A cat in the house is like a small child requiring attention and care. The owner of a furry friend has to regularly carry out procedures for caring for the animal's fur, cleaning the ears and trimming sharp claws. However, it is not necessary to cut them off, but if you exclude the need for such a procedure, property may be seriously damaged.
Cats have a well-developed natural instinct for sharpening their claws on different surfaces. If yard pets use tree bark for this purpose, then domestic cats will happily scratch their sharp claws on the upholstered furniture, carpet or wall with wallpaper.
To prevent damage to property in the house, you can purchase a special accessory for carefully cutting off cat claws - a nail clipper. In this article we will look at the types of nail clippers, how to use them and which one to choose for your pet.
Features of nail trimming
Claw trimming is a controversial procedure that causes a lot of controversy and debate among veterinarians and pet owners. Some argue that this is necessary, others believe that subjecting a cat to such executions is inhumane and makes no sense. In reality, each animal requires an individual approach. There are cases when trimming nails helps prevent the occurrence of pathologies and ensures full functioning.
A little anatomy
To understand the essence of the nail trimming procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with some anatomical features. The cat's toe has a specific structure: it consists of several phalanges (the last one ends in a claw), blood vessels, nerve endings, joints and muscles. The claw is tightened by a special tendon, which is located in the upper part of each finger. In a calm and relaxed state, the claws are hidden in the folds of the paws; in an excited state, they appear outside. The crescent shape of the claw allows the animal to tenaciously grab prey (literally “keep it on the hook”) and defend itself from enemies.
When a cat is in a relaxed state, its claw is hidden inside the folds
The visible part of the claw consists of two parts: “living” (the pulp, located at the base) and keratinized (the tip of the claw). The “living” area is replete with blood vessels and nerve endings, so any damage to it is accompanied by painful sensations for the cat. The stratum corneum is constantly renewed throughout life. By grinding its claws off on objects, the pet frees itself from the dead old cover (the owners have probably noticed more than once the claws left by the cat in the upholstery of upholstered furniture or a scratching post).
It is thanks to the tendon that the cat is able to retract and extend its claws
The essence of the hygienic procedure is to remove the stratum corneum without affecting the pulp. Otherwise, the animal will be injured and will need several days to recover. Also, we should not forget that trimming nails in any case gives the pet discomfort and unpleasant sensations, even if only dead areas are trimmed. This is due to the presence of nerve endings.
It is necessary to cut off only the top layer, departing from the pulp at least 2 mm
Personally, I have never cut my cat’s claws, although he scratched the wallpaper and furniture. My sister initially tried to accustom her adult pet to this procedure, but every time she was left with scratches and cuts. Then she decided to have soft paw surgery. To do this, entire phalanges of the animal's fingers are removed, as a result of which it is classified as semi-invalid. Actually, this is what happened with her favorite. The cat took a long time to recover, then became inert, inactive, gained excess weight, and over the years his paws began to deform. Honestly, I believe that if your personal property, such as a chair or sofa, is more valuable to you, then it is better to give the animal into good hands. In general, if it were up to me, I would ban such an operation at the state level, as they did in Germany.
Disadvantages of the procedure
In addition to the unpleasant sensations, there is another compelling argument against. The fact is that claws are the main tool of the animal’s life: with their help, the pet climbs a tree or cabinet, defends itself, and gets food. After the hygiene procedure, the animal, out of habit, trying to climb to a height, may fall and get injured. Cats that are allowed outside by their owners are at particular risk because they cannot defend themselves if attacked by other animals.
You don’t have to cut the claws at all when you have a healthy animal, all its organs and systems are properly formed, including its paws and, accordingly, its claws. The cat can use its claws normally, releases them completely and hides them back. She regularly changes her nail sheath without complications. It is also important to take into account your interests: the cat must be accustomed to the scratching post and not damage the wallpaper and furniture. You also need to play with it correctly using special toys purchased in the store or made yourself. Do not allow your arms and legs to be scratched or bitten. This issue is especially relevant in families with small children. If all of the above options are taken into account, and the cat does not cause you or itself any trouble with its sharp claws, then you don’t have to cut them.
