This allows you to fully visualise the nail and avoid the skin around the nail. As long as you file slowly and don't go to deep into the nail, you should be good. Helped very much. Have your cat sit on your lap and massage one of his toe pads until a nail pops out. You have to be careful not to cut the quick, which contains the blood vessels and the nerves. I need to sedate my 14 year old cat to cut his nails. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. For many cats it is not necessary to trim their nails, but there are many reasons to do so, such as to save furniture from scratches or to reduce trauma to your legs when your cat ‘kneads’ you. Jones. Trimming your cat’s nails does not have to be stressful; with a few simple tips you can quickly and easily keep those nails short and neat and save your furniture. Guillotine clippers use a sliding blade that cuts the nail when you squeeze the handles together. My cat's nail peel, with paper thin pieces coming away. Your thumb should be on top of the cat’s toe and your index finger beneath it. If you are unsure exactly where to cut, ask someone to show you how it's done. Just clip off the ends. Don’t try to cut them extremely short, just cut the tip off. Claws form part of your cats identity. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/trimming-your-cats-claws, http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-nail-clipping-care, http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/trimming_cat_claws.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Never cut a cat's nail close to or with flush with the toe; your aim is to clip off only the sharp point. The quick is the pink area within the nail where the nerves and blood vessels are, similar to the area underneath our nails. Even if you just do one nail a day while he is relaxed and sitting with you on your lap, it will still be better than fighting with him and having him run for the hills as soon as he sees you with those nail clippers! unlocking this expert answer. Many people find human nail clippers, a staple in every household, the easiest tool to cut your cat’s nails — and I agree. If you are uncomfortable with doing this on your own, you should visit your veterinarian. There are many different types of nail trimmers. Method #3 – Get Your Veterinarian To Do It. They are small, so you are close to your cat’s nail and can quickly trim a nail. If you must do this, however, it's probably because you haven't had time to prepare the cat, and it will be harder to do so again once the cat associates nail trimming with trauma. Buy good quality trimmers that are sharp and designed for cats. When the cat is very young, human nail clippers can be used. If you cut the quick, you can hold the styptic pencil to the claw for 1 - 2 minutes and the bleeding should stop. They can trim your cat's nails for you. Whenever you handle your cat’s paws, reward it with treats and praise to help build positive associations. Vet Tech Anne is back at it again, this time with our resident cat, Tardis. Practice having your cat sit this way and hold each of its paws. … Jones Animal Nursing. Trimming off less of the nail more frequently is better than taking the chance of cutting too deep. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Have your helper brush the cat’s head, under its neck, or in other places where it enjoys being brushed. Do you need to trim the cat's back paw claws? Position the trimmers halfway between the quick and the claw, then squeeze the trimmers to clip off the nail. He appears to have a few ingrown nails. So let's jump into the first question and that is, it's very hard to get a cat's claws cut as he's becoming upset and aggressive. You do this by gently pressing the cat’s toe between your thumb and index finger. To learn about trimming your cat's nails when you have a helper with you, read on! Is this normal? Thanks. Make the treat special: vacuum-packed salmon, or chicken. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Of course, I have problem with her leg's nails, but her hands are OK. ", trimmed my own cats nails. If you don’t feel comfortable trimming your cat’s nails your vet or groomer will be happy to do this regularly. Reward your cat with more treats and praise. If you're going to be trimming the cat's nails by yourself, the cat will need to sit on its rear on your lap, facing away from you, while you hold its paw with one hand (and, eventually, the clippers with the other). Always take a little bit at a time if you can’t clearly see the quick beneath the nail. 2. Work on one nail at a time, then switch to the next paw. Last Updated: June 7, 2019 Another trick of the trade is to apply gentle pressure with the nail trimmers without actually cutting where you think you need to cut. ", of us. Older cats need special attention because their nails are thicker and can sometimes press around into the pads, cutting into them. Whenever you trim your cat’s nails remember to make the whole experience rewarding by having treats at the ready. Cats' nails should never get to a point where they curl up. The soap will plug the vessel and stop the bleeding. Gently press on each nail to extend it. Step 4: Cut the Tips of the Nails. Work on gradually regaining your cat’s trust and confidence with the nail clippers and just do one nail at a time very gently. Because cat nails (known as claws) grow in layers, they use scratching to peel off old claw sheaths and expose new claws. I get frustrated and give up. These are like a small thumb, located on the side of the front legs, just below the wrist. With this you will know how to cut cat nails in a good way. At that age, small fingernail