How to properly trim a cat’s claws?

To cut or not to cut?

Domestic cats living in an apartment do not lead an active and mobile lifestyle, like their street counterparts: they do not run on asphalt and rough terrain, do not climb trees and, accordingly, do not grind their claws in natural conditions. When they grow too long, the animal can not only damage upholstered furniture and carpets, but also injure itself – for example, pull out a claw, catching on a sofa, chair or carpet.

Particular attention should also be paid to the rudimentary, or fifth claw, located on the front paws. It is difficult for them to catch on to something, because it does not reach the floor, but it can grow or stick into the paw pad, causing pain to the pet.

How to teach?

In order for the process to go smoothly and painlessly, it is necessary to accustom to it from a very early age. The need for the first procedure, as a rule, occurs in a kitten at the age of three months. It is very important that it goes as quickly and painlessly as possible, does not cause fear and discomfort, otherwise this process will turn into a difficult test in the future. You need to choose a time when the kitten is calm, take it in your arms, stroke it. If possible, it is worth attracting an assistant: so as not to injure the pet and protect yourself from scratches.

How to cut?

The paw must be taken in the hand and pressed on it so that the claws appear. They need to be carefully studied: at the base of each claw there is a pulp – a formation of blood vessels and nerve endings.

Cut off the claw at a distance of at least 2 mm from this sensitive part. The cut must be transverse. Just in case, it is worth preparing an antiseptic in advance in order to treat the wound if the pulp is still accidentally touched.

What to cut?

For cutting claws, it is best to use special nippers (claw cutters), which can be purchased at almost any pet store. Ordinary scissors will not be able to cope with the task of conducting a painless procedure, but nail clippers or nail clippers are quite suitable. These tools are especially useful for cutting the nails of kittens and cats of small breeds when you need to cut off a thin edge. For animals with thick and coarse claws, a guillotine nail cutter is suitable. You can trim the nails with a hard nail file or an emery bar, and polish them with a regular nail file.

How often to cut?

Each pet needs an individual approach. Some cats should have their nails trimmed monthly, others once every one and a half to two weeks. If the animal has black claws, it is more difficult to determine the pulp on them, so it is recommended for such cats to shorten the claws to a minimum, but to do this at least twice a month. In addition, more often than representatives of other breeds, Persians and sphinxes should cut their claws: they have an excessive build-up and detachment of the horny part of the claw.

12 2017 June

Updated: July 6, 2018