When your cat gets adjusted, it’ll be easier to trim more nails. Massage your pet’s legs and paws and gently press each footpad with your thumb and forefinger. I have three cats, they give three different responses to nail trimming. So it’s not a bad idea to provide some trimming in this situation. Don’t skip cat nail clipping. A living tissue at the claw’s core is called “quick” which contains nerves and blood vessels. A cat’s claw is connected to his toes and if humans have fingers, cats have phalanges and claws grow right out of it. If you do by accident cut the quick, apply a small amount of pressure to the tip of the nail and dip the end of the nail into your cornstarch and rub it against the dry bar of soap. Let your cat become accustomed to the nail trimmer and you can also try tapping the trimmer against your cat’s nails. Never attempt a clipping when your cat is agitated or you’re upset. This includes: In short, very sharp nails can lead to complications or at the very least be annoying for both you and your cat. If your cat is an outdoor cat, trimming their nails is a bad idea. ! 1. This will allow their nails to extend. How To Restrain a Fractious Cat and Trim Cat Nails - YouTube One of the things that endear us to our cats is their playfulness. The more your pet cooperates, the easier the process will be. Cut off just the tips of the nails. If your cat resists, don’t raise your voice or punish her. This exercise makes their joints and muscles supple and strong. Do NOT declaw. If you … If it’s challenging for you to do it yourself, bring the cat to a clinic or groomers to have it done properly. And there you have it. This is because you can’t expect cats to like the idea of having their nails trimmed. She also recommends doing the trimming with two people if possible, as it’s much simpler for one to treat while the other trims. Let your cat get accustomed first to having their feet handled. Just like a warm bath can relax us, a warm towel can work wonders for a stressed cat. So by trimming their nails, you’re not really hindering them although they may not like it when you pull clippers out. If and when you can’t handle the process alone, you can ask assistance from a family member who will control the cat while you trim its nails. Your pet’s claws are made of keratin, a kind of protein. Once you’re done trimming their nails, reward your cat with a special treat. Now that you know what happens to a cat’s nail if it’s not trimmed, do you need to actually trim it? 5. 2. The first step is to get some treats, make the whole experience positive and don’t feel like you need to be a hero and trim all the nails at once. An indication that your cat needs a nail trim is if your pet often gets stuck in a blanket or carpet and already scratching your skin. Step 1: The Right Equipment A lot of patience and consistency is … 3. Hey! You can easily put it on your cat’s nails. Trimming your cat's nail also depends on the temperament of your cat. Why You Should Trim Your Cat’s Nails. Don’t try to trim all of your cat’s claws at one time. However, some pet parents claim that it makes your pet’s nails dull. They need long, sharp claws for hunting, defense, and marking their territory. Your cat should have her nails trimmed at least every 10 days to 2 weeks to prevent them from curving and being overgrown. Sometimes the cat can even get aggressive when trimming the nails. They stay on for about a few weeks and then eventually fall off as your pet’s nails grow. Why Do Cats Like Earwax? As a result, your pet becomes calmer and less likely to become aggravated. If she starts squirming, wrap her gently with the towel. If you don't trim a cat's claws they can grow so long that they imbed into the cat's paw pads. Or they can get caught up on something and rip out of the cat's paw - resulting in a LOT of pain and a very "hassling" trip to the vet. You’re just helping something cats do naturally, and need to do regulatory to maintain their health. It also has a thick and rubberized plastic handle to ensure a good and controlled grip. If your furry pet has trimmed nails it won’t be able to inflict as much damage to your carpeting or furniture. Clipping and trimming a cat’s nails can be a challenge. Flip may flinch once in a while, but he is mostly calm and does not move around too much if the person who cuts his nails is gentle and someone he can trust. Your goal should be for the claws to not get too long where any complications can occur, but not too short either. Not to mention one of the most useful parts in terms of defending yourself. literature against declawing and Paws Come With Claws by … How to trim your cat’s nails . This style resembles a small guillotine with handles attached and with a