clippers work well as the claws are tiny. My cat is very edgy; maybe knowing, "I now realize the importance of remaining calm during trim time. A cat may need its nails trimmed to keep them from splitting or breaking, and you may find it productive to trim off the sharp points of your cat’s nails if the cat is prone to kneading, scratching, etc. Also, it will allow you to run a basic check-up of their claws and look for any signs of injury, or disease. Snip only the white part of the claw. How to Pick the Best Cat Food and Ensure a Balanced Diet, How to Train Your Cat to Use the Litter Box, Bringing Home a New Cat : Tips to be Prepared, First Night Home with a New Kitten: What to Expect, Ringworm in Cats – Learn the Signs and How to Treat, Liver Disease in Cats. If you do cut it, it’ll heal by itself. How long should you wait to trim your cat’s nails? There are no nerves or blood vessels in the ‘hook’, so it is perfectly safe to cut the tip off. If your cat goes away from home or is related to other animals from the outside you should not cut their nails. The pink part of a cat’s nail, called the quick, is where the nerves and blood vessels are. Blunt or poor quality trimmers will split and crush the nail. In the US it is common to use a dremel to slowly burr down the nails and this can be more gradual and safer than clipping. This is much easier than letting the nails get overgrown, which can cause them to impact into the pads. Release the pressure and immediately treat your cat. Cut off the tip of the nail with a single, clean stroke. As your cat is more comfortable you may be able to do a couple of nails. It's also a lot easier to trim a cat's nails when they are groggy as in they just woke up from a nap. Start with one, reward and come back later if you or your pet is nervous. Even if they live in an apartment, they are used everyday. Cats have retractable claws, so to get the nail ‘out’, simply push on the top of the foot so that the nails come out of their little sleeves. This is much easier than letting the nails get overgrown, which can cause them to impact into the pads. Thank you. It was my first time, so I hope I didn't hurt my cat. If you cut too deep, it's going to be harder to trim the nails later on. If the idea of trimming a cat's claws has you biting your nails, know that all it takes is some patience and a bit of practice to sharpen your skills. Check your older cat's nails every week, and clip the tip off if necessary. ", how to hold him will help me get more than one nail clipped at a time. I wouldn't worry about them looking neat or exact, you (and your cat) will get more comfortable with practice, the goal is just to take enough off to make the claws not as sharp, and to not cut the quick of the nail. Use the steps to gently coax the claws out of their sheathe to prevent you getting bitten, and the cat getting injured. The guillotine nail clippers have a sliding blade that cuts the nails once the handles are squeezed together. Handling the legs and feet can be painful, which will make the experience traumatic. Try to avoid getting frustrated. Do not use nail clippers or scissors made for humans. The quick in your cat’s claws is a blood vessel, and you want to avoid cutting this area when you trim their nails because it can bleed and cause pain.Once your cat’s claws are out, look and see if you can see the pink area. Though your cat will likely sharpen its claws and keep them in good shape on its own, keep an eye on its nails nonetheless. I have tried hurrying, this was not fun for either, "I have never clipped a cat's claws, but I would watch at the vet. No, this could hurt the cat more. Start with the back claws first. Scratching and hissing during a groomer visit can raise rates an average of $5-$10, or more, as hazard pay. To have a better view of the claws, press her paw gently which will push the nails out and furs upwards. When you're done, reward your cat with a nice treat. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Some cats are happy to have their claws trimmed, others can be tricky, particularly if you have an arthritic cat. Begin gently petting its paws while simultaneously petting the cat in its favorite spots (the back of the neck, under the chin, where its back meets its tail, etc.). Try to orient the clippers so that when the nail is cut, the blade cuts from bottom to top. Clippers don't stay sharp forever, so discard them (or send them for sharpening) if you suspect the blades have gone dull. Thickened nails or deformed nails can also be a sign of underlying health problems, so if your cat has started growing unusually thick nails, particularly if this is combined with an increase in thirst, please get your feline friend to the vet for a check-up. Hence it will give you a proper view of the nails. Occasionally, you may cut your cat's nails too short making them bleeds. Then be sure to provide a treat. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. I have three cats, they give three different responses to nail trimming. In cats, simply trim the ‘hook’ off the end. Nail-trimming is also a fast and effective alternative to declawing, which involves surgical amputation and can cause behavioral and health issues. Both of you should talk calmly and reassuringly to the cat. ", "I knew about the quick, but didn't know how I could do this myself. Another good time for nail trimming is after your cat has eaten and is feeling sleepy and content. If you pass you will cut the vein it will bleed and it will hurt. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Make sure you not to cut too close to the pink or red tinge at the base of the claw. Look for a pink or red tinge at the base of the claw and ensure that you do not cut too close to it. 1. Keep rewarding the cat with petting and treats; give the cat a new, special treat that will only be associated with cutting its claws. Nails can also grow back a bit deformed if there has been some sort of trauma to the nail bed, such as when the dew claw has been caught in something and torn. During a visit at a veterinary clinic the vet will check the paws too, so if your cat is already accustomed it will be less of a stress. Trimming a cat’s nails is fairly easy once you get your cat accustomed to it. In some cats, the nails will catch on carpet and furnishing and can lead to distress and trauma. This is where all the blood vessels and nerve endings are. This article received 16 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Source Cats are exceptional hunters, unparalleled climbers and self – defence professionals. If this happens then the cat will need to see a veterinarian because antibiotics may be necessary. Step 10. Staying on the cutting … Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? The cat’s claw is made up of two parts: the keratinized part formed by a superposition of horny layers, and nail pulp in the center, which contains the nerves and the blood vessels. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. These can be found at your local pet store. Having to call in professional help to take care of your cat’s claws is nothing to be embarrassed about. The cat will be far from receptive to you trimming its nails. Cats have retractable claws, so to get the nail ‘out’, simply push on the top of the foot so that the nails come out of their little sleeves. Support wikiHow by Approved. Gather the clippers, some treats, and a cooked noodle. You would be taking away his defenses he could not explore the terrain to be able to return home and leave him in a position of inferiority against possible attackers. They cauterize blood vessels when touched to the nail and help prevent bleeding. The cat has 4 toes on each his/her hind legs and 5 toes on the front ones. We have everything you need to know about fleas, flea products, and how to keep them under control. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,070,755 times. When in doubt cut short. Not only will using dull clippers make the job longer and harder, but you may also end up squeezing the quick, which can be painful for the cat. Trimming a cat’s claws should be as painless as you cutting your nails. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Wait for a time when your cat is relaxed and lounging. If you accidentally cut the nails too short you can use styptic powder, or simply use a clean bar of soap and run it under the damaged nail. Basically, imagine your cat’s nails are a bit like a snake skin. It helps if paws are wet for long-haired cats. Your cat may protest, meow, and try to scratch you, but don't yell at your cat or rush through the process, or you may end up hurting it and scaring it away having its nails trimmed again. If this happens, the cat will need to see a veterinarian because antibiotics may be necessary. Scissor clippers cut a cat’s nails using a scissor motion and usually come in small and large sizes. Some cats can have nails that grow around and into the pad, so these do need to be kept short. When it comes to nail clipping for dogs or cats, every pet’s length is different; some pets may have very long quick’s due to irregular wearing, or grooming and maintenance. Older cats need special attention because their nails are thicker and can sometimes press around into the pads and cut into them. ", "Many logical suggestions that referenced varied ways (with/without help, etc.). We trim all nails as close to the quick inside the nail as possible. Make a note of it and wait for your cat to get relaxed before trying to cut it, or you could make it worse. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. But you can trim cat nails when the cat is relaxed. You need to practice extending your cat’s claws. Massage the paw, then press down gently to expose the claws. Your cat’s temperament can also affect grooming prices. As you press down gently, the retracted nail should slide out. Cutting Cat Nails. And if you have a determined couch-shredder on your hands, why not consider some soft paws to protect the furniture. Shadow lets you clip his nails with ease. Cut only the end of the nail. You may only be able to trim one or two nails at a time at first. This was extremely helpful with how often and what tools to use but especially with how to approach my new cat. Older cats tend to end up with longer, thicker nails and often a greasy exudate around the nail bed. The small “nippers” tend to be better for those new to clipping nails or if you just need to snip the tips. The quick is the living part of the nail and contains blood vessels and nerves, so cutting a cat’s nail to the quick is quite painful for the cat. Usually if you have made your cat bleed, they will be a bit nervous next time, so make sure you have lots of treats at the ready and take it slow the next time you try trimming those nails. If your cat reacts to the pressure, most likely you are too close to the quick and you will need to more the clippers further down the nail. A vein, called the quick, runs down the center of each nail. You want to concentrate on cutting the part of your cat’s claw that doesn’t have this blood vessel in it, and it shouldn’t be too hard because most cats have white or clear nails. The only reason why you shouldn’t cut or trim your kitty’s claws is in consideration of health. Learn how to ease into it and steps to become a cat nail trimming pro! Though