Cats, just like dogs, require their nails to be kept at a certain length to avoid injury to their paws and pads. While not all cats will need to have their claws trimmed regularly, that shouldn’t stop owners from learning how to do it. Read our guide for some tips on what you’ll need, when and what to do and what not to do.
How Often Should You Trim a Cat’s Nails?
To prevent long nails from hurting a cat’s paws, cat owners should trim them at least every two weeks as a rule of thumb. This time frame will allow cutting sessions to be performed once the nail is long enough to cut but not long enough to hit the pads of the toes or become deformed.
However, not all owners will need to trim their cats’ nails, as some cats have more active lifestyles than others. For example, cats that spend a lot of time outdoors will likely need to use their claws more than indoor cats for things like climbing trees, hunting, and even for self-defense. Additionally, some indoor cats are able to care for their nails themselves using scratching posts.
Owners will need to regularly check the length of their cats’ nails to ensure they are kept at an appropriate length.
Tools and supplies needed for cutting cat nails
The tools and materials you will need to trim your cat’s nails don’t differ much from those you would use for a dog. Some of these include:
- Guillotine, pliers or scissor nail clippers
- nail file
- Towel (for wrapping wriggling cats)
- Cornstarch or styptic powder (in case it bleeds)
- Treats (to reinforce good behavior while cutting nails)
How to cut cat nails at home
Once you’ve gathered your cat nail clippers and all the supplies you think you’ll need, you should set yourself up in a position that’s comfortable for both you and your cat. The key to a smooth nail clipping experience is to keep your cat calm. If they can’t sit still, you can wrap them in a towel and keep all their paws inside except the one you’ll cut off.
To trim each nail (including the dewclaw), you will first need to isolate and expose them by pressing on your cat’s fingertips and locating the pink part of the nail known as the “quick.” Since it contains blood vessels, you need to avoid cutting too close to it, otherwise the cat may bleed. Many cats have light-colored nails, which makes it easier for owners to spot the quick. Even if they are darker in color and you can’t see the fast, you should only cut the tip of the nail.
Many veterinarians and professionals with experience in cat grooming provide step-by-step guides and tutorials on how to trim cat nails on their websites. These could be especially helpful for cat owners who may be trimming their furry friends’ nails for the first time.
Frequently asked questions about how to cut cats’ nails
Is it necessary to cut a cat’s claws?
This will depend on the cat. Many active cats are able to file their nails naturally without requiring owner intervention. They can do this outside or inside using scratching posts or horizontal scratching posts. However, not all cats get used to scratching, and even those that do may not do a good job of filing their nails, which is why you’ll need to keep an eye on them.
What to do if your cat won’t let you cut its nails?
If your cat is unable to file its nails on its own and won’t even let you trim them, it may be best to take it to the vet. Both the vet and his technicians are supposed to have experience trimming cats’ claws, even with difficult cats. You can also take them to a professional groomer.
Is cutting nails painful for cats?
Some cats may feel uncomfortable while you trim or file their nails. However, cutting your nails should never cause pain, unless you are cutting too high or have some nail or nail bed disorder.
Summary of Money’s guide on how to trim cats’ nails
- Long nails can be harmful to your cat’s paws if they are not trimmed every two weeks or when they are long enough to deform or puncture your cat’s paws.
- Not all owners will need to trim their cats’ nails, but everyone should pay attention to their length.
- To trim your cat’s claws, you will need nail clipping tools specially designed for dog and cat nails.
- A veterinary surgeon (DVM) or professional groomer can help you if your cat won’t let you trim its nails.
- If your cat feels pain while cutting its nails, it could be a sign of a nail problem or you may want to change your nail clipping technique.