Mani's and Pedi's, please!
Unless you have an unusual living situation, you likely have some upholstered furniture in your home. You may have some curtains, you probably have some carpet, and you definitely have skin on your person that is vulnerable to sharp objects. These are just a few motivations for wanting to keep your cat's claws trimmed and healthy! While it's definitely not the easiest or most exciting of tasks, it's entirely necessary. Most importantly, however, keeping a kitty's claws trimmed is healthier for your cat, as he or she can't get them caught in things or break them off, causing pain, discomfort, and possibly infection. We're here to help you get through the process!
First, as with most home animal care, talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns about clipping your cat's nails. It's always better to talk to your vet if you are hesitant, rather than risk injuring your cat (or yourself, if your cat scratches you from stress!). Your veterinarian will clip your cat's nails at regular checkups, but The Humane Society of the United States recommends trimming your cat's claws every few weeks, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the process. Your veterinarian can show you step-by-step how to clip your cat's claws during your next visit. If you even still feel uncomfortable with it, you can take your cat to a groomer. We do not recommend declawing your cat for any purpose as it can cause major health issues to the cat and has no medical benefits.
But for now, we'll provide you with instructions, and you can always refer back to them in the future!
As with most cat care, it's best to introduce unpleasant tasks to your feline friend as a kitten if you have the opportunity. At a young age, they are less opposed to being touched, poked, prodded, or groomed and then will be accustomed and used to these processes as adult cats. A familiar cat makes a calmer cat! So, if you have a kitten, gently pet and hold your cat's paws often, and reward him or her with treats during or immediately after trimming.
To start clipping your cat's nails, get the proper tools ready. There are several kinds of clippers, so feel free to use what is easiest for you and your cat. You can purchase a guillotine-type clipper, clippers more like a pair of scissors that contour to your cat's nails, or a large nail clipper for humans. Usually, a guillotine-type clipper or a human nail clipper will work best. Make sure the blades remain sharp on the tool you use, as a blunt blade will hurt your cat, and please read the directions on your tool before use! It's also best to keep styptic powder nearby in case you do accidentally cut kitty. But hopefully, this won't be necessary.
First, rest your cat comfortably on a table, your lap, or the floor at a time when he or she is calm. All cats will react differently to having their claws clipped, so place your cat in the crook of your arm gently, but firmly to restrain him or her from trying to leave while you're completing the process. Then, hold one of your cat's front paws in one hand and press a toe at the pad on the bottom of their foot with thumb and forefinger of the hand you do not write with (your less dominant hand). This will help the claw extend. Next, look closely at the claw. You will notice a pink area of nerves and blood vessels called the quick (liken the quick to the pink part of a human fingernail). If you accidentally cut this sensitive area, it will bleed and your cat will probably become very uncomfortable and likely uncooperative! So, most importantly, try not to cut the quick! To ensure your cat's nails don't split and fray after cutting, it's best to hold the clipper straight across the nail- don't cut it at an angle. With your dominant hand, use the cutter to cut the claw halfway between the quick and the end of their nail.
If you do accidentally clip the quick, don't panic! Your cat is okay, just in some pain and needs a littl e care and comfort. Speak softly to your cat and stroke his or her head. After a minute or so, the bleeding will probably stop. If it doesn't, put some styptic powder on the cut area to stop the bleeding.
Work as quickly (but carefully, of course) as you can with each of the other toes. It's okay if your cat gets too anxious and you can't clip all their nails - you can always try again later! Keep in mind that you will have more difficulty with cutting kitty's back claws, as they tend to dislike that more. But because cats do less damage to their back claws, they will need trimming less, maybe only a few times a year.
Once you're done, reward kitty (and maybe yourself, too!). You 've just made both your lives a little easier, and your cat healthier. Give yourself a hand...or paw!