How to cut a cat's nails: choose a tool and follow easy steps. How to trim a cat's nails quickly and painlessly

A little fluffy ball is, of course, a joy in the house. Like any other pet, a small kitten requires special care. One of the problems is long and sharp claws that constantly cling to everything, scratch and can even cause injury to a young feline. Cutting and filing the tips will help solve this problem.

Why cut your cat's claws

Sometimes there are disputes regarding the "cat pedicure". Some believe that cats need claws by nature, and you should not interfere in this process. Others will be inclined to believe that the overgrown tips cause inconvenience not only to the owners, but also to the fluffy pets themselves.

Kittens and cats do not need to trim their claws only if they spend most of their time outside. Thus, the dead part is erased on asphalt, trees and other surfaces with which the paws come into contact. A pet does not need the help of people when there is a scratching post in the house. A kitten trained from an early age will systematically rub its claws on a rough surface.

The procedure for cutting the horn endings for pets that do not leave the apartment is mandatory. Their claws do not come into contact with surfaces on which they could at least partially wear off.

On the hind legs, cats have four fingers with horny processes. But on the front there is one more side, which are located slightly higher. It is they who do not grind, grow large and can even grow in. Adult cats can chew their claws, but babies cannot. In this case, the help of a person is inevitable.

A broken claw is a painful injury and an open site for germs to thrive. As a result, the kitten may get sick.

How often to do a cat pedicure

Experts recommend cutting kittens' nails no more than once a month. But it is also worth paying attention to the individual characteristics of the pet. There are breeds in which the horny endings on the paws grow much faster than the rest. Scottish Fold, Sphynx and Persian kittens require special attention to their paws and claws. They have a much faster regrowth and stratification of the horny plates. Therefore, clipping of the claws in these breeds will occur more often.

Owners of kittens need to carefully monitor the condition of the horn endings. The deterioration of their condition indicates a lack of vitamins B and D in food, increased fragility indicates a lack of calcium. The veterinary clinic will tell you which drugs will help to cope with problems.

Kitten nail trimming at home

If you have not experienced circumcision of the horny processes or are afraid to do it yourself, then you need to contact a specialist. He will make the right and painless haircut.

Cat manicure can also be done at home. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with some rules and tips for the procedure.

Nail trimming tools:

1. Nail cutters are special nippers that perfectly cut the tips of the claws. They are sold in pet stores.
2. A nail file - in this case, the most common one, which is in a woman's manicure set, will do. But it is recommended to purchase a separate one for the pet.
3. A cotton pad and an antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide) - these funds will be needed only if you injure the living part of the claw.

Time for circumcision
When the kitten is active or very hungry, the procedure should be postponed. The most suitable time for cutting claws is the period when the baby has eaten or is sleeping.

The animal needs to be calmed, stroked, and talked quietly. Be sure to give the nail clippers a sniff so that they do not arouse interest during the haircut.

A kitten, like other pets, is easy to train. Take advantage of this opportunity, turn the process of cutting claws into a pleasant experience. To do this, stock up on your kitten's favorite treat: pieces of meat, fish fillets, delicious food. Before starting the haircut and after cutting each horn ending, give him a "yummy". After several such actions, the fluffy will calmly give up its paws.

So that this procedure does not take a lot of time and does not harm the animal, you need to know how to properly trim the tips of the claws:

1. Cut kittens' nails in a bright place. Carefully examine the horn process in the light. The part closest to the foot has a pinkish tint - this is the pulp, a claw with blood capillaries and nerve endings. When cutting, you need to retreat a few millimeters from it.
2. The dead part will have a white transparent color. That is what needs to be removed. To make it convenient to cut off the horn process, take the kitten's paw and lightly squeeze the pad with your fingers. Claws spontaneously protrude outward.
3. Hold the tool strictly perpendicular to the claw. Carefully cut off the end. Align the cuts with a nail file. At the end of the procedure, wipe the claws with an antiseptic.

During the haircut, the kitten should behave calmly. Otherwise, it is necessary to postpone the procedure for a more suitable time.

