How To Cut A Cat’s Nails Without Scaring Him

Maintaining the hygiene of your pets can be a challenge. Especially when you have to do something they don’t like at all. Like, for example, bathing him, cleaning his ears or brushing his teeth. But if there’s one thing owners hate to do, it’s  cutting the cat’s nails.

If you have one of these cute domestic felines, you know that holding it still for a few minutes is an often impossible mission. Especially if you try to shorten his retractable claws. In this article we will explain how to  cut your cat’s nails effectively and quickly.

Do you know how to cut a cat’s nails?

If you don’t want to go crazy every time you cut your cat’s nails, follow these tips that will help you relax and calm your cat when the time comes.

1. Prepare the cat

Whenever you are forced to make the cat do something it does not like, or even hates, a real strategy must be devised. Again, you will have to act cunning. Start stroking his paws, as well as other parts of his body, so that he relaxes.

Touch his paws, observe his nails, pads, but keep him calm. It is possible that there will come a time when the cat will get tired and leave. If this happens, let him move away and don’t force him.

Gently grab the legs and move them if he lets you. Remember to reward your cat every time he allows you to manipulate his feet and nails. If you offer him a snack or a treat, he will link this treatment to something positive. Gradually, it will become easier and easier to convince him to have his nails cut.

2. Choose the right position

It is very important that the cat feels comfortable when cutting the nails. If he’s already in a comfortable position, chances are he doesn’t want to move, even if he realizes you’re going to cut his nails.

One of the best positions to do this is to sit down with the cat’s back on your chest and front paws on your lap. However, your pet may not feel very comfortable and you need to find another position. Take your time: no one knows his tastes better than you.

3. Use the right tools

It is important that you know how to choose a suitable, sharp and silent nail clipper, because the more movements you have to make to cut the cat’s nails, the longer the operation will last. With the risk that the animal will lose patience and show nervousness.

Try to buy sharp and small nail clippers, especially if you are a beginner, as they offer more ease of movement. You will also find in the shops the so-called “guillotines”, in which the cat’s nail is inserted and a clean and dry cut is given.

4. Beware of sensitive parts

There are veins inside cats’ nails that you might accidentally cut. It is important that you are aware of this and that you act with the utmost attention. The advice is never to cut your nails too short.

It is a good idea to have an adjuvant stick on hand   that you can buy in pharmacies. It will be used to cauterize blood vessels and prevent bleeding, helping you in the event of such an accident.

5. Start trimming your cat’s nails

If you have followed all the steps listed so far, then you are ready to cut your cat’s nails. It may not allow you to cut them all at once. But don’t worry: as soon as he gives you another chance, you can finish this cleaning job.

Don’t forget positive reinforcement. It is important that the pet receives a reward every time you cut a nail, in order to motivate him to endure this not entirely pleasant experience.

There is never too much patience when it comes to taking care of pet hygiene. But it is a sacrifice that is needed to protect their health. With these practical tips, cutting your cat’s nails will be a less complicated task, rest assured!