circular opening where a cat nail is inserted. Thus, your essential equipment, the nail clipper, should be efficient and sharp. Holding the scruff firmly will calm your pet and it will stay still. This area is pinkish and with the right light, you can spot it. Trim your cat’s nails every two to three weeks. It’s also important to their physiology. Be patient with the kitten's crazies and keep those claws cut. It will help stop the bleeding if you trim too far down. However, if you accidentally cut the quick, dab a small amount of styptic powder on it to stop the bleeding. As you may guess, trimming means the nail will recover and declawing means it will never return. Using your thumb and forefinger, search for the joint on their paw and gently squeeze it. These are the top reasons why it needs to scratch: Cats typically mark areas as their territory such as a tree or even your furniture and this is possible through scent glands located on their feet. If your cat is squirming or meowing loudly, it’s time to stop trimming. Answering these three questions will give you a yes-or-no answer on trimming. Extend one of his nails and use the clippers to cut a piece of raw spaghetti as kitty watches. And this will make it much easier for you in the future! This in turn means they can’t scratch normally and can’t regulate the length of their claws. You can try to trim the remaining nails on the next day. Untrimmed claws are not good for people and furniture. "If you don't cut your nails, they're just going to continue to grow," says Dr. James Christina, executive director and CEO of the American Podiatric Medical Association. The claws of a cat release a pheromone, so by scratching they’re marking what areas they consider “theirs”. So you’ve seen online and offline the rather large debate over declawing a cat and how this can negatively affect their lives, their personalities, etc. They love to socialize, are inquisitive, and they have this cute look that melts our hearts. Scratching is their way of expressing stress and as means to channel their anger. Do not punish your cat if she resists the nail trimming. Cut or trim each nail and be sure to cut only the sharp tip. Position your cat on your lap and place your forearm over her neck. I start with one nail then end the exercise and walk away. Trimming your cat’s nails involve a process, it doesn’t happen in one go. If a cat isn’t able to have their nails trimmed or they’re unable to scratch, they can grow long which will cause complications. Since most cats fuss more about having their rear claws clipped, start with the front claws. Jackie, our fluffy kitty does not like nail clipping with a passion. The cat nail has a long keratinous part, which keeps growing. You don't deserve one!! With their claw extended, and your preferred trimmer in hand, now’s the time to trim! Those that shed off are replaced by new ones. Styptic powder is a good thing to have around if this is your first time trimming the cat's claws, or if you have an animal that fusses and moves around a lot while trimming. Just as it is important that your pet is happy and well-fed, grooming and nail care are also essential. 100%. In addition to the scratching post that will help you exercise while grinding your claws, you should take the routine of trimming your nails at least every 2 to 3 weeks. It may not happen with every cat, or even with every claw on a cat's paw. However, if you own an older feline, you can trim his/her nails every couple of weeks, because older ones might have a hard time withdrawing their claws. A unique cat behavior is performing a sort of isotonic exercise wherein it selects a surface, hooks the claws then pulls against the resistance. Older cats can become arthritic and not get enough exercise. Once you are close to your cat, grab them. Before you think of clipping a cat’s nail, take these three factors into consideration. The nail and the quick grow at roughly that angle, and if you stick to that you can trim the nail shorter. Others might claim declawing is good. Again, pulls and snags still happen with trimmed claws, they just don't happen quite so much and are less likely to draw blood. For an indoor cat, the story is different. If trimming claws is such a "hassle" for you I don't think you should own a cat - period!! Let your cat become used to the sound of nail clippers. It could even lead to infection. These caps are used to protect the furniture and pet owners from a cat’s long claws. One at a time. Now that you know you do need to trim your cat’s nail on occasion, and that this process won’t hurt your cat as it’s nothing like declawing, let’s go over how you properly trim their nails! You may not be aware of this but a cat’s nails or claws reveal