And most importantly, cats are freedom-loving animals, they love independence and do not tolerate when they are forced to do something by force. However, they require attention, care and love from their owners.

Video: how to trim a cat's claws

How to cut a cat's claws, with what tools? Is it really necessary to do this? Is it possible to limit the purchase of a scratching post? These questions are asked by many inexperienced pet owners. The answers to them are contained in the article.

Is it really necessary

So, do cats trim their nails? Experienced veterinarians recommend regular manicures for your pet. The reasons why this procedure is necessary are listed in the article.

• Overgrown nails can grow into the skin. The pet will have to undergo a painful operation to remove them.
• Volumetric carpets, thick curtains - that just will not pose a threat to the paws of the animal! If the cat gets stuck, it will certainly try to free itself. As a result, the claws can break out completely, which will cause her severe pain.
• The animal will have to forget about fast running. Also, a cat will be less willing to respond to an invitation to play.

When to start cutting

Is it possible to cut the nails of cats from birth? Veterinarians answer this question in the negative. A pet who is not yet a month old should not be subjected to this procedure. Firstly, his delicate claws do not need to be cut. Secondly, the kitten's attempts to free himself can lead to damage to the blood vessels.

If the cat is already a month old, then it's time to accustom her to regular manicures. It is not worth postponing this, since at an early stage of a pet’s development it is easiest to form a habit in him. Of course, you can start trimming the claws in adulthood, but in this case, the owners will have to be patient.

How often

How to cut a cat's claws, how often should I do it? Such questions invariably arise from inexperienced pet owners. The frequency of the procedure depends on a number of factors, which are discussed below.

• Color of the nail plate. Studies have shown that dark nails grow faster than light ones.
• Personal characteristics of the organism.
• Pet activity. Lazy cats prefer to spend time half asleep, so they constantly need the help of their owners. Their frisky brothers, who play with pleasure in the house or outside, regularly sharpen their claws.

On average, a pet may need a manicure two to three times a month. There are signs that indicate that the claws have already grown. For example, a pet is less likely to play and frolic, move more slowly, its paws make a knock when walking on a bare floor. It is also worth paying attention to scratches on furniture, finishing materials, and the skin of the owners.

Tool selection

How to trim a cat's nails at home? This will require a suitable tool, which should be prepared in advance.

• In the range of pet stores you can see several types of nail cutters, they all have a similar principle of operation.
• The blade should be sharp, the only way to quickly and accurately get rid of the regrown tips. A blunt instrument will not only complicate and lengthen the process. It will increase the likelihood of touching a sensitive place at the base, which will cause severe pain to the pet.
• For beginners, it is best to arm yourself with small nail clippers. They are also suitable when only the tips need to be cut off. Large scissors should be chosen for working with old and hard horn formations.
• Guillotine nail cutters have a moving blade, which allows you to cut the claw when squeezing the handles. This is an ideal choice for working with thick and long nails, but it is better to refrain from using them if the nails have simply not been trimmed for a long time.
• It is necessary not only to choose the right nail cutter, but also to ensure that it does not become dull over time. If during a manicure you have to make more efforts than usual, this indicates that the blade has become dull. This is also indicated by the uneven edge of the cut.

What else is needed

Even if the owner knows how to properly trim the cat's claws, no one is immune from accidents. Be sure to stock up on a hemostatic agent or antiseptic before proceeding with the procedure. Preference can be given to a hemostatic pencil. The substances present in its composition will stop bleeding, cauterize blood vessels. The pencil is applied to the wound for one to two minutes.

What else is needed? You should also stock up on a hard nail file in advance. This tool is necessary to correct the tips after cutting the nails. If the owner takes care of this, the pet will not catch on its paws when walking, furniture and coverings will be safe. As an alternative to a file, you can consider sandpaper, a bar.

Preview

How to trim a cat's nails without harming your pet? To begin with, you should carefully examine them. The pink patch is the living part of the claw, made up of nerves and blood vessels. In no case should you touch it with a nail cutter, this will cause severe pain to the animal. It is necessary to cut only the upper part of the claw, cutting off the pointed edge.

