When to Cut Cat Nails
When to cut cat nails is a question many owners ask. If your cat is resistant to the idea, here are a few tips to make it a little easier. Always start by trimming the tip of the claw, not the quick. Always avoid cutting into the quick, which is the main blood vessel of the cat’s nail. Never scold or punish your cat if they refuse to let you cut their nails.
Trim five nails while the cat is eating
While a cat’s claws are retractable, it can still be difficult to trim the five-toed claws on its feet. You can use a specialized nail clipper or a pair of scissors. Just make sure you avoid rough play as this will only end up scaring your feline friend. Instead, wait until your pet is resting or asleep. Gently press on the toe to make it protrude. Be sure to keep the nail clipper ‘hook’ off the end of the kitty’s claw. This will avoid damaging the quick, a pink area within the nail containing blood vessels and nerves.
Once your cat is comfortable with the procedure, try to trim only one nail at a time. This way, your kitty won’t feel threatened and will tolerate it better. After the process, reward your cat with a special treat. Vacuum-packed salmon and chicken are great treats, but some cats prefer sour cream and butter. If your cat is used to nail clipping, use these tricks to get your cat in a playful mood.
Trim the white part of the claw
When trimming your cat’s claws, always trim the white portion first. This is the part that contains nerves and blood vessels. You don’t want to accidentally cut into the quick! It can be painful for your cat and can lead to a bleeding accident. Use styptic powder to stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut it. Make sure you keep this product nearby while trimming your cat’s claws.
If your cat is hesitant to cooperate, try to trim the white portion first. Cats rarely remain still for more than a few minutes, so don’t expect them to be patient. Reward them for being cooperative and look for a suitable time to trim their claws. After a meal is a good time to cut cat nails. If you can’t cut their claws completely, try massaging their paw with a cologne or soothing lotion.
Avoid cutting into the quick
Cat nails have a pink, triangular section called the quick that contains blood vessels, nerves, and tissues. Cutting into the quick can cause severe pain and bleeding. Start by trimming a small section of the nail near the tip. If the cut goes into the quick, you can apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding. Unlike human nails, cat claws have 18 claws. A few tips to avoid cutting cat nails into the quick can help you successfully trim your feline’s claws.
Using styptic powder on the nail is a good idea to stop bleeding and ease pain. A safe alternative is organic styptic powder, which should not contain any dangerous ingredients. A cat that is agitated by the thought of being cut might follow your lead and lash out at you. You may also consider offering treats to make your cat feel better. However, if you can’t find any remedies for the pain, you should consult a vet before performing nail trimming.
Avoid scolding or punishing your cat for resisting
You can avoid scolding or punishing your feline friend by keeping a cool head. When you are cutting cat nails, you may accidentally cut the quick or the inner portion of your cat’s claw. Keeping a cool head and not scolding or punishing your feline friend when they resist is important. Also, never cut a live tissue! You could end up with a split nail if you cut through this area.
If your feline friend refuses to cooperate with your attempts to cut their nails, you should never scold or punish him. If you do, your cat may develop an aversion to the task and even develop a higher level of resistance to you. Instead, use prophylactic measures and reward your cat for following your instructions. A light tap on the nose or the top of the head may be effective, but keep in mind that this mild punishment is likely to elicit a more aggressive reaction from your feline friend. If you do decide to use a non-physical punishment, you can opt for a water sprayer, compressed air, or a loud hiss.
