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Trimming Cat Claws: The Essential Guide to the Job We All Hate!

Posted in: Cat Care - Last Updated: January 14, 2022 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Care 
Last Updated: November 4, 2021  
Author:  Rebekah Carter
white cat having nails trimmed at vets

Figuring out how to trim cat claws correctly is tough.

If your kitty’s nails are overgrown, or you’re worried about damage to the furniture, regular trimming is a method you can try. Of course, it’s important to cautious about where and how you trim cat nails. Plus, let’s be honest, most cats aren’t going to be happy about you trimming their claws.

The good news is that cat experts and cat parents promise it is possible to cut a cat’s nails, without the trauma. All you need is a little patience, the right tools (not human nail clippers!), and a good strategy.

Here’s your ultimate guide on how to trimming cat claws.

Step 1: Getting the Timing Right

The best time for kitty nail clipping is when he’s relaxed and calm. It can be helpful to spend some time playing with your cat a little while before you plan to cut his nails. This could help to exert some of that built-up energy which could come out in the form of bites and scratches later. 

The best time for trimming cat claws can be dependent on a range of factors. Some pet parents think the best option is to trim the claws when the cat is asleep. If your kitty is a heavy sleeper, this might be the best choice for you. Another option is to wait until they’re simply lying down and relaxing. Just try not to pounce on the cat without warning. 

Set the mood by making sure there are no other people or animals in the room. The exception to this is if you need someone to help with trimming the claws. Keep the door closed, and make sure you have plenty of light. Artificial light may be best because the outside world could distract your cat if the blinds are open. 

Don’t simply grab your kitty and start trimming. Take some time to pet and cuddle them before you even get the clippers out. Once you have those clippers ready, you can gradually introduce your cat to them, before you start trimming.

Having some treats ready (in a different room) for after the trimming session is a good idea too.

ginger cat having claws clipped

Step 2: Pampering the Paw

Cats have likes and dislikes just like any animal. Some are fine with all kinds of grooming and petting, while others despise having their paws touched. If your kitty is one of the ones that hates someone touching his paws, you’ll need to overcome that hurdle first. 

Start by setting a schedule for pampering your cat’s paws, just like you’d have a schedule for the nail trim itself. One doesn’t always have to be followed by the other. Checking your cat’s feet can be a good way of making sure he stays healthy. For instance, your kitty’s feet should always be kept clean, and any sticky or unhealthy substances need to be removed immediately. If you notice an unclean paw, give it a wipe with some water on a cotton pad. 

You can also use the paw pampering session to check for any signs of damage or injury to the cat’s paw. This is particularly important if your cat often roams outside. It’s easy for them to accidentally step on a piece of glass or end up with a splinter. If you notice something in your cat’s paw, it’s best to seek vet advice, rather than dealing with it yourself. 

One great way to get your kitty used to paw management for clipping purposes, is to occasionally moisturize the paw pads using vet-recommended balms. This is great for protecting the skin against extreme weather. It’s also a chance to massage your cat’s paw and get them comfortable with you handling them in the same way you will when cutting the nail.

When you’re ready to start claw clipping, you’ll need to gently squeeze the paw so that the nails extend. If you need to practice this for a while, don’t worry. Make sure you give plenty of treats, regardless of whether your cat gets nervous.

Step 3: Get Acquainted with your Cat Nail Clippers

Any object can be worrying to your cat – particularly one that’s coming close to them and making loud noises. Although your clippers might not be as traumatic as the vacuum cleaner, they’re still likely to cause some anxiety.

Before bringing the clippers to your cat, let him come to them. Simply place them on the floor near your feline friend and let them investigate.

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Once your kitty is acquainted with the cat nail clippers, you can show them how it works by placing a small piece of dry spaghetti between the blades and clipping carefully. This will give your kitty a chance to get used to the cracking noise. Grab your cat a quick kitty treat after the “crack” sound to let them know everything’s okay. 

This practice session is also a good opportunity for you to get familiar with your clippers. There are various options out there to choose from, though many prefer simple scissor-style clippers with a curved blade. Many of these clippers also include a handy claw guide, which ensures you won’t cut too far accidentally.

After you spend time getting your cat used to the idea of a nail trim, you can place him in your lap, facing away from you to begin the process. Some people find it easier to wrap their kitty in a towel or blanket at this point. This reduces the movement of the cat, and a less squirmy feline is easier to groom.

Step 4: Start Trimming Those Cat Claws!

Take one of your cat’s paws in your hand and gently press down on the pad until the claws extend. If the claws need trimming, cut just the very edge (sharpest point) of the nail. You should only be trimming a couple of millimeters at most. Once you’ve trimmed a single nail, you can release your cat’s paw and give a treat if you’re still training your cat.

If your cat appears to be relaxed and comfortable, you can proceed to cut other nails. Many cats will quickly get impatient with being held after you’ve cut a couple of nails. If your feline friend begins to squirm or meow, let them go, and provide a treat. The aim here is to show your cat that trimming isn’t painful or stressful, so they’re more comfortable with it later. 

Don’t try to clip all your cat’s nails at once – particularly if you haven’t tried this before. Most pet parents will need several short trimming sessions to get through all the claws. There’s no need to rush, your cat will appreciate you being patient with them. 

The most important thing to remember when actually trimming cat claws is that you should always avoid going too far down the nail. The pink part in your cat’s claws is just like a nerve in your finger. Cut too far and the blood vessels will bleed. Plus, it means pain sensation and unnecessary bleeding for your cat. Practice caution and cut carefully. If your cat resists a cut, don’t try and shove through the process, clipping as fast as you can. This just increases the risk of an accident.