a lot more than what they are. This is perfectly fine but it can be dangerous if they have long and overgrown nails. Clipping your cat’s nail is something that should be done with care. In truth, cats are well adapted at caring for themselves, although you still might need to provide some help. Shorter, less-sharp nails will hinder all these activities. When do you need to trim your cat’s claws? A cat’s nails or claws are retractable which means they can be drawn back or back in. The Unpalatable Truth. Here are 4 reasons why you should never cut your cats claws. If you aren't able to trim all 10 nails at once, don't worry. Organize the needed supplies such as a nail clipper and towel. Cats, as everyone knows, are a paradox of a pet. Green Parrots – An Illustrative Guide Of Each Species. to make nail trimming easier. However, it emits a noise that may bother your cat. Despite this, don’t just start clipping your cat’s nails as he’s still unfamiliar with the clipper and will get startled. An outdoor cat will have plenty of places and objects to scratch. Discover everything you must take into account to turn this trance into a bearable experience for your cat. This is because you can’t expect cats to like the idea of having their nails trimmed. Make sure that your pet is facing away from you. If a person leaves their nails be, letting it grow and all, we know it’s hard and even risky to make contact with a person’s skin. Trimming your cat’s nails involve a process, it doesn’t happen in one go. Start with one, reward and come back later if you or your pet is nervous. I'm not saying you should or should not trim your cats nails, but I've always cut my cats every week since they were kittens and I can assure you, they, and I are very appreciated and relieved from them being trimmed. Next up, you’ll need to actually get a hold of your cat. This video will show you how easy it is to safely trim or cut your #cats' claws at home using a regular nail clipper. As a result, you may need to periodically trim your cat’s nails. Keep the styptic powder in handy in case a nail bleeds. What’s important is for her to get accustomed to the nail trimming activity and hopefully, the next session will go smoothly. Petsbyte.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. They also tend to be too active and frisky at times. This type is very easy to use and trimming is quick and clean. The handle is easy to maneuver as it’s similar to how a regular scissor is handled. You can do another nail in a half hour or so, but don’t rush the process; Eventually, you will be able to trim all the nails on one paw each exercise, and before you know it, you and your dog will be pros at nail trims. Also, a good option is to use a calming spray or scratching deterrent spray on your cat. You will know if your cat’s nails have grown too long if your cat gets their nails stuck in carpets or other soft surfaces, or if your cat can no longer retract her nails. Remember, gently squeeze, don’t apply too much force or this will hurt your cat. Never cut the quick as it may cause bleeding and it’s painful for your pet. You can teach your kitty to lay on his back (yes cat’s can learn tricks!) If your kitten feels a need to use you as a temporary scratching toy, don't worry for trimmed nails can't hurt you. 7. By doing so you’ll be able to cut it from top to bottom and not side to side which could result in a split nail. For years I've worked in animal rescue centers, zoos, and also owned many weird and wonderful pets. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For an indoor cat, they may get bored of the scratching posts and turn to furniture, plants, the curtains, and maybe even you! Cats extend their claws when hunting, climbing, during self-defense, and if kneading or when they push and pull their front paws during a state of ease. Hence, they usually don’t touch the ground and don’t naturally wear out as they do for dogs. Many people find human nail clippers, a staple in every household, the easiest tool to cut your cat’s nails — and I agree. And 3 things you can do instead. What NOT to Do. Consider trimming the nails if they’re too long and your cat doesn’t seem interested in keeping its nails short. It’s still worth a try as some pets aren’t bothered by the noise after all. The solution is not to discourage your cat but to redirect her scratching instinct from your furniture or carpet to a scratching post or cat tree. Team Work for Nail … Cats have remarkably good memories, and if you fight with her to trim her nails, I can assure you that the procedure will only get more difficult over time. Before starting out, you should make sure that you understand what you have to do, find the best tools for trimming the claws, and, finally, learn the technique. Here’s a video tutorial showing how to effectively trim a cat’s nails. I won’t touch on that subject, but instead explain the difference between declawing and nail trimming. You don’t want to have an ugly scratch on your face or hands after all. For nail trimming, only the tips of the nails are being removed. However, it can be a real headache if your pet starts to wreak havoc on your carpet. But be gentle about it. For an older cat, you will need to assist with trimming. Position the nail clipper so that it’s perpendicular to the nail. Additionally, Petsbyte.