When Should I Cut My Cat's Nails

Cat Nail Trimming 101: How and When

When the article of furniture in your house starts to resemble a worn out scratching postal service, it'southward time to put regular cat nail trimming in place. Because cat nails (known every bit claws) abound in layers, they use scratching to peel off old claw sheaths and expose new claws. While information technology'south condom to say your indoor cat isn't using their claws to hunt, they however play a big role in your pet'southward natural behavior.

cat on couch

Information technology's instinctive for your true cat to use their claws for playing, hunting, climbing, and defending themselves. They fifty-fifty apply them to communicate by marking their territory, to stretch stiff muscles, exercise, and salve stress. So you tin can imagine how difficult a day without good for you nails would be. To help with your true cat's grooming routine, we'll walk you lot through when and how to cutting cat nails.

Warming Up to Cat Smash Trimming

Introducing cat nail trimming into your pet's routine, should happen when they're a kitten or still young. For the first session, focus on making your feline comfortable. First by holding their paw and touching their toes, fingers, and nails while you talk to them. It may seem similar a slow commencement but the goal is to familiarize your cat with having their paws handled. Diving right in with clippers could frighten your true cat or make them feel threatened.

For the next session, attempt trimming a few claws and increase the number of nails y'all cutting until y'all can trim them all in one sitting. Be sure to have styptic powder on paw in case you cutting the pink strip that extends from the base of the nail, known equally the quick. The quick contains fretfulness and muscles making information technology a very sensitive role of the claw. You can dab styptic powder on the cut area or utilize direct force per unit area with a tissue to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, contact your cat'southward veterinarian correct away.

How to Cut Cat Nails: Perfecting Your Technique

Now that your companion is comfy with you handling their claws, it's time to go a cat nail trimming pro! Before you lot start, make sure you take true cat-friendly supplies like a pet nail clipper or guillotine. Scissor-style clippers are useful if yous're cut a blast that has grown into a circle. When you're gear up, follow these 5 steps to get started:

STEP one: Get your true cat to extend their claw by holding their paw and gently squeezing the middle of their pad between your pollex and alphabetize finger.

Pace 2: Place the trimmer perpendicular to the nail at the bespeak where it starts to curve downward.

Step 3: Trim at a slow pace and avoid cutting parallel (side to side) to steer clear of crushing and splintering the nail.

STEP four: Go along cutting pinnacle to lesser, only clipping the part of the claw that is beyond the quick then as not to hitting any blood vessels or fretfulness. If yous can't see the quick, trim the thin curved tip.

STEP five: When finished, advantage your feline with treats and praise for cooperating.

Repeat this procedure for all nails that need trimming. Most cats volition but need their front end claws clipped because they maintain their back claws when they self-groom. Still, check the dorsum claws to see if your cat is keeping them under command. If you've never trimmed a cat'south nails and feel nervous, ask your veterinarian for a demonstration or to supervise your first attempt.

Knowing When and How Oft to Trim Cat Nails

If your cat's claws are long, curved, and razor sharp, they're ready for a trim. Try to grab them afterwards playtime so they're tired and relaxed. The time between cat nail trimmings will vary depending on your cat's activity level and how much they scratch, with the average fourth dimension beingness 2–4 weeks.

You should showtime trimming your cat's nails when they are young since it can take a lot of patience to convince an older cat to take a "pedicure." A mature cat's nails may likewise need more frequent clippings than a kitten'south nails.

Maintaining Your Cat's Nails Between Trimmings

Providing a sturdy scratching mail or tower is ane manner you tin support your true cat's instinctive urge to claw. Information technology besides keeps your furniture from becoming their latest obsession. Grooming your cat to scratch in appropriate areas at an early age is your best defense against unwanted scratching. Hither are some things to consider:

Scratch post texture

All cats accept different preferences when it comes to scratching surfaces. To figure out what your cat likes, let them test a few materials. The nigh mutual and popular scratch surfaces are cardboard, carpeting, and sisal (a ropy fiber). One time you know your cat's preferred material, purchase a sturdy mail service so they can dig in and pull without the danger of knocking it over.

cat scratching board

Scratch post location

Pick a location close to your cat'south favorite scratching and napping areas. Reinforce the idea that this is the advisable place to scratch by moving your cat'southward paws up and down the mail, or scratching it yourself.

cat scratching post

Protecting your piece of furniture

There are a few ways you lot can make your furniture less bonny to your kitty. One technique is to spray pet repellent on your furniture while enticing your cat to employ their new scratching surface area (don't exist afraid to use catnip every bit a little actress motivation). Some repellents can get out stains, so always exam them beforehand.

Another technique is to cover furniture with plastic, foil, carpet runners or furniture covers. During this time, introduce your cat to their scratching area. Once your furniture is no longer a focus, it'southward safe to remove whatever coverings.

Giving your cat positive reinforcement for proficient beliefs ensures these habits stick. Whenever they scratch their post or bear witness involvement in information technology, reward them with treats and affection. These small praises volition go a long way toward instilling salubrious scratching behavior.

When to Seek Professional Nail Grooming

All cats are different and sometimes it's best to seek the assist of a professional. Certified stylists will know how to deal with your cat's quirky beliefs and how to help them relax. If you call up your companion would relish professional preparation, consider scheduling a Petco nail trim. Aside from cutting nails, a la card services include nail buffing, mitt balm, and even boom polish for a complete mean solar day of pampering!