Sergey Savchenko, veterinarian
https://vetdoc.in.ua/mozhno-li-strich-kogti-koshkam-otvechaet-veterinar.htm
When to trim nails
A hygienic procedure is necessary in the following cases:
- before mating and exhibition. In the first option, cutting is necessary so that the animal does not injure its partner; in the second, it is a mandatory requirement according to the competition regulations;
- in case of excessive growth of the stratum corneum. Typically, a similar problem occurs in Sphynx cats and Persian breeds. Due to a deficiency of vitamins D and B in the body, the horny part peels off. Untimely removal of the dead part leads to the fact that the pet clings to the pile of the carpet, sofas and, as a result, can either tear off a claw, damaging the “living” part, or accidentally dislocate its paw;
- when an animal, due to old age or illness, cannot sharpen its claws on its own. In this case, the procedure is necessary, since the claws can grow in different directions and painfully dig into the pads of the paws. An ingrown claw is a serious pathology when surgical intervention is inevitable. The animal cannot move independently due to severe pain, and the wound often bleeds.
Cats have a fifth, vestigial claw on their front paws. It is difficult for them to cling to something, so the stratum corneum here is much longer than on the other paws. The owner needs to control and trim the dead part in a timely manner so that the claw does not penetrate into the pad.
On a rudimentary claw (it is located separately from other fingers), the stratum corneum grows faster
Trimming nails is a necessary measure if the cat is quite aggressive and often attacks and scratches. If there are children in the house, this is the only way to protect them from injury. Also, this procedure will be relevant if there are several pets living in the house who conflict with each other and often fight.
Why do you need to do a cat manicure?
Cats' claws invariably grow, and they need to be tidied up - trimmed using a special nail clipper. Overgrown claws can cause discomfort to the animal or cause injury.
In nature, cats walk on hard surfaces or wear down their claws on trees and other convenient objects. At home, animals are deprived of this opportunity and cannot do without human help. Therefore, from time to time they need the so-called cat “manicure”.
Overgrown claws can become ingrown or cause discomfort when walking. The cat may also get caught in a carpet loop or some piece of furniture, which will lead to a finger injury and medical intervention.
When their claws grow long enough, cats begin to grind them down themselves. In the best case – on a scratching post, in the worst – on wallpaper or furniture. Timely manicure is the key to the cat’s health and the integrity of the owner’s sofa.
Types of nail clippers for cats
Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of nail clippers to suit every taste and budget. Tools vary in design, shape, and features of use. Some are intended for beginners who do not have much experience in carrying out such procedures, some are suitable for advanced groomers. All accessories can be purchased at regular pet stores or online stores.
Nail clipper-scissors
This is the easiest and most intuitive tool to use. Externally, it is no different from ordinary scissors: large handles with holes for fingers, 2 closed blades. However, there is one distinctive feature: small holes can be seen at the end of the blades. They are designed to secure the cat's claw around the perimeter so that it does not slip out during the procedure. The result is an even and neat cut. The usage pattern is quite simple: you need to place the tip of the claw in the recess and simply close the arms. This nail clipper is suitable for beginners, since the risk of injury to the animal is minimal.
Nail clippers-scissors look practically no different from ordinary scissors.
Models vary in price, weight and size. The cheapest ones can be purchased on the Aliexpress website for only 50 rubles. Although the blades are made of stainless steel, they quickly become dull and break. The cost of higher quality products from well-known companies (for example, Zolux, Hagen Le Salon) varies between 200–400 rubles, but such tools will last much longer. When choosing, you should pay attention to the size: a model with a length of 14 cm or more is not suitable for kittens.
Nail clipper-secateurs
This tool is suitable for more advanced groomers and provides a better quality cut. It is very convenient to use thanks to the spring located under the blade between the handles. It is this feature that speeds up the process of cutting nails. Externally, the accessory resembles garden shears or pliers, but its mechanism is somewhat more complex.
The nail clipper pruner has a blade locking function
The nail clipper pruner is equipped with a safety lock that locks the blades when the tool is not in use. This is a significant advantage if there are children in the family, since the child cannot get hurt by picking it up. To activate the nail clipper, simply press the button on the side, at the base of the blade. In addition to the safety lock, there is also a limiter that allows you to cut only the desired length. Experienced groomers question this function, arguing that it easily comes off during work.
The principle of using such a tool is similar to nail clippers-scissors: you need to place the claw in the hole and close the handles. Accessories come in flat or curved shapes. Manufacturers claim that the latter option allows you to process hard-to-reach areas. The average cost of nail clippers and pruners is 350–500 rubles.
Claw-guillotine
It is easy to assume that the name of the instrument was given by analogy with a medieval frightening device. The curved nail clipper has 2 rubberized handles and a metal ring at the base. You need to place a cat's claw in this hole and press the handle: at this moment a small sharp blade will appear, which will cut off the desired area.
A guillotine nail clipper is useful if your cat has a thick nail plate.