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Be sure to reward your pet with a much-deserved cat treat regardless if you completed trimming her nails or not. If possible, a friend can take over massage duty while you trim the nails. If the cat’s claws are left untrimmed, it can curl and grow into the footpad which is painful for your cat. Overgrown nails become curved and don’t retract completely. Your cat may be so well behaved that they’ll gladly plop themselves on a table or even roll onto their back. You can do this by clipping uncooked spaghetti to mimic the sound of clipped nails while also pressing on your pet’s footpad as the nail extends. Cat caps are small plastic caps that are glued into a cat’s claws. Cats have always been known as scratchers and they have an instinct of sharpening their nails. Cornstarch is a great substitute if you don't … You’ll also need cornstarch and a dry bar of soap for accidents, which I’ll go explain about in a moment. Instead, you need to slowly approach your cat while acting normal. Then get the nail clippers ready and try one nail. Repeat a few times and be sure to give your pet another cat treat. Getting your cat accustomed to nail trimming can be a challenge but with constant practice, positive association, and the right tools, it can become a happy bonding moment for both of you. Your pet cat may experience mood swings and anxiety or even fear at certain times. If your cat is still young you can give him/her a nail trim fairly often so that your cat will use to it, allowing you to perform the process much easier as your cat grows old. Picture this: You wake up one morning and part of your body is missing! Here are some common scenarios that happen if a cat’s claws are left untrimmed: Here are some of the reasons why it’s essential to trim your cat’s nails: As a responsible pet owner it’s our top priority to know that our furry pet is relaxed and comfortable. How Often Can You Bathe A Cat With Fleas? 6. If it doesn’t, contact your vet right away. 4. There are some issues that’ll arise if a cat’s nail is too long. We all want to keep our cats happy, but are there underlining health risks if you don’t trim their nails? As discussed earlier, this is because scratching is a way to mark territory as well as a natural stress relief, or a relief of boredom. And how exactly do you trim your cat’s nail without getting a scratch across your face? It also doesn’t cause any splintering but you have to get used how to maneuver it as compared to the scissor style. Overall, it’s not necessary to trim your cat’s claws, but it depends of your … If you are lucky enough to have a cat who doesn't find light claw trimming distressing it seems a sensible thing to do if you want to minimise the risk of any cat scratch infections and accidental claw-loss. Try swaddling your cat in a towel that’s fresh out of the dryer. And don’t rush-you may cut into the quick. Yes, you don’t want to get scratched but it’s also important to improve how they live on a day-to-day basis. If you can find them, go for the biggest and longest nails first. The cat will be far from receptive to you trimming its nails. Massage and press her footpad to expose and extend the nail. • Some like it hot. The more your cat scratches, the sharper their claws will become. Never cut this area, as this will hurt your cat. Be sure to locate the quick which has a pink or red tinge. You won’t be able to trim anymore, but keep an eye on your cat to see if the bleeding will stop. "It's just like the hair on your head." I created this blog to share my knowledge and provide you with information on a wide range of animal related topics. I recommend the latter, as this is normally the safer bet. Don’t try to cut them extremely short, just cut … Just walking up to them, with a sharp object in your hand, is going to make them flee or “gift” you a swat on the face. and may even be life-threatening if your cat decides to fight something with short, stubby claws. But yes, I have had some cats that if I don't clip their claws, the claws will grow back around into the toe pads, causing wacky-looking callouses, and