As a pet owner, you know it's important to keep up with regular cat maintenance like combing their coat and brushing their teeth, but is trimming cat claws on your list? It should be!
In addition to keeping your furniture intact, there are other reasons that trimming your kitty's claws is important, such as reducing the hurt factor when they kneads you. "Taking off the very end of those claws will make this loving gesture something you can enjoy, rather than dread," explains Vetstreet. "For your cat, clipping their nails can prevent painful broken claws that can result when a sharp tip gets caught in the carpet." A good claw trim also cuts down on the "click, click, click" you hear when your kitty runs down the hall.
Ideally, start trimming claws when your feline friend is still a kitten. The biggest advantage for starting young, of course, is that your cat becomes used to it and doesn't go nuts when you take out the clippers.
Don't worry if your cat is older—you haven't missed the window of opportunity for giving your kitty a mani-pedi. They might be cranky about it, but it's worth a try.
What Tools You Need
You can purchase cat nail clippers at your local pet retail store or veterinarian's office. Another option is to use human baby clippers, particularly the ones with a bulbous handle for easy grasping.
First, familiarise your cat with their nail clippers. Petcha suggests placing the clippers near them so they can sniff them out. Reward them if they react calmly towards them. Then, "When they are familiarised with the clippers, touch their paws and toes with them, getting them used to having them around their paws." If they are comfortable around them, your cat will be less inclined to run and hide in small, dark spaces when you take out the clippers.
Tasty Tips
How to Trim Cat Claws & Proper Length
- Choose a small, safe spot that has a door and good lighting, like a bathroom or bedroom.
- Have your supplies ready ahead of time: clippers and treats for afterward to reward them for being such a good cat.
- Sit on the floor and hold them securely in your lap, belly-side up. Comfort them with some tummy rubs and soothing words. If your cat responds well to treats, you can give them one to help them relax.
- Using your thumb and forefinger, gently squeeze their paw so that the nails are extended.
- Clip the sharp tip of the claw in one quick motion.
When deciding how far to cut your cat's claws, do not cut too close to the "quick," which is the pink part of the claw that houses the blood vessels and nerve endings. Cutting the quick is what causes bleeding and pain. If you do cut the quick, the Princeton Veterinary Hospital advises to rub a small dab of cornstarch or flour on the claw and apply pressure to help clot and stop the bleeding. At this point, it's best to abandon the effort for the day and let your cat recover emotionally.
Tips for Trimming & What to Avoid
Don't wrap your kitty in a towel because they may become more agitated.
Don't aim to trim all four paws in one session. Try one paw a day until they are accustomed to the process. It's okay to clip only one claw at a time. VCA Hospitals points out, "The goal is for your pet to associate the handling of the feet and nail trimming with a pleasant outcome." Rewarding their good behaviour instils in them a sense of pride and in you a sense of accomplishment.
When to Cut Your Losses
If the process is too upsetting, it's time to make an appointment with your vet or a reputable groomer. Your career of trimming cat claws may be over, but in the end, you have to do what's best for both you and your furry friend.
Related products
Oral Care Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Oral Care Adult Cat Food with Chicken contains clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build up.
Perfect Weight Adult Cat Food with Chicken
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Weight Adult Cat Food with Chicken is clinically proven nutrition to reach & maintain healthy weight.
Mature Adult 7+ Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Cat Food with Salmon is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports graceful aging in cats, providing a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity levels.
Mature Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food supports graceful aging in cats, providing a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity levels.
Related articles
Caring for Your Cat Through All of Life's Stages
HillsPet Nutrition provides information on proper nutrition, fitness and special needs in keeping your cat healthy and happy.
Cats Need Good Nutrition In Order To Stay Healthy
Good nutrition is about the right balance of nutrients. Learn more about health issues when feeding a cat food that has an improper nutritional balance from your friends at Hills Pet Nutrition.
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
When learning how to train your cat, you'll start with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Hill's Cat Foods: Nutritional Balance Just for Indoor Cats
Find the right Hill
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.