Cat Nail Trimming Tips: Safely Cut with Confidence

Cat nail trimming is important because nails are an integral part of a cat’s life, as they serve numerous important purposes for these felines. They use them to climb, fight with other cats, defend themselves, groom, scratch, and do many other things. Proper grooming of the nail is critical to the health of a cat’s lower limbs and, thus, overall body health. It is recommended to trim them on a regular basis and not let them have sharp ends or look overgrown or jagged, as they may cause breaks and different kinds of infections. Ingrown nails can curve and grow into the paw pads, and this causes pain that could lead to an injury. In addition, cats with long nails are more likely to injure their owners and damage furnishings in the house due to their sharp claws. Therefore, in this article, we will share the steps recommended by experts to properly trim your cat’s nails. 

Cat Nail Trimming: Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats

Indoor cats’ nails need to be trimmed after a few weeks. As it helps them to become healthier and not damage the furniture of the house. But if your cat spends most of the time outside, then it is not a good idea to cut or trim its nails regularly. Because nails are a means for their survival, if you cut them, they will not be able to defend themselves or climb in times of emergency. 

Cat Nail Trimming: Materials You Need to Get Started

1. Cat nail cutter=> Buy from amazon
2. Treats
3. First aid (in case of emergency)
4. Styptic Powder
5. Towel
6. Helper (if needed)

Steps you can follow to properly trim your cat’s nails: 

Using a proper nail cutter for cats: You need to have a proper nail cutter for cats before you start trimming the nails of the cats. These nail cutters are especially designed for cat nail trimming. Make sure not to use a human nail cutter for cat nail trimming.

Buy Best Cat Nail Cutter

Make it comfortable with the nail clip sound: Cats will generally be scared of the sound of a nail cutter. So make sure to train it with the sound of nail clipping before you start doing so.

Choose a quiet environment: Nails are sensitive parts of cats. Improper nail cutting can lead to excessive blood loss. So when you cut your cat’s nails, make sure the environment is quiet and nothing is present in the room that can excite the cat. 
Wrap in a towel or ask a friend for help: Before you start cutting the nail of the cat, wrap the cat in a towel and put it in your lap, or ask your friend or family members to do so. 

Press the paw and cut the nails: As you have seen, a cat’s nails cannot be seen all the time. Only when they want it do they bring it outside. So, after wrapping the cat in the towel, press the pad of the cat so that the nails can be seen, and cut the nail.

Do not go beyond the sensitive area: Cats have a sensitive area in their nails called the “Quick.” Make sure not to cut this part of the cat’s nails (see the image below for better understanding).

Cutting this part can lead to excessive bleeding for the cats, which can be very harmful for them. 

Try to be slow and extra sensitive: When you are cutting your cat’s nails, do not try to be fast. Trying to be fast can make you hurt the cat. Try to be slow and cut two or three nails in one sitting and rest in another sitting. 

Treat the cat: After finishing each session, make sure to treat her with her favorite food. By doing so, the cat will resist less in its next sitting. 

Vet help: Even after doing all of this, if your cat still resists very much, then do not try to force her into this. Ask for help with a professional caregiver for cats or a vet for nail trimming. 

I hope this article will help you properly cut your cat’s nails.