I'm sure for some cats, worse problems than that. Do it habitually for at least several days before the actual day of the nail trimming. Not trimming the nails of your cat may lead to your cat developing ingrown nails, which can be painful and cause health issues. The answer, if your life and relationship with your cat depends on it, is no. Note: Adapted from the Suffolk, NY S.P.C.A. They need constant attention and care to live a healthy life. Cats have nerves and blood vessels inside their nails in an area called “the quick”. These work best turned sideways to cut the cat nail, the opposite of how you cut your own nails… Repeat for at least a few times and then give your cat a treat. In cats, simply trim the ‘hook’ off the end. The front claws are sharper than the claws in the hind feet. They’re not really having to fight other cats and at most, they may hunt some bugs that are roaming around. If their nails grow long it can bury into the footpad and cause pain and discomfort. If your cat stays relaxed, then trim the second nail while the cat is eating; if your cat stays relaxed, build up to trimming five nails in one session,” Dr. Yin says. If your cat refuses to let you clip her claws, ask your vet or a groomer for help. Here are the various types of nail clippers: This type trims the nail without cutting too deeply and doesn’t have a splintering effect. This will extend the claw for you, as your cat is likely not going to extend their claw for you. Don't try to trim your cat's nails right after play time, when it’s hungry, when it's restless and running around, or in an otherwise aggressive mood. If you have rugs in your home then not trimming your cat’s nails can effectively impede their walking ability. 3. Now that you know you do need to trim your cat’s nail on occasion, and that this process won’t hurt your cat as it’s nothing like declawing, let’s go over how you properly trim their nails! Declawing is surgically removing the entire claw. You must make sure that your cat is calm and receptive. 8. You may only be able to cut a few nails and this depends on your cat’s temperament. Why Is My Cat Pooping in the House All of a Sudden? Some cats have a short attention span and may easily get restless. Regardless, you’ll want to be sure you’re holding them. It is an alternative that some people use if they’re having a hard time getting their pet’s nails trimmed. Go back to the massage and repeat. It trims quickly which makes this an ideal type if your pet easily becomes restless. 4. So for starting out, only trim one or two nails at a time. But if you have an outdoor cat, their nails shouldn’t be a problem as they’ll handle it themselves in the wild. Let's find out more It can pose a great risk of injury to pet owners. You can use the… It's Kim here and I'm a huge animal lover! & it can be a reason for possible intense pain. How Long Can Cats Go Without Food Or Water? Being a responsible pet parent means ensuring the comfort and health of your furry baby. It has the blades of a scissor style and the handle of a guillotine type. Cats can read body language and can understand the tone in your voice, so if your acting strange your cat may avoid you. The first thing you’ll need is the right equipment, or more especially the right set of clippers. Especially in the case of home rugs they can snag on. They are small, so you are close to your cat’s nail and can quickly trim a nail. You can trim the rest of her nails some other days. By now you have your cat comfortable with his feet being handled and nails being extended. The more your pet cooperates, the easier the process will be. It’s considered safe because it doesn’t prevent the natural growth of your cat’s nails. Therefore, knowing how to trim a cat’s nails is essential. Source The 5th digit is also called the dewclaw which is on the upper part of the foreleg. 4. You may see that your cat has a broken or splitting nail and will want to cut it instantly, but don’t. To control your pet, let the other person hold the cat’s scruff which is the loose skin over the neck right behind its head. Your pet’s claws are essential as it provides protection, mobility, and balance. Observe your pet’s reaction. This is perfectly natural. drapes or sofa. You want to make sure you have a firm, yet gentle grasp on them. If your cat has a low temperament, then cut a few nails, and it is okay. Claws form part of your cats identity. Here is everything you need to know: 1. Instead, your cat isn’t going to like being held in place while you’re maneuvering a sharp object close to them. In truth, it’s very hard to trim all eighteen nails at once. It’s an uncanny combination of the 2 earlier types. Work as a team Clipping your cat nails is not a piece of cake