The owner of the pet must understand how big the living area is. If the claw is transparent, it is easy to see this area, which looks like a pinkish triangle. If the animal has dark claws, extra care should be taken.

How to trim a cat's claws: step by step instructions

The instructions below will help the owners easily cope with this task. So, how to trim a cat's nails at home?

• What time to choose for a manicure? This is best done when the cat is falling asleep, purring contentedly, or has just eaten. The procedure should not be subjected to an animal if it wants to eat or is in an excited state. The cat will begin to struggle, which can lead to injury.
• Choosing the right posture is important. The cat should be seated with its back to you. In the right hand you need to take the nail cutter, with the left hand you need to hold the paw of the pet.
• You need to press on the paw in order to see the claws. Then determine the place where the live part ends, see the border.
• Beginners should limit themselves to cutting the ends. The accumulated experience over time will allow you to cut the claw closer to the sensitive area.
• It is better to position the nail cutter so that the blade is between the live part and the tip. To avoid breaking the claws, it is better to cut from top to bottom.
• During the procedure, it is important to remain as calm as possible. The animal can meow, break out, scratch. It is impossible to react to this, as well as speed up the work. If the cat resists strongly, it is better to postpone the manicure until she is in a more suitable mood.
• The final stage is the processing of the claws with a file.

Pleasant associations

The above talks about how to trim the claws of a cat. It is unlikely that the animal will fall in love with this procedure, but you can make it so that it does not cause negative emotions. To do this, you need to offer your pet a treat every time the manicure comes to an end. It's great if this is something that the cat loves very much, but rarely gets. Cheese, chicken, red fish, sour cream - each animal has its own addictions.

Pleasant associations with nail clipping in a cat can cause not only a treat. Be sure to praise the animal every time the procedure comes to an end.

About preparation

How to cut a cat's nails? The photos and tips given in the article will simplify this task. Proper preparation for the procedure will also help reduce the likelihood of animal resistance.

Many cats do not like it when someone touches their paws, as nature decreed. Therefore, the owners should accustom them to this in advance. Gently stroking your pet's paws is best when he is full and relaxed. When the animal gets used to stroking, you can proceed to the next step - gently take the paws in your hands and hold them. When the pet begins to respond positively to touch, you can move on to massage. Massage the paws carefully so that the animal does not retain unpleasant memories.

How to properly trim a cat's nails? Do cats trim their nails at all? This question occupies almost every owner. It is especially relevant for those whose pet has a habit of tearing furniture upholstery.

Nail clipping: a necessity or a fashion trend?

It is quite another thing - an animal that does not encroach on furniture and master's hands. "Why trim a cat's nails if it doesn't scratch?" many people think. In fact, such a procedure is often needed not so much by the owners as by the fluffy purrs themselves. Their claws grow throughout their lives. If the animal does not have the opportunity to grind them down naturally, then the claws curl and dig into the paw pads, injuring the delicate skin.

Too long a claw can catch on a curtain or bedspread. The animal, as a rule, cannot get out on its own. At best, the owner will release him. But it also happens that in an attempt to escape the cat cripples itself, literally pulling the claw out of the “finger”.

In some cases, you can avoid an unpleasant procedure by buying a scratching post for your pet or simply bringing a suitable board into the house. But these half-measures do not always help.

Nail clipping rules

Many people are worried about whether it is possible for a cat to cut its claws? After all, if you think about it, they are the natural defense of the animal. Moreover: during the procedure, most animals break out so that there is a real risk of injuring them. Veterinarians are unanimous in this regard: you need to trim your nails, but you need to do it right..