The tool is in great demand among breeders and professional groomers, but it is not recommended for beginners to purchase it. The fact is that due to the specific mechanism, it is difficult to visually assess the length of the claw being cut, so there is a high risk of touching the pulp. To use a guillotine, you must have certain skills, experience, and be able to identify the keratinized area “by eye.”
The cost of the instrument varies between 200–550 rubles.
Electric nail clipper
An electric nail clipper is also called a grinder. This is a tool for professional groomers, which is why it is often used in pet salons. The mechanism of action is that the claw grinds down on a rapidly rotating wheel. The device comes with additional attachments and limiters. The grinder is not suitable for beginners, since an inexperienced owner can easily damage the “live” part of the claw.
In an electric nail clipper, the claw is ground down on a rotating wheel with an abrasive coating.
Some models run on mains power, while others simply run on batteries or a rechargeable battery. The cost varies between 800–4000 rubles.
Video: Types of nail clippers for cats
Feedback from cat owners
The cat is active: if you don’t trim your claws in time, you’ll get scratches. Trained to use a claw machine. Does not touch furniture or wallpaper. I suffered for a long time and cut it with scissors and forceps. I used several manicure sets for her. Then I saw a review about nail clippers on one of the forums. I ordered it online but couldn’t find it in our city. I've been using it for three years now. There is no limit to happiness. Karina, 33 years old
The cat materialized on our balcony out of thin air. They went around all the neighbors - no one recognizes him as one of their own. They left because of the children. Red has no manners at all. It doesn’t bother us, but the wallpaper in the hallway has been torn apart in a week. The reaction to the scratching post is still weak. I bought a nail clipper-secateurs with a limiter. Nice, comfortable in the hand. I practice claws, though, only I do - it doesn’t work for others. Victor, 42 years old
I got used to doing cat manicures with regular scissors. A friend saw it once and had to drink it with valerian. I bought and gave Murza a guillotine claw clipper. She said that she is not against cruelty to animals. It was difficult to use at first. The guillotine is unusual after scissors. There were some injuries. But now I understand that the option is better than ordinary scissors. Ira, 18 years old
Rules for choosing a nail clipper
When choosing a tool, you need to consider the following points:
- Quality. You should give preference to models with very sharp stainless steel blades, since the tool should cut and not break off the claw plate. Before purchasing, it is recommended to inspect the product for defects.
- Convenience. The item must be selected in such a way that it is comfortable to hold in your hand. It should not be too heavy or, conversely, weightless, as this creates additional discomfort for the owner during the procedure and can result in injury for the pet. The handles should be rubberized so that the item does not slip out of your hands during the procedure.
- Density of the claw plate. Before going to the store, you need to evaluate the appearance of your cat's claws. If they are light and transparent, with clearly visible blood vessels, then you can safely buy a nail clipper such as scissors or pruning shears. Black opaque claws are harder, so for processing you will need powerful tools: a grinder or a guillotine nail clipper.
In any case, it is recommended that beginners purchase scissors to practice and gain experience. If the claw plate is very dense, and you do not have the skills to work with a grinder or guillotine, it is better to seek help from specialists. The cost of such a procedure in a pet salon starts from 220 rubles. By prior arrangement, the groomer can come to your home.
Video: how to choose the right nail clipper for a cat
Can scissors and clippers be used on human nails?
Some cat lovers are interested in whether it is possible to trim claws with regular scissors and, conversely, use a cat nail clipper to trim human nails. It is not recommended to do either one or the other.
Before purchasing, you need to carefully examine your pet's paws. If the claws are small and thin, then you should give preference to nippers, and for large claw plates, a guillotine is suitable. It is equally important that the tool is convenient for the person who will use it.
How to use a nail clipper correctly
Before trimming nails, it is necessary to treat the instruments with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine, alcohol) so as not to accidentally cause an infection during the procedure. Be sure to check the serviceability of the nail clipper. After this, you can put it in the cat's line of sight so that she can sniff and explore the new object.
In addition to the main tool, you need to have on hand:
- nail file or emery block;
- hydrogen peroxide or iodine;
- cotton sponges;
- children's talc
If you are scared to trim your nails yourself for the first time, I recommend calling a friend or someone in your household for help. One person will hold the cat, the other will perform the necessary manipulations. You can wrap your pet in a towel or blanket and take out one paw at a time for treatment. This way you can protect yourself from serious cuts and scratches. If the cat categorically does not give in and resists, it is better to postpone the procedure for another time.
Nail trimming algorithm
It is recommended to carry out the procedure during daylight hours so that the claws can be clearly seen. The pet should feel well, be well-fed and be in a half-asleep or relaxed state. Then you can take him on your lap, caress and stroke him. Actually, this is the beginning of the procedure. The further algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Massage the paw pads, pressing lightly with your fingers until the claws appear.
