- Place her on your lap. It is advisable to wrap the cat in a towel so that it does not scratch you or jump out of your hands.
- Take the foot in your hands and fix it firmly. Expose the claws by applying gentle pressure to the pad.
- Decide where you will cut your hair. The cut line should be at the very edge of the claw, its white part, without pink nerve endings. The correct cut location is shown in the photo.
How to choose the right place to cut
- Bring the nail clipper to the paw and click it if the cat does not show concern. If she is scared, first calm the animal down and then try again.
- Trim the very edge of the claw at the correct angle: along the growth line, holding the scissors from bottom to top, so that the trimmed claw does not differ in shape from the untrimmed one. You need to cut off the very edge.
- To prevent your cat from associating nail trimming with something bad, feed her her favorite food.
To better understand the topic, watch an educational video on how to properly trim a cat’s claws at home.
Setting the Mood
In an ideal world, you would start training your cat to accept nail trims as a kitten, once they learn how the world works. No matter when you start, nail trimming should always be done in a quiet and peaceful place. Ideally, trim your cat's nails when they want to sleep, such as after eating.
Stay away from windows and other pets that might distract you or them. You can take your cat with you to a place where you can sit comfortably with her on your lap.
How often is nail trimming done?
The frequency of haircuts is individual for each cat. All animals have different activity levels, so you need to determine the frequency of trimming yourself. Active animals that often walk outside, run and climb trees practically do not need this procedure. Their claws wear down on their own.
If your pet doesn't go outside, its nails will wear down more slowly. In this case, a haircut needs to be done. For some, it is enough to trim once a month, for others – every 2-3 weeks.
Cats with low physical activity have their nails trimmed more often.
Color also affects the speed of growth. Light colored claws grow faster.
If your pet participates in exhibitions, you need to trim its nails every time before the event.
When to start cutting your kitten's nails
Adult cats are more aggressive towards various hygiene procedures: bathing, cutting nails. Therefore, it is better to get used to such procedures from the first months of life. You need to start cutting your kitten’s nails as soon as they have grown to the point where they are bothering him. Early age is not a hindrance for this, but only a big plus. While the pet does not understand very well what is being done to him, his mind perceives everything as a game. And until his claws have had time to become well and completely stronger, he needs to be accustomed to regular and necessary hygienic procedures.
Kittens will have to trim their nails once or twice a month. This is not very common, and any owner can cope with such a procedure.
At the age of 3-4 months, kittens’ claws are cut, as they are already beginning to interfere with active running and movement..
All instruments must be kept sterile clean, and before performing the procedure they must be treated with alcohol. You can also let the kitten get acquainted with the wire cutters for him; the baby will be curious to sniff and examine them. If, through negligence, you still injure your pet and the nail begins to bleed, then the wound needs to be treated with hydrogen peroxide.
A furry pet should be clean, washed and tidy at any age. A loving owner will always carry out all the appropriate procedures on time and follow all the rules for caring for his beloved animal.
Source
How to trim the nails of an aggressive cat?
Each cat has its own temperament. If your pet is calm and docile, you are very lucky. But there are aggressive and nervous individuals that you have to find an approach to. Most likely, the animal will claw, bite and break out of your hands. What to do if the cat doesn't give in?
Aggressive cat
You can't yell at a cat or hit it. Such behavior on the part of the owners will only frighten her, and she will subsequently avoid the procedure.
Take the cat in your arms, hug her, caress her. You should not make sudden movements so that she does not get scared. Be kind and gentle with your pet.
It is not recommended to trim your cat's claws alone. Ask a family member to help you. To prevent your cat from scratching or injuring you during the procedure, you can wrap it in a blanket or towel.
If the animal is very scared during grooming, the procedure should be rescheduled.
Make friends with paw
Some cats don't even like having their paws touched, let alone having their claws trimmed. Take the time to make them feel comfortable touching their paws and your efforts will pay off in the long run.
Gently pinch one paw between your fingers and rub gently for two to three seconds. If your cat moves during the process, watch her gesture carefully.
Then squeeze your paw so that one nail extends. Release immediately and give the cat a treat. If you can, do this two or three times a day until your cat gets used to it and doesn't resist as much.
Possible complications after cutting nails
Complications after haircut
Cats are afraid of being groomed, so their behavior is often unpredictable. The pet may begin to break free from your hands and run away. There is a high probability of accidentally touching a nerve ending, and in this case blood may bleed. But there's no need to be nervous. It is important to react in time and provide first aid. There should always be disinfectants in the house. If there is a cut, you need to treat the paw with an antiseptic, anoint it with iodine and sprinkle it with talcum powder.
If the bleeding does not stop for a long time, contact your veterinarian.
Nail trimming depending on breed
Veterinarians say that the condition of the nails and the rate of their growth directly depends on the specific breed of the animal. And this factor influences the cutting process. Persian cats often experience delamination of the horny area and rapid growth of claws. Therefore, experts advise carrying out the procedure for this breed several times a month. The condition of the nails is also affected by the age of the pet. In mature years, an abnormal growth of the claws sometimes occurs. Because of this, it is recommended to trim them only under the supervision of a specialist. Additionally, a change in diet may be prescribed to strengthen the nails.