• The main thing to remember: you can not use any tools from a manicure set, nor ordinary scissors. They are designed for a different shape of the nail, and the cat's claw can be injured. There are special devices - nail cutters. They are produced in two types: standard wire cutters and guillotine-type tongs. Both are easy to use, so the choice depends solely on your preferences.
• In the part of the claw closest to the finger there is a blood vessel - the pulp. If you hook it, the animal will experience severe pain, and a drop of blood will appear on the cut. The result can be inflammation, infection of the wound, not to mention the fact that the next time the cat will desperately resist a haircut. Take a claw and carefully examine it in the light. You will clearly see a pink vessel and a whitish, transparent part with a depression in the middle. That is what needs to be shortened.
• Some cats have black nails. In this case, it is almost impossible to determine where the live part begins. Therefore, it is better to cut off only the very tip.
• Remember that there are five fingers on the foot: four on the pad and one on the back. It also needs to be trimmed. What's more, even cats that spend most of their time outdoors need to shorten it from time to time. The fact is that it is practically not used and, accordingly, it is not worn down even in the most active animals.
• When asked how often to trim a cat's nails , there is no clear answer. It all depends on the growth rate of the horny plates. As a rule, the optimal interval is from 2 weeks to 1 month.
• While nail trimming is perfectly safe, not every cat needs it. For an animal living in a private house and spending a lot of time on the street, claws are vital. Without them, they will not be able to climb a tree, protect themselves from a tailed rival or a dog. And a meeting with a rat without a natural feline weapon can even become deadly. Most free-spirited vagrants grind their own claws while climbing trees and walking on asphalt. In a different situation are domestic cats that do not leave the apartment. They need regular nail trimming.

How to cut nails yourself?

Any veterinary clinic provides nail trimming services. However, for many animals, going to the clinic is a huge stress. To rid your pet of it, you can perform an unpleasant procedure yourself. In order to trim your nails at home, you will need:

• Nail file.
• Cotton pads and hydrogen peroxide in case you accidentally injure an animal.

Take the animal in your arms or put it on the table in such a way that it does not have the opportunity to escape. No need to fix it too tightly. The cat must feel safe, otherwise its resistance will become even more violent. At the same time, make sure that the pet does not twitch while cutting the claw.

It is most convenient to carry out such a procedure together, although this depends on the nature of your animal and on your relationship with it. Some cats tolerate nail trimming quite calmly, while others can be difficult to handle even for a few experienced veterinarians. And some animals allow you to do anything with them, but only as long as they are in the arms of their beloved owner.

With the cat in place, take the paw and lightly press the pad between your fingers to extend the claws. Find the place where the vessels end, and carefully cut the claw perpendicular to the direction of its growth. Treat all fingers in this way, including those located on the back of the paw.

If possible, it is better to clean up the cut edge a little with a nail file. Not all animals allow this, so if the cut is even, straightening can be neglected. The exception is cats of hairless breeds: a sharp edge can scratch the skin almost as deeply as a whole claw.

Restless animal nail clipping

But how to cut the claws of a cat if it breaks out? some will ask. Unfortunately, it is impossible to give unambiguous advice in such a situation. There are many tricks to deal with a restless pet.

1. First of all, before trimming the cat's nails, it is better not to do any other unpleasant procedures. Try not to let the whole process take more than a few minutes. If the animal resists, it makes sense to take a break and trim the remaining claws later.
2. If necessary, you can swaddle the cat, wrapping it in a dense cloth. And most importantly - do not forget to talk with your pet. The animal must feel that it is safe. Ask household members to help: have one pet the cat affectionately while the other wields wire cutters.

The only thing you should not do is to give the animal "sedatives" to drink. Do not listen to the advice of "well-wishers". Remember - any antipsychotic does not add health to your furry pet.

Communication with a cat brings a lot of pleasant moments to the owner. But sometimes wayward domestic friends are able to show their sharp claws, and in the literal sense of the word, and even then a person will be unhappy. Not only do cats leave scratches on the owner's body and holes in clothes, they also strive to ruin furniture, wallpaper, and magazines. In addition, other animals living in the house can suffer from the claws of mustachioed pets: dogs, rodents, parrots. But it is possible to disarm a domestic scratch-scratch. To do this, you need to learn how to properly cut the cat's claws.

When do cats not need nail clipping?

Nail clipping is also undesirable for very young pets under 4 weeks of age. The procedure should not be carried out often for older animals, whose motor activity is minimal due to age. In all other cases, the removal of part of the stratum corneum on the phalanges of cat fingers is considered safe.

At what age should a cat's nails be trimmed?

How often should the procedure be performed?