- Examine the claw in the light. The red stripe inside the transparent plate is the pulp, which should never be touched.
In the light, two parts of the claw are clearly visible: the keratinized part (to the left of the yellow line) and the “live” part (pinkish, closer to the base of the paw)
- Stepping back 2-4 mm from the blood vessel, place the claw in the notch of the nail clipper so that it is perpendicular to the blade. Cut off the keratinized area.
The nail clipper must be held strictly perpendicular to the claw
- Do the same manipulations with the remaining claws on the front and hind legs.
- Sand all the claws with a file or a block (so that they do not subsequently cling to the upholstery or carpet), wipe with a sponge dipped in hydrogen peroxide.
After the procedure, be sure to praise and reward your pet with a treat.
Cut ends of claws look more aesthetically pleasing and neater
You need to accustom your cat to trimming its claws from early childhood - then it will be too late. An adult animal already has its own habits and behavioral characteristics, so it will be extremely difficult to retrain it. Additional extreme stress can also negatively impact your pet's health. From the experience of a friend, I know that after an unsuccessful haircut, her docile and good-natured cat turned into a real aggressor. It’s good that the owners drew conclusions in time and no longer subjected the animal to similar executions. Over time, he calmed down and began to behave as before. I believe that a scratching post is the most humane and easiest option for resolving the issue of property damage. True, for this it is necessary to seriously engage in raising a fluffy, starting from the early months of his life.
First aid for injuries
If a blood vessel was accidentally hit, you should never panic. It is necessary to immediately treat the claw with an antiseptic and sprinkle it with talcum powder. If dried blood appears the next day, repeat the same manipulations. For several days, until the wound heals, do not let your pet go outside.
Video: how to trim a cat's claws
How to trim a cat's claws
In fact, there is nothing special about this procedure. The main thing is to act quickly, but not impulsively.
- Take the cat on your lap and place it with its back to you. You need to let the animal know that nothing bad will happen in the next couple of minutes - pet it, talk to it, scratch it behind the ear.
- Press down on the paw and lightly squeeze the pad so that the claws protrude forward.
- Carefully grab the overgrown edge of the claw with the tool and trim it.
- Treat the cut with hydrogen peroxide and polish with a nail file.
If you don’t have enough skill to cope on your own, it’s better to call someone from your household for help. One will hold the cat in the correct position, the other will trim the claws.
How to trim a cat's claws: video
The best nail clippers for cats
Good and high-quality instruments are not cheap, but they guarantee that the procedure will be painless and quick for your pet. Unlike their budget counterparts, they will last much longer, so it’s better to spend money once than to buy a new item every month.
Of course, it is difficult to make a definite rating of nail clippers, since each model has its own advantages and disadvantages: some prefer exclusively a guillotine, while others are content with scissors. However, from a wide range of products, we can single out those that have long proven themselves on the most positive side.
Hello Pet Nail Scissors
The tool from the Taiwanese manufacturer has received many positive reviews due to its ease of use and wide range of products. The most expensive scissors, 14 cm long, with rubberized black and red handles, cost 454 rubles. Models with handles made of plastic are cheaper. A small nail clipper (for kittens) can be purchased for 220–290 rubles, a large one for 310 rubles. The blades in all products are made of high-quality heat-resistant steel, which ensures a long service life of the product.
Hello Pet Nail Scissors Suitable for Beginners
The nail clipper performs its functions perfectly. Easy to use, blades are sharp. Due to the size and the presence of a bend, the claws are cut quickly) The ends of the cutter are rounded and will not damage your pet’s paws. It is convenient that the handles of the nail clipper are rubberized and do not slip.
Anirisha
https://irecommend.ru/content/otlichnyi-kogterez-hello-pet-sovety-po-strizhke-kogtei
Nail clipper-secateur TRIOL 181AP
The side nail clipper, although it has small dimensions (40x120 mm), is very convenient to use. The latch locks the blade, so it is impossible to get hurt with the tool when not in use. It is light in weight and fits well in the hand. The blade is also made of stainless steel. The product can be purchased for 220–350 rubles.
Nail clipper-secateur TRIOL 181AP has small dimensions, but is very convenient to use
Ultimately, I want to say that the TRIOL 181AP small side nail clipper is ideal as the first nail clipper for cats of any breed and, perhaps, even for small breeds of dogs and puppies. It is inexpensive, high quality, safe, convenient and lightweight. Even if you've never trimmed an animal's nails before, this nail clipper will do it quickly and easily. Therefore, even if your animal has never had its claws cut before, when using this claw cutter, most likely, it will not even have time to understand what is happening, which means it will not have time to start resisting. I am very pleased with this purchase.