Based on these features, it is worth considering the procedure based on the characteristics of the animal’s breed.
Haircut for the sphinx
The Thai Sphynx's claws grow quite quickly. And the main feature is the frequency of the procedure. You will have to cut off the claws several times a month. The process consists of several steps:
- you need to choose the right moment. It is best when the animal is a little tired and about to fall asleep. It is difficult for a pet in this state to actively resist; he will be relaxed. You need to handle it calmly, without sharp or loud sounds;
- a suitable place with good lighting is selected in advance. It is necessary to place everything that is required in the process there. Of course, it is important to act carefully so as not to injure your paws. But just in case, it’s worth keeping hydrogen peroxide nearby to treat wounds;
- The sphinx sits on the owner's lap. Gently press on the pads of the paws so that the claws appear. In good lighting, the border where the vessels begin is clearly visible. Only white areas can be removed. Anything that has a pink tint should not be touched;
- At an angle of 90 degrees, a small part of the nail is removed with the selected tool.
Reference! If the plate begins to peel, you should carefully file it with a file and remove it.
If it was not possible to avoid injury and blood appears, it is recommended to apply a piece of cloth or cotton wool soaked in peroxide. If bleeding is severe, it is important to contact your veterinarian quickly.
Trimming a Brit's nails
And others
A British cat needs to have the procedure done every 3 weeks. You should also inspect the animal's claws. Each pet is individual and some representatives of the British breed may have slower nail growth. Therefore, trimming will need to be done once a month.
What happens if you don't cut your hair on time?
If your pet's nails grow short, trimming is not necessary. They start to get in the way when they dig into the paw pads. You can notice this in their behavior. The animal will become slow, calm and inactive. In such cases, they often chew their paws, trying to remove the interfering claw.
If you notice that your cat is feeling uncomfortable, it's worth checking its paws. Long nails need to be cut using a nail clipper.
In advanced situations, you need to go to the veterinary clinic and consult with a veterinarian.
Trimming your cat's claws is easy! It is enough to have the necessary tools and disinfectants. It is better to do this in time than to put your pet in danger. Proceed carefully and carefully, and study the information about this procedure in detail.
Haircutting tools
There are several types of devices that can be used to trim a cat’s claws:
- Guillotine claw clipper. The instrument has a ring at the end into which the keratinized part is placed. After pressing the handle, a blade appears and cuts off the fragment. The guillotine is more suitable for experienced breeders. Without the skill, it is easy to cut off an area larger than required.
- Nail clipper-secateurs. Looks like pliers. There is a spring between the handles, which greatly facilitates the process.
- Nail clipper-scissors. They resemble a human device, but with indentations on the cutting surface. The claw is placed in the notch and cut off. This design eliminates slipping and the risk of crumbling the plate. For trimming at home, this is the best option.
Stationery or manicure scissors, as well as wire cutters, cannot be used. They will crumble the plate.
Surgical method of removal
This method is only suitable for cats living at home. Even if you sometimes go to the country with your pet, and the cat is outside, surgical removal is not suitable for you. In case of danger, the cat will not be able to fend for itself. For cats and kittens that periodically spend time outdoors, it is important to be able to protect themselves from other animals and climb a tree.
The procedure is carried out only among young individuals. It takes time to get used to life without claws, and older animals have a hard time getting used to changes.
Surgical removal has contraindications, so it is worth finding out in advance whether your pet has chronic diseases.
At what age can you start?
If the breeder has never trimmed the puppy’s nails, then try to accustom the baby to cutting his nails literally from the first days of his stay in your home.
If you have acquired a 2-month-old baby, then it is quite possible to accustom him to this procedure . After all, the sooner you start, the easier it will be for you in the future, since the pet will not be afraid and nervous.
Covers for claws
Anti-scratch for cats
An alternative way is to purchase special covers. Anti-scratch caps are silicone caps made of soft plastic, which are attached using special glue. It is completely harmless and will not cause any discomfort to your pet.
The advantage of this method is that the cat will continue to scratch the furniture, but there will be no destruction. Besides, she won't be able to hurt her child.
Additional Tips
By taking your pet into your home, you have taken responsibility for its health. Timely trimming of claws is part of pet care. To keep your cat healthy, it is important to know the following rules:
- Monitor the condition of your paws. All pets are individual. To determine whether your pet needs nail trimming, you need to examine it periodically.
- Have iodine, antiseptic and zinc-based powder so that in case of a cut, disinfect the wound.
- Buy a nail clipper. These include pruners, blisters, guillotines and trimmers.
- Carry out the procedure if the pet feels safe.
- Talk to him while cutting his hair and distract him with something interesting.
- If you doubt your abilities, you should contact a veterinary clinic.
Treat your pets with tenderness and care so that they feel your love.
What is required for a haircut at home?
A set of necessary tools:
- Hemostatic agent. This could be flour, baby powder, or hydrogen peroxide in case you hit a live part of the nail and your dog bleeds.
- A nail file is needed to remove irregularities, sharp corners and nicks after cutting.
- It is better to purchase a special nail clipper at a pet store or grooming salon.
- Cotton pads.
- Pet treat. Be sure to reward him if he behaved well during the procedure.
Then cutting will become a real problem.
