How and when to cut a cat's claws

18.11.2021

Clipping the claws is not the most pleasant procedure for a cat or cat. To learn how to trim a cat's claws, we turned for advice to behaviorists, who offered us simple rules. Following these rules, you can teach the tailed pet to manicure procedures and even a little more — to have fun.

Reading time — 4 minutes.

When and where to cut a cat's claws.

Ideally, you should start teaching the fluffy to the manicure procedure as a kitten. Adult cats must first be taught that the owner touches their paws, and only after the cat learns to enjoy the massage of paws and fingers, you should move on to trimming the nails.

The claw trimming procedure should be done in a calm place, ideally when the cat wants to sleep, for example after eating and washing.

Note.

During this hygiene procedure, stay away from windows and other pets — anything that might distract your cat from trimming its nails.

Make friends with the paw.

Gently pinch the cat's paw between your toes and rub it gently for two to three seconds. If your cat jerks its paw during the process, carefully follow the movement of the paw. Then press down on one finger so that the claw protrudes. Immediately let the claw retract back and give the cat a treat. Repeat the procedure two to three times a day until your cat gets used to it.

Acquaintance with the nail clipper.

Unfamiliar objects, in addition to interest, can cause stress to the cat. Place a clipper next to your cat to get it accustomed to the tool. If your cat is not interested in clippers, place a treat on top of them.

Stress in a cat can cause the noise of claw. To train your cat with clicking sounds, place the cat on your lap, into the tool insert pasta and, while massaging your pet's fingers, nibble on the noodles with tongs. Repeat the procedure until the cat does not pay attention to the crackle of the clipper. After each nerve training session, reward your cat with treats.

How to cut a cat's claws.

After accustoming your cat to touching and cracking sounds, proceed with the procedure itself. Place the cat on your lap. Take one paw of the cat in your hand and gently press down on the pad until you see the claw. If the claw needs a manicure, cut off the tip 1 mm.

After trimming one nail, release the paw and reward the cat. If your pet is relaxed and does not resist manipulation, move on to the next claw.

If the cat is nervous, stop and release it. When he or she calms down, repeat the procedure. If you start trimming one claw a day, that's okay. The main thing is that after each successful procedure, reward your pet with his favorite treats and your attention.

How many claws to trim.

The claw consists of a superficial, white, keratinized part and a pink pulp — the inner part, in which the nerve endings and blood vessels that feed the claw are located. Half of the keratinized part of the claw should be cut off — this is about 1-2 mm from its tip.

Note.

If you cut a cat's claw too deep, blood will flow. For such a case, prepare a styptic or powder in advance.

How often to cut the claws of a cat.

It is recommended to trim the claws of a cat every one and a half to two weeks. The frequency of the procedure depends on the activity of the cat and the surface on which it moves.

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) strongly discourages clipping cats. You can replace clipping cat’s nails by scratching them. To do this, a scratching jute post should be installed in the house or apartment. Another argument in favor of the jute post is that the cat realizes its instinct for claw renewal with its help.