How can i trim my cats nails

The scissors-type is used if a toe nail is so long that it is curling in a circle. Long claws can grow into the toepad. Cats have retractile claws so you need to gently squeeze the toe between thumb and forefinger to expose the claw.

Most cats have light colored claws, making it easy to see the blood vessels and nerves that supply the claw as a pink stripe at the base of the nail, which is called a quick.

You want to cut the claw to within approximately 2 millimeters of the quick. Light colored claws can be trimmed with one cut on each nail. If the trimmer is placed parallel to the nail cutting from side to side , the nail is crushed and may splinter. The sharper the trimmer, the cleaner the cut. You can use a nail file to smooth the end of the nail after clipping. When using a guillotine type nail trimmer, the cutting blade outlined in yellow should be facing you, not the cat.

The screws on the trimmer should be facing the cat. The nail should be cut from top to bottom, not side to side. The tip of the nail is placed in the hole in the trimmer and the handles are squeezed to advance the cutting blade through the nail. When the trimmer is held with the screws toward you, the cutting blade is cutting closer to the quick than if the trimmer is held with the cutting blade toward you.

You are less likely to cut into the quick if the cutting blade faces you. Cats have a nail on the inner side of each foot called the dew claw. Remember to trim these as they are not worn down when the cat scratches and can grow in a circle, growing into the foot. Again: treats, treats, treats! When you're ready for a trimming session, find a position that's comfortable for you and safe for her.

Many cats do great if allowed to lie on their side or in their owner's lap. That way, you won't have to figure out how to trim a squirmy's cat's nails. Before doing any clipping, examine your cat's nails and find the quick, the pink, fleshy section that runs through the center of clear or light-color nails. It's where all the nerves and blood vessels are so it's important to NOT cut into the quick to avoid causing pain and risking infection.

If you do accidentally clip through the quick. As she gets more comfortable with the process, you'll be able to trim more than one nail at a time. Follow each snip with a tasty snack. If she gets restless, let her leave, and plan to finish the job another day. Choose the right tools to cut your kitty's claws.

If her claws are long enough to curl into a circle, use a scissors-type clippers for the job. Otherwise, you'll find it easier to use guillotine-type clippers.

In a pinch, you can can cut cat nails with human nail clippers , too. If you can make nail trimming a calm and stress-free experience, you should be able to maintain an every-two-weeks grooming schedule that will keep your kitty happy—and your home shred-free! For an indoor cat, a scratching post allows daily self-maintenance. When ageing, cats become less active. In such case, it is important to trim their claws which can get longer , curve and penetrate into the pad , sometimes causing an infection.

Lastly, remember to check the dewclaws of the front legs. Indeed, as they are less likely to touch the ground, they wear out more slowly. It is better to accustom your cat to this practice from a young age.