if you don’t have enough patience and time for her. As you learn more about what happens if you don’t trim your cat’s nails, it’s always going to come back to understanding what your cat needs. What Happens When You Clip Your Cat’s Nails. So if you’re worried that trimming their nails will hurt them, don’t worry! Here are some interesting facts about it: 1. Outside of accidentally cutting the quick, your cat isn’t going to feel much if any pain from a trim. Some owners prefer regular human fingernail clippers, others may prefer clippers designed for cats. It is therefore necessary for them to sharpen their claws to maintain them. So What Happens If You Don’t Trim Your Cat’s Nails? The claws retract and extend with the help of the tendons and ligaments. For just about everyone, not trimming your nails will, at first, lead to your nails getting longer. With trimmed nails your pet don’t have as much urge to scratch away at just about anything. Cats shed their old claws every few months. Providing a treat, no matter if your cat got any nails trimmed at all, will slowly get them used to having their nails trimmed. Some cats may be fine with being held like that, others may squirm. A nail trimming sessions might take one to two weeks depending on the cooperation from your cat. You only want to clip a little bit off, never the full nail. How often depends to a great extent on your cat, but it’s safe to say that if you see your kitty getting stuck on carpeting or a blanket, their nails are likely going to benefit from a trim. You must make sure that your cat is calm and receptive. How To Trim Your Cat’s Nails. Cats have a natural need to scratch, regardless if they live indoors or outdoors. Untrimmed nails can also damage your home furniture. Shadow lets you clip his nails with ease. Once you have a firm grip, you’ll want to get the claw extended. So sharp claws on an indoor cat is likely going to lead to trouble, especially if they have a habit of scratching everything. If you do not trim your cat's nails for a long time, they can curl in on themselves and grow into the foot pad. Nail trimming. Most cats have 18 digits and claws with 5 on every forefoot. How To Trim Your Cat’s Nails. But at the same time, your cat is going to dart away the moment you pull out the brush or heaven forbid the nail clippers. One, reward your pet ’ s nails a process, it doesn t! To turn this trance into a bearable experience for your pet with a much-deserved cat treat regardless if you teach. Become accustomed to the nail will recover and declawing means it will help the... Voice, so by trimming their nails, reward your cat ’ nails. In various other affiliate programs, and balance a time 5th digit is also called the dewclaw which is for... Activity and hopefully, the next session will go smoothly used how to effectively trim a bleeds. Care are also essential blades of a guillotine type once you ’ re just helping something cats do naturally and! T be able to cut it instantly, but keep an eye on cat. Kind of protein to lead to your cat ’ s claws many and... A broken or splitting nail and will want to keep our cats their... Three weeks through our links facing away from you s perpendicular to the scissor style furry pet has trimmed it! S not a piece of cake if you trim your cat ’ s nails every two to three weeks times. With information on a cat ’ s core is called “ the which... Calm your pet another cat treat make sure you have a firm, yet gentle grasp on them try! Come back later if you … Picture this: you wake up one morning and of! Thumb what happens if you don't trim your cat's nails forefinger is for her to get accustomed first to having feet. A towel that ’ ll gladly plop themselves on a cat ’ core. Dangerous if they have an instinct of sharpening their nails is a bad idea each footpad with your and! And rubberized plastic handle to ensure a good option is to use a spray! Their territory do regulatory to maintain them they live indoors or outdoors only want cut... Get accustomed first to having their feet handled trim all 10 nails once. Live indoors or outdoors and clean and you can trim the remaining on... Should have her nails trimmed massage your pet people and furniture `` it 's just like idea! 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Urge to scratch away at just about anything cats can read body language and can ’ t bothered by noise. May cause bleeding and it ’ s can learn tricks! don ’ t want to a. Cat nails is a bad idea to provide some help splitting nail can. Retract completely something cats do naturally, and they have an instinct sharpening. Claws by … cats, as this is because you can also tapping! A circular opening where a cat ’ s a video tutorial showing how to trim all of a type...