What to have ready before a haircut?

• Nail clippers- look like ordinary "human" scissors, but their blades are not straight, but curved at the ends. It is required to insert a claw into a kind of hole, and then close the rings - the cat's nail will be removed without difficulty;
• Guillotine nail cutters- a tool that works on the principle of an ominous mechanism for cutting off heads. The cat's claw is inserted into a special hole, and the blade, lowered with the help of the handles of the claw cutter, removes the regrown part of the claw;
• Nail cutters- in appearance they represent the tool of the locksmith of the same name. The claw is inserted into the crevice between the cutting edges of the nail cutter, and the handles actuate the tool, causing the claw to bounce off the sharp blades;
• Nail grinders- devices consisting of a handle and a rotating tip covered with emery. They operate on batteries. During the grinder, the claw is not cut off, but grinded. Typically, such a nail cutter is used in grooming salons, and mechanical tools are used for home trimming.

How to properly trim cats claws?

1. Take care of the hygiene of hands and tools;
2. Calm down, talk to the cat quietly and calmly;
3. Put the purr on your hands, taking the tool (nail cutter) in your working hand;
4. Grasp the cat's paw with your free hand, pressing on the fingertips so that the claws extend to their full length;
5. Holding the nail cutter perpendicular to the nail, cut off its curved tip without affecting the vessels;
6. If necessary, file the claw with a nail file;
7. Trim the claws on all the fingers of the cat;
8. If the pulp is injured, treat it with hydrogen peroxide;
9. Praise a patient friend with a treat.

An alternative to home nail trimming

• The cat does not allow a haircut;
• The claws are black, therefore the pulp is not visible;
• After the procedure, the pet cannot recover for a long time, experiencing stress.

1. Using a claw point. Sometimes owners try to help homebody cats by purchasing a scratching post. But not all pets like to use it, preferring the owner's sofa as an object for sharpening. However, if you teach a cat to grind claws from an early age, then there should be no problems. The simplest scratching post can be purchased at a price of 300 rubles;
2. Groomer visit. In some cases, it is easier to pay a professional than to persuade an obstinate pet to remove its claws with scissors or a nail cutter. In the capital's salons, they ask for a service from 300-500 rubles, in Russia prices are lower - from 150 rubles. The cost of trimming is doubled if the cat is acting hostile. By the way, if the owner orders a range of services (bathing, haircut, combing), then in some salons the nails can be trimmed for free;
3. Purchase of anti-scratch caps. Those owners who doubt whether it is necessary to cut the cat's claws should think about special silicone nozzles. They are attached to the claw with glue (comes with anti-scratches) and last for at least a month. Such products are selected based on the dimensions of the pet: XS - for animals weighing less than 2.5 kg; S - for miniature individuals weighing up to 4 kg; M - for medium cats weighing up to 6 kg; L is for healthy cats like Maine Coons. The cost of packing anti-scratches (20 pieces plus a tube of glue) starts from 200 rubles. If the procedure for gluing the caps will be done by the groomer, you will need to pay another 500-800 rubles;
4. Onychectomy. The worst decision is to deprive a cat of its claws. However, such operations are carried out in veterinary clinics. If the owner is still interested in the question of how much it costs to remove the cat's claws, then the amount can reach up to 5,000 rubles. But such a surgical intervention has a lot of disadvantages:
   • To remove the claw phalanx, anesthesia is administered (which is very unsafe for health);
   • At home, you will need to process the seams on the paws (you can easily bring an infection);
   • The cat will have to wear a special collar for a week (or more) so as not to damage the seams;
   • After the operation, the animal may have problems with coordination of movements;
   • An "unarmed" cat experiences severe stress: it becomes withdrawn, apathetic, sometimes aggressive;
   • Finally, it is simply inhumane, as if a person were to have the phalanges on all 20 fingers amputated at the same time.

Trimming a cat's claws has many benefits, not only for humans, but also for the cats themselves. In addition to being less harmful to human skin and your favorite sofa and carpet, clipped nails will save your pet from such trouble as an ingrown or broken claw. Nail trimming can be completely painless for both you and your furry pet. What secrets do you need to know? How to cut a cat's nails successfully and without nerves? Our article will help you easily cope with this task.

