As a pet parent, you know it's important to keep up with regular cat maintenance like combing her coat and brushing her teeth, but is trimming cat claws on your list? It should be!
In addition to keeping your furniture intact, there are other reasons that trimming your kitty's claws is important, such as reducing the hurt factor when she kneads you. "Taking off the very end of those claws will make this loving gesture something you can enjoy, rather than dread," explains Vetstreet. "For your cat, clipping her nails can prevent painful broken claws that can result when a sharp tip gets caught in the carpet." A good claw trim also cuts down on the "click, click, click" you hear when your kitty runs down the hall.
Ideally, start trimming claws when your feline friend is still a kitten. The biggest advantage for starting young, of course, is that your cat becomes used to it and doesn't go nuts when you take out the clippers.
Don't worry if your cat is older—you haven't missed the window of opportunity for giving your kitty a mani-pedi. She might be cranky about it, but it's worth a try.
What Tools You Need
You can purchase cat nail clippers at your local pet retail store or veterinarian's office. Another option is to use human baby clippers, particularly the ones with a bulbous handle for easy grasping.
First, familiarize your cat with her nail clippers. Petcha suggests placing the clippers near her so she can sniff them out. Reward her if she reacts calmly toward them. Then, "When she is familiarized with the clippers, touch her paws and toes with them, getting her used to having them around her paws." If she's comfortable around them, your cat will be less inclined to run and hide in small, dark spaces when you take out the clippers.
How to Trim Cat Claws & Proper Length
- Choose a small, safe spot that has a door and good lighting, like a bathroom or bedroom.
- Have your supplies ready ahead of time: clippers and treats for afterward to reward her for being such a good girl.
- Sit on the floor and hold her securely in your lap, belly-side up. Comfort her with some tummy rubs and soothing words. If your cat responds well to treats, you can give her one to help her relax.
- Using your thumb and forefinger, gently squeeze her paw so that the nails are extended.
- Clip the sharp tip of the claw in one quick motion.
When deciding how far to cut your cat's claws, do not cut too close to the "quick," which is the pink part of the claw that houses the blood vessels and nerve endings. Cutting the quick is what causes bleeding and pain. If you do cut the quick, the Princeton Veterinary Hospital advises to rub a small dab of cornstarch or flour on the claw and apply pressure to help clot and stop the bleeding. At this point, it's best to abandon the effort for the day and let your cat recover emotionally.
Tasty Tips
Tips for Trimming & What to Avoid
Don't wrap your kitty in a towel because she may become more agitated.
Don't aim to trim all four paws in one session. Try one paw a day until she's accustomed to the process. It's okay to clip only one claw at a time. VCA Hospitals points out, "The goal is for your pet to associate the handling of the feet and nail trimming with a pleasant outcome." Rewarding her good behavior instills in her a sense of pride and in you a sense of accomplishment.
When to Cut Your Losses
If the process is too upsetting, it's time to make an appointment with your vet or a reputable groomer. Your career of trimming cat claws may be over, but in the end, you have to do what's best for both you and your furry friend.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Healthy Cuisine Seared Tuna & Carrot Medley Cat Food
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Related articles
Do Cats Like to Be Petted?
Petting & picking up a cat can be tricky, but she'll give you signs to show she's ready. Learn her favorite spots to be petted and handling techniques.
Letting Your Cat Outside: What You Need to Know
Get tips on how to take the proper precautions when letting your kitten outside for the first time including the proper age and time of day.
Liver Disease in Cats: Background, Symptoms & Treatment
Learn about feline liver disease, one of the most common problems affecting a cat's internal organs, including symptoms & treatments for this condition.
Helping Your Cat Lose Weight: Food & Exercise Tips
Obesity is a health condition that affects many cats these days. Use these easy to follow methods to help your cat lose weight and keep it off.
Cats Think They're in Charge, Not You
Cats believe that they are in charge of you, not the other way around, and here are three behaviors that might just prove that it's true.
Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
Learn whether it's safe and healthy to give your cat peanut butter, including certain ingredients to watch for that can be toxic.
7 Tips for Newborn Kitten Care
Learn helpful care tips for your kitten in their first four months, including essential topics like bedding, food, using the litter box, grooming & more.
Cats and Mice: What to Do If Your Cat Catches a Mouse Trophy
Discover why your cat likes to catch mice and leave them as presents for you, as well as how you should respond to this natural behavior.
Reasons Why Your Cat is Throwing Up After Eating
Reasons Why Your Cat is Throwing Up After Eating
Keeping Your Cat Hydrated if She's Not Drinking Water
Learn why your cat is drinking less water than she used to, how much she should be drinking, and how to recognize and prevent her from getting dehydrated.
Cat Frostbite: Clinical Signs and Prevention
Concerned about cat frostbite? Read on to learn more about the clinical signs and what to do if you suspect that your cat might have it.
IBD in Cats: What You Need to Know
Learn about IBD in cats, including differences between IBD vs. IBS, symptoms & how it's related to colitis, and steps your vet might recommend to treat it.
Why Do Cats Have Whiskers?
Learn the actual reasons why cats have whiskers, why they are important & how many whiskers cats usually have, and if they grow back when they fall out.
Feline Urinary Tract Diseases & Infections: Facts & Nutritional Tips
Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of urinary tract disease in cats and the affect on your cat's health and well-being.
Cat Metabolism: How it Affects Your Feline Friend
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover how your cat's metabolism can affect her health, including weight fluctuations, and how metabolic cat food can help.
Should I Get My Cat Groomed by a Professional?
Cats often do a lot of grooming themselves, but learn some sticky situations where consulting a professional groomer might be the right call.
What Is FIV in Cats?
Learn important information about FIV in cats, including common symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and management options for cats that have it.
Does My Cat Have Dry Skin?
Learn how to spot signs of excessive dry skin in cats, what could be causing your kitty's skin irritation, and how you can help treat it.
My Cat Ate String: Dangers, What to Do & Treatments
Discover health issues that can occur if your cat eats string, what you should do if you're sure they did, and possible treatments your vet might suggest.
Can Cats See in the Dark? (& How Well?)
Wonder if cats can see in the dark? Learn about feline night vision, including how their nighttime vision works & how it evolved compared to humans.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.