Don’t raise your voice or punish your cat for responding badly to clipping, even if he or she tries to bite you. Give them space and time to get used to the process. Punishments will only make your cat associate even more stress with trimming.

guillotine cat claw clippers being used

Step 5: Set Your Nail-Trimming Schedule

Now that you’ve mastered the complex art of clipping, you can begin to set a time and a place to keep on top of the job. The more frequently you trim, the more likely it is that your cat will get used to the process. Most cats will need a trim every week or two, depending on how quickly they grow. Get into a routine, and make sure there’s always someone available to help you. 

If you have serious problems getting your kitty to stay still and accept the trimming process, look for help. Some veterinary clinics can do trimming cat claw sessions for you and show you how to manage the cutting as carefully as possible. Cat groomers are also an excellent source of guidance.

No matter what happens, never consider declawing your cats. The humane society, ASPCA, and many other groups say that declawing a cat is one of the worst things a pet parent can do. The process involves removing a part of your cat’s paw, like removing a piece of your fingers. It’s very painful for the cat, even after healing.

Tips and Tricks for Difficult Cats

Most cats won’t love the idea of getting their nails trimmed. It’s a lot like bathing your kitty - even if you do it well, there’s a very low chance that your feline friend will enjoy the experience. With that in mind, the best you can do is find as many strategies for simplifying the process as possible. For instance, you can:

  • Use towels or blankets: Many cats are visually overstimulated by claw trimming. Covering the head with a towel or the corner of your shirt might relax him. You can also try wrapping your cat in a blanket like a burrito. For some felines, this is a comforting process, which reduces the risk of scratches and attacks. Other cats hate being restrained, so make sure you know your kitty’s preference.
  • Remove other pets: Other cats and pets can sense the distress in your cat and take it as an attack. The last thing you need is another cat jumping at your first kitty when you’re trying to trim its claws.
  • Try relaxing scents: There are herbs and scents out there for cats specially designed to keep them calm. Some are plug-in diffusers that you need to use for a while before the clipping session to ensure they take effect. Experiment with different scents before trimming cat claws to see how they influence your cat.
  • Take it slow: There’s no need to rush when trimming cat claws. Doing so increases the risk that you’re going to harm or injure your cat. Take your time, and don’t jump straight into the process. Choose a moment when your cat feels relaxed and stroke the paw gently. Use the toe pads to expose the claw and stop if your cat shows any sign of agitation.
  • Reward, never punish: As mentioned above, you should never yell at or punish your kitty if they don’t respond well to cat claw trimming. The more you shout, the more stressful the experience becomes. Give your cat a treat whenever they let you handle their paw, so they can associate having their claws clipped with good behaviour. The more you give your cat time to get used to trimming, the better.
  • Choose the right clippers: Finding the right tool for the job certainly makes things easier. A good set of guillotine-style clippers will be sharp enough to cut through the claw fast, without any splintering. Choose something that’s easy and ergonomic for you to hold. You can also look into clippers with claw guards on them. These are little plates of metal that stop you from trimming cat claws too far and hitting the quick of the nail.
  • Perfect the technique: Hold your cat’s paw in one hand carefully, and gently push down on the paw to extend the claw. Position the blades at a slightly diagonal angle, as this will reduce the risk of cracking. Trim just the very tip of the claw and take your time with each nail. Remember, polydactyl cats may have more claws to cut.
  • Take a break: You don’t need to trim all of your cat’s claws in one go. Make sure you pay attention to the anxiety your kitty might be showing and allow both you and him to take breaks when necessary.
balck and white cat having claws clipped

What to do if You Make a Mistake

If you accidentally do cut too far because of a squirming cat, the nail may begin to bleed. If this happens. You can clean the nail with a piece of cotton and some water, if your cat allows you to come near them. Either way, it’s best to contact the vet to check that everything is as it should be. It’s very easy for a quick a nail to become infected.

Remember, your cat uses its paws for everything from walking and jumping to using the litter tray. If there’s a wound in a claw, this will make it hard for your kitty to avoid unwanted bacteria. Your vet may recommend regularly washing the nails and hands until the cat’s claw has begun to grow back again. Don’t be concerned if your cat’s nail grows back slightly deformed. 

Claws can often get deformed if they’ve had damage or trauma to the nail bed. Older cats are also likely to have longer, thicker nails that are more difficult to cut. If this is the case for your kitty, you may have trouble cutting the nails without causing them to shatter or tear. The best bet in this situation is to seek a vet or groomer’s assistance, as they should have better tools for the job. 

Thickened or deformed claws can sometimes also be a sign of underlying health conditions. If your cat has begun to grow thick nails, particularly combined with an increase in thirst or other symptoms, speak to a vet for advice and get a check-up.

Trimming Cat Claws: Finishing Thoughts

Trimming cat claws will never be the easiest process. You probably wouldn’t like it if someone ten times the size of you came at you with a pair of scissors either. The key to success, as with most aspects of grooming, is making sure that you take the time to create a calm and pain-free experience for everyone involved. 

Invest in some special treats to make the experience more rewarding, and provide these treats whenever your cat allows you to cut a claw. Never try to rush the process of clipping the claws just to get them done faster, and take breaks whenever you or your cat needs it. It can also be helpful to invest in a good quality cat scratcher and maybe consider cat claw caps if you want your cat to avoid scratching your furniture for longer.

Always show extreme caution when cutting your cat’s nails, and never proceed if you see something that concerns you. It’s also important to avoid trimming your cat’s nails either when you’re in a bad mood or the cat is upset. Felines pick up on stress and negative moods easily, and they may associate that bad feeling with trimming.

When in doubt, leave the trimming to the professionals. Groomers and vets are excellent at getting nails cut perfectly and making sure there’s no damage to the quick or the surrounding paw. Many of these experts will be more than happy to teach you how to do everything too, which can make life a lot easier when you decide to try the process at home.

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About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

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