A little about cat claws

Cats have 18 toes and 18 claws, five on each front paw and four on each back. Polydactyl cats can have 6 or more fingers. This is a genetic failure that can occur in any breed, but is quite rare. It should be noted the structure of the cat's claw. This is a keratinized epithelium, and inside the sensitive part - blood vessels and nerves. No matter how many toes your cat has, or how well she grinds them down, you need to provide proper care to maintain healthy cat nails.

cat claws

Choosing the right tool

It is very important! Before you catch a cat and get down to business - make sure you have everything you need. Nail cutter, cotton wool, hydrogen peroxide (don't worry, this is for safety net, especially if you cut your nails for the first time). If your pet has a lot of hair on its paws, for convenience, you can cut it a little (with ordinary scissors or a typewriter). There are several types of cropping tools. Basically, they are not much different. It is very important that the tool is sharp. Blunt nail cutters will lengthen the procedure and can make it painful and not entirely successful. Let's look at the tools for trimming and processing cat nails:

• Nail cutter-scissors - usually comes in small and large sizes. The small ones are perfect for trimming the ends a bit. The large ones are designed for trimming large and hard claws. Equipped with a special notch for the claw. Very comfortably.
• The forceps are comfortable and safe, they have a so-called blade lock. It is provided so that you cut only the necessary part without hitting anything important.
• Guillotine - works in the same way as the mechanism after which it is named. It has a minus - you will not be able to fully see exactly how much you cut off the claw.
• Electric Trimmer - Most electric trimmers have a cap that lets you control how much of the nail is exposed. This is a handy and important feature, especially for security.
• Nail file - designed to file and make the surface of the cut claw softer and smoother.

If you have a small kitten, it is best to purchase nail clippers or tongs. For other ages, any tools will do.

cat showing claws

How often should a cat's nails be trimmed?

Here you should take into account the individual characteristics of each pet, for example, the rate of growth and lifestyle. Active cats grind off some of their claws on their own, while lazy kings of sofas do not. Consequently, the second manicure procedures are needed more often. Observe your cat and choose the optimal pruning frequency.

Cat's claws trimmed

Step-by-step instruction

How to cut the nails of our cats so that it is painless, fast and successful? We have prepared a complete instruction for the most capricious pets. If your cat takes things lightly, you can skip the first few steps:

1. Most cats get very nervous and frightened when someone does something to their paws. Therefore, let the pet relax: stroke the paws a little. The cat can get up and leave. Let go of the situation: don't force her to do anything, but continue to gently stroke her paws when you have the chance. Reward your pet with treats to help create positive associations.
2. Your task is to let the cat get used to the fact that her paws are in your hands. You must ensure that the cat does not become nervous or react in any way even when you press the pads to inspect the claws. Don't make sudden movements, be nice and friendly. And, most importantly, do not be nervous yourself - our pets feel everything.
3. It is important to choose the right moment - choose the time when the cat is as relaxed as possible. For example, after eating. Or when she's getting ready to take a little nap.
4. You must take a comfortable position. It should be comfortable not only for you, but also for the cat. So she will panic less and resist. If you have someone who can help, ask to hold the pet and calm him down.
5. Gently press down on the foot to expose the claws. Take the tool prepared in advance. If the cat starts to protest, meow and try to scratch you - eliminate any aggression on your part. And don't try to finish everything faster, you can hurt her and scare her even more. Try trimming one or two claws first. Give a rewarding treat. Continue cutting until you're done.

Cat's nails trimmed with tongs

What to do if something went wrong?

First, don't panic. If you hit a sensitive part and you have hydrogen peroxide on hand, go to the kitchen and grab some cornstarch or flour. Apply a small amount to the tip of the nail - the starch and flour will act as a coagulant. This should stop the bleeding. Stay close to your pet for 30 minutes to make sure he doesn't lick the wound. If you cannot stop the bleeding within 30 minutes, you should contact your veterinarian. But in the vast majority of cases, everything ends well.

Cat before nail trimming