Cat nail trimming is one of the most challenging things in your cat grooming. Apart from bathing, cat nail trimming is probably the #2 problem you will have to cope with. Cats are proud and capricious animals. Be sure that your kitty will wish to save her long sharp means of defense. For this she is ready to hiss, scratch or even bite you. That is a natural behavior for cats. Of course, you can always leave this daunting task up to a veterinarian or a professional. But you will feel more proud to dare and face cat nail trimming yourself. If you have decided to accept a challenge, arm yourself with patience. You may want to ask several questions before getting down to this cat nail trimming business.
1. Can I do without cat nail trimming?
Well, theoretically, yes, you can. But be sure your cat’s nails will be sharp as swords. You will most likely end up with scratches not only all over your body, but also on your belongings. Regular cat nail trimming will help avoid hurting you, your guests or anyone else trying to approach your fluffy friend. What is even worth, neglected nails may turn into a serious problem to the cat itself. Torn or ribbed nails are really painful. Moreover, they increase the risk of future nail infections. Timely cat nail trimming can eliminate such problems. You may also have a special sisal or cardboard scratching post. It will satisfy your cat’s need to scratch and protect the furniture and curtains from nail exercising by your feline.
2. How can I get my kitty used to cat nail trimming?
It’s not a secret that besides being bathed, cats dislike having their nails trimmed. If you wish to learn how to handle cat nail trimming quickly and skillfully, you will need to find a special approach to your feline friend. And the first and best step in it will be an early start. The earlier you start training your cat, the better she will tolerate any grooming procedure in future. Early age would be the most appropriate. Start with daily caressing your kitty. Let these sessions be simply to her pleasure without any brushes, scissors or other grooming tools. Touch her paws as much as possible. You can gently squeeze the cat’s toe with your thumb and index finger to see how the nail extends. This will let your kitty get used to her nails and footpads being touched. On the other hand you will be able to check the nail condition regularly. After such pleasant sessions your kitty wouldn’t mind if one day you will proceed to nail trimmers. And of course, what is training without reward? Your kitty should associate her cat nail trimming with something pleasing and even yummy. Words of praise and lots of her favorite treats will help.
3. What grooming tools work best for cat nail trimming?
If cat nail trimming might seem a bit of a problem to you, the case is different with the choice of the right grooming tools. Nail clippers come in different styles, sizes and forms. Nevertheless, it doesn’t affect their efficiency. Thus, the choice is only a matter of your personal taste. Some prefer the guillotine style, while others use only the scissor type. The latter is pretty much like a pair of “human” scissors and works the same. Some pet owners even use a human fingernail clipper for cat nail trimming and find it rather convenient. Choose any nail trimmer but make sure the cutting blade is sharp enough. Otherwise, it will split the cat nail and cause pain.
4. How should I perform cat nail trimming correctly?
Start with gathering enough patience for this uneasy procedure. Get a pair of sharp nail clippers, your grooming kit and, of course, your pet. Cat nail trimming is sometimes a task too challenging for one person. So you may want to get some help for trimming your cat’s nails. Once your kitty is calm, you may start clipping her claws. But if she’s hissing at you or even bites, it would be best to postpone the session for some time. Meanwhile switch over to some training business described earlier. When you both are ready to trim your cat’s nails, take one paw and gently squeeze the toe with your fingers from top to bottom. Cat’s claws are retractable, so this will make the nail protrude. Clip the sharp tip of the nail to the point where it starts to curve. You need to avoid a pink area in light nails called the quick. It’s a blood vessel with nerve endings which will bleed if accidentally cut. To avoid pain and bleeding, remove the sharp tip clipping about halfway between the quick and the end of the nail. If you still couldn’t escape it, use a styptic pen which should always be at hand during cat nail trimming. Cornstarch or just a clean soft cloth will work as well. And remember that even professionals hurt the quick sometimes at cat nail trimming.
5. How can I cope with cat nail trimming if my cat is unmanageable?
It’s no surprise your kitty would like to escape any cat nail trimming. She will hiss, squirm and wiggle until she wins a victory. But if no enticement and treats work, try the following. Cats are proud, but like warmth and comfort. Provide it! Wrap your cat in a large soft towel, a bit heated with a hair dryer. Keep your cat in the towel while working on a free paw. Your feline wouldn’t mind such cat nail trimming. Some pet owners who had success with handling cat nail trimming suggest clipping nails when a cat is asleep.
Regular cat nail trimming is a necessary part of a cat’s healthy life. If you feel uncertain, apply to a professional. He will show you how to trim the nails correctly. This will make cat nail trimming less of a problem to you. Proper cat nail trimming will make your kitty safe to you, your friends and your house. Spare only a little time to cat nail trimming and you will get lots of opportunities to play with your fluffy friend safely!
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