Cats are delicate animals, and cutting cat nails is just as delicate. There is a right way to do it without going to the veterinarian. There is also a right way to do it to make sure you don’t cut off any blood vessels or cut too deep or too much, with uncomfortable (and sometimes serious consequences) for your pets. Long nails have just as serious consequences since they might scratch your furniture or they might thrust into the paw.
“If the nails aren’t trimmed regularly, what we see, particularly in cats, is that the nail grows all the way around and penetrates the paw pad,” said Dr. Irit Grader, DVM, assistant professor of clinical primary care medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine to the website Insider, “this causes injury, infection, and inflammation to the paw pad.”
So, things can get serious fast. The good news is that you can take actions to prevent any injury or infection, all on your own.
How to trim cat nails
Cutting your cat’s nails is essential and a matter that requires attention, just like when you decide to buy usdt. Even if you aren’t a professional groomer, you can still do it in complete safety, both for you and your cat. What you will need to begin is the correct technique and the adequate tools. Indeed, grandma’s nail cutter or plier isn’t enough. So, let’s take a look at what you will need to get from the pet store:
- Nail trimmer or grinder
- Styptic powder (recommended), flour or cornstarch
With these two tools, you will ensure the nail is always sterilized and clean afterwards. However, you might need a few extra things just to help you:
- Cat treats
- Towel to wrap your cat in
Of course, the treats are a motivation, an incentive to make your cat stay put while you cut its nails. One snack after each nail and your pet might feel more motivated and calm. Plus, the towel is also a calming element and a way to make sure your cat doesn’t move or scratch you. It’s like a safe cocoon. Do you know what else helps in cutting cat nails? Help. Ask your partner or a friend to assist you in keeping your pet calm. Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to get cutting.
What to do and how to do it
Harm yourself with patience and let’s begin.
- Step 1: get everything you need. If you need to, make a list of the things you need and check it off. This way, you won’t have to run to get your supplies. Remember that your mood can affect the cat’s mood.
- Step 2: find a comfortable spot for you and your cat. That’s when the towel comes in handy, a soft surface to work on and where the nails can fall (better the towel than your floor). This means also finding the right position, perhaps holding the cat across your lap or choosing a flat surface.
- Step 3: Before you begin cutting your cat’s nails, calm your pet. Some cats don’t like when you touch their paws, so make sure they are comfortable with the feeling. Quiet them down with a treat and calming sounds.
- Step 4: what’s a quick? So, the nails of your cat are made of keratin, which is a hard protein. But there is also a vein in the nail called “quick.” If you accidentally cut it, it can cause bleeding and pain. If this happens, make sure to clean it with styptic powder, flour, or cornstarch. Hitting the quick won’t have lasting consequences if you act quickly.
- Step 5: isolate each nail by squeezing it and applying a bit of pressure. After all, cats have retractable paws.
- Step 6: don’t cut straight across, but aim for a 45-degree angle. Make the cut swift and sharp, so it will be clean.
- Step 7: after the first nail, your cat can be restless. That’s normal, especially if this is the first time you trim cat nails. Give your pet a treat and a little break before passing on to the next one.
- Step 8: one by one and with a ton of patience, get to the rest of the nails. And don’t forget the treats.
Now that you’ve gone through all the nails, you are done. One more treat and then let your cat rest, play, or be grumpy. Did you know? Cats have an average of 18 nails. It can be a long procedure, but it must be done to ensure the health of your pets.
How often to trim cat nails
A long procedure, indeed. And one that you should be at least every two weeks. There are a few signs that you can check for to make sure it’s the right time:
- When the nails are sharper than usual
- When they are curved
- If the nails don’t retract all the way
If you notice any of these, then it’s time to start cutting cat nails. In fact, putting this task off can only do more damage.