Asya
https://irecommend.ru/content/otlichnyi-i-nedorogoi-kogterez-dlya-koshek
Zolux nail clipper-scissors
The tool from the French manufacturer is suitable for adult pets and large breed cats (for example, Maine Coons). The white and purple handle is made of thermoplastic rubber, with holes of different sizes (for one and several fingers). The sharp blades are made of stainless steel. Product size - 7x14 cm, cost - 360 rubles.
The stylish design of Zolux nail clippers attracts buyers
I saw this nail clipper in a pet store near my house. I was attracted by its color, and in general, I wasn’t happy with the old guillotine claw clipper. It peeled off the claws of my pets and was not easy to use. And this one looks like regular scissors. When I got home, I decided to take it for a test drive. Ralph the cat had claws like a tiger, and Cinthy clicked like she was wearing high heels. She gave both of them a manicure quickly, no one had time to utter a word. I liked this product: the nail clipper is comfortable, sharp, high quality, beautiful. Suitable not only for cats, but also for medium-sized dogs. It is without a limiter, whoever uses this for the first time needs to be careful so as not to injure the capillaries.
OksiFoxi
https://irecommend.ru/content/udachnaya-pokupka-219
Guillotine nail clipper Trixie-2370
The stylish tool from the Chinese manufacturer is famous for its long service life and ease of use. The optimal weight of the product (300 g) does not weigh down the hand, the limiter does not make it possible to cut off excess. The length of the nail clipper is 11.5 cm. The entire tool is made of metal, so it can be disinfected in an autoclave.
Trixie-2370 nail clipper-guillotine is made of metal
I can recommend this nail clipper to cat owners. He handled our cat's claws well. He also trimmed the dachshund's claws quite well. But when the dog grew up, it became clear that the guillotine nail clipper was difficult to handle with strong thick claws. However, it still has a lot of advantages: 1. Like all nail clippers, this one is of excellent quality. It is strong, reliable and easy to use. 2. The guillotine knife is made of excellent metal. 3. The durability of such nail clippers is no less than that of other products from this company. They are incredibly resilient. So if you have a cat or a puppy of a small breed, then such a nail clipper will suit you just fine. Moreover, it is somewhat cheaper than nail clippers of other models.
leitxrf
https://otzovik.com/review_3136228.html
Grinder Codos CP-3400
The electric nail clipper from the Chinese manufacturer is one of the best among similar models. It has great power, works both from the mains (wire length 2 m) and from a battery (its charge lasts for 3 hours, recharges in 2 hours). The product is quite light, only 114 g, so it is comfortable to hold in your hand. The cost is 2000 rubles. This is an indispensable device for professional groomers.
Electric nail clipper suitable for professional groomers
The sound power of the motor is like that of a toothbrush, but the vibration is several times less and is almost not felt at all. The claws are very neat, evenly “cut” and smooth. And it seems to me that they have begun to grow more slowly, the vessel seems to be moving inside gradually, the claw seems to be empty.
https://irecommend.ru/content/grinder-moei-mechty
Tatiana Bogolepova
Guillotine nail clipper Resco Deluxe
The product from the American manufacturer is equipped with comfortable rubberized textured handles, which allows you to firmly hold the object during the procedure. The rest is made of metal. The tool can be purchased for 450 rubles.
Resco deluxe guillotine nail clipper is famous for its durability
I've been using this nail clipper for a little less than five years. During all this time, he never let me down, the cutter did not become dull, the spring did not weaken, the mechanism did not become loose. Everything is functioning properly.
Ferenika
https://otzovik.com/review_5147048.html
Alternative options
If you don’t have the right tool at hand, you can use nail clippers or regular scissors with sharp blades. Before the procedure, instruments must be disinfected with alcohol or chlorhexidine.
I trim my cat's claws with my own tweezers; I didn't buy a nail clipper separately.
Alexander Chichaev
https://www.petshop.ru/forum/?PAGE_NAME=read&FID=30&TID=2346&buf_fid=31&PAGEN_1=2
In the future, it is still recommended to purchase special tools for removing the stratum corneum, since cutting will need to be done regularly and repeatedly.
How not to cut your nails
Nails should not be trimmed with nail scissors intended for human use. A person's nail plate is much thinner than a cat's, so this tool is ineffective here. At best, it will simply break; at worst, it will damage the claw, which will lead to further delamination.