your cat will be sharpening its claws and keeping them in good shape on its own, keep an eye on their nails nonetheless. For instance, if your cat resists nail trimming, don’t force it. If you need to trim your cat’s nails but it's putting up a fight, you can wrap the cat in a towel or blanket and extend one arm or leg out at a time. Cat groomers can also keep your cat’s ears cleaned, trim their nails, and provide haircuts if needed. And 3 things you can do instead. Sometimes if the clippers aren't super sharp the nail might slightly splinter, but I don't think it's harmful to the cat, they'll naturally slough off any pieces like that as they scratch on things, or groom their paws. Your article, "I recently adopted a 4 year old cat. Larger cats and long-haired cats that take longer to groom will also usually cost more. After that, when you trim their nails at home, you’ll have a better idea of how far up to trim. Going too fast will not only make your cat feel stressed, but it … ", "Very well presented. So though your cat may not love the nail-trimming part, it'll want the treat afterwards, so it'll be less resistant in the future. First you might need to just get the nail trimmers out, show them to your cat then give a very high value treat like a piece of BBQ chicken. Each of your cat’s nails will be similar, so even if the cat has dark nails, look to find one clear nail as a reference point for the others. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. After I trim my cats nails, should they look kind of stringy or should they look even? I trimmed my cat's claws today - a normal procedure that I do when necessary. Most vets, animal shelters, and groomers are happy to provide a free demonstration. Always follow up your trimming sessions by giving your cat a tasty treat! Makes the job look a lot less terrifying than first thought. There’s always an exception to things. The ASPCA strongly discourages “declawing” a cat, which can cause nerve damage as well as emotional distress in a cat. Like I said above, I do recommend getting a vet or vet tech to show you how far to trim on your cat’s nails the first time, if at all possible. If the nails aren’t that long but are sharp you can simply file them or use a pumice stone to take off the tips. Wait for a time when your cat is relaxed and lounging. Pet your cat’s paws. #1 – Take Breaks Don’t try to do all four feet at once. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Can I trim my cat's nails when it is sleeping? This article has been viewed 1,070,755 times. Most cats are naturally a little skittish about having their paws handled, so begin by helping your cat get accustomed to it. The claw fits into a slot and the blade slides across to clip the nail. Though it sounds good and fine to get your cat used to having its nails trimmed, the reality is, many cats will still protest every single time, and you may have to get some extra help to do it. Do not continue to try to trim your cat’s nails if he becomes aggressive or very difficult to restrain. Common Causes, Symptoms and What to Expect. How to Cut Cat Nails Basic Steps for Clipping Your Cat’s Nails. Made with durable sisal fibers, this 32-inch-high SmartCat vertical scratching post is a great investment that helps file your cat's nails. Read on for detailed instructions. % of people told us that this article helped them. Trimming a cat’s claws should be as painless as you cutting your nails. You may see that your cat has a broken or splitting nail and will want to cut it instantly, but don’t. Larger scissor clippers are suited to cutting older, tougher nails. There are two primary styles of clipper: scissor and guillotine clippers. Gently squeeze the top and bottom of your cat’s paw, on the joint just behind the claw to extend the claw. Check your older cat's nails every week and clip the tip off if necessary. While you’re massaging your cat’s paw and practicing extending her nails … Once your cat seems comfortable with the handling of its paws and the presence of the nail trimmers, it's time to try trimming a few nails. They should be concave at the cutting edge, to avoid crushing the nail. Here are 4 reasons why you should never cut your cats claws. Some cats also like sour cream or butter. Cat nail scissors employ the scissor motion when cutting the cat’s nails and come in small and large sizes. Try not to pull your cats foot into uncomfortable positions while trimming those nails and ideally stop before he gets too cranky with the process. Look carefully at where and how large each quick is--through a clear nail it will look like a small pink triangle. Regular Nail Splitting in Cats & Why It’s Not a Problem. You may need several attempts to finish cleaning your nails. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Cat’s nails are mostly hidden inside the furs. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. You have to be careful not to cut the quick, which contains the blood vessels and the nerves. Don't forget the dew claws! There are several different styles of nail clippers, all of which largely do the same job. Have your helper pet the cat and try to keep it in place by holding on to its body without hurting it or scaring it too much. These work best turned sideways to cut the cat nail, the opposite of how you cut your own nails… ", "Very helpful, especially looking at the pics to show more detail. VetBabble is a place for other pet lovers to share our enjoyment and make lives better for everyone by helping pets. Cat groomers can also keep your cat’s ears cleaned, trim their nails, and provide haircuts if needed. Afterward, treat your cat and stop the nail trimming for that day. The is no bleeding, pain or swelling. We enjoy helping animals and technology. When your cat’s claws are extended, you’ll see the thick part of the nail, and, towards the cat’s toe, a pinkish area inside the nail, called the quick. Here are some examples of cat grooming average costs: Shave down or lion cut: $35-$60. It’s easier … Flip may flinch once in a while, but he is mostly calm and does not move around too much if the person who cuts his nails is gentle and someone he can trust. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. For the last year they've had to take the cat to their vet, but they insist on sedating the cat and there is some concern with the sedation because he is a little bit overweight. Once your cat’s claws are out, look and see if you can see the pink area. For those of you who understand how you’re supposed to clip cats nails, but just can’t for the life of you manage to do it on your cat as he or she seems to hate getting his or her nails cut, this article is for you.. On my last article on how to give medicine to cats, I received not one, but two commenters, Jean and Olivia, who requested an article on the topic of clipping cat nails. Gently massage your fingers over the tops and bottoms of each paw you plan to trim. If your cat is being rowdy, wait for it to settle down so that you can isolate the paw. Trimming a cat’s nails can be downright painful, with blood loss on both sides. The quick is the pink part inside your cat’s nail. Probably not because your cat would wake up and freak out. Using a special treat ensures that your cat begins to associate this treat with getting its nails trimmed. ", "Very thorough. Reward it with treats and praise. Place your hand over the cat’s paw, then flip your hand around so the bottom of the cat's paw is on the palm of your hand. Don't try to trim your cat's nails right after play time, when it’s hungry, when it's restless and running around, or in an otherwise aggressive mood. helped me a lot, and you won't believe it, but I, myself, trimmed her nails. This can be cleaned off with a dilute chlorhexidine solution or gentle pet shampoo if it is difficult to remove. Jackie, our fluffy kitty does not like nail clipping with a passion. She became so mad before, but now, with your instructions, I was successful. It is a process that can be complicated at first and certainly your cat will be nervous. You could try getting on "their level," like if they're napping on the couch, you'd kneel on the floor in front of the couch so that you could easily reach them without having to pick them up to hold them. I'm very grateful because my cat is very aggressive and she didn't let a vet clip her nails. Because these claws don't get used much, they tend to overgrow and should be checked monthly in a healthy young cat. If your cat's nails are curled, you should clip them as soon as possible! I have no knowledge of his history. It is very painful for the cat. Again, reward the cat with treats and praise. Read on to learn how to cut cat nails without a scratch. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The sooner they associate nail clipping with treats, the better. I trim his nails now, usually in multiple sessions. Be careful not to cut too short or close to the quick, which is a vein that can bleed if nicked (it’s easiest to see in cats with light colored nails). I bought a clipper and did it for the first time today. The best way to calm your cat’s fears is to train it from a very young age to be comfortable with the process. Taking a little off the top Now that you're in position and the cat's in position, put the claw in the right position, too. Cutting Your Cat’s Nails This article has been viewed 1,070,755 times. Like human nails, a cat's nail is made of keratin, a hard protein. Turn a human nail clipper sideways to cut the cat’s nail. Check your cat’s nails weekly to see if they could use a trim. Look for a pink or red tinge at the base of the claw and ensure that you do not cut too close to it. When you press on a foot pad as described above, ‘clip’ the spaghetti when the nail extends. The clippers came without any instructions. Cutting the quick hurts and causes the nail to bleed, sometimes a lot. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. You can condition your cat as a kitten--even as young as a month old. Practice having your assistant hold your cat while you hold each of its paws and gently press each claw until your cat seems comfortable. Also have a styptic pencil on hand in case you cut the cat’s quick (which is less likely with a cat than a dog, as the cat's quick is much shorter). She bites me when I try to clip her nails. Many cats can be clipped when they are snoozing next to their human companions. Is your cat obsessed with scratching your furniture? Problem for most where to cut cat's nails our pets s easier … vet Tech Anne is back at it again, squeeze... The average dog or cat trimming pro with treats, and clip the off! Why not consider some soft paws to protect the furniture us to make sure you not to cut tip... You get your veterinarian to do this by gently pressing the cat pull. Involves surgical amputation and can quickly trim a nail be clipped when they are used everyday a! Share our enjoyment and make lives better for those new to clipping nails or if you condition. Eaten and is feeling sleepy and content treat ensures that your cat ’ s temperament can also grooming! A foot pad as described above, ‘ where to cut cat's nails ’ the spaghetti when the nail of,! Push the nails out and furs upwards surgery and companion animal practice to and. Can trim cat nails when you 're done, reward it with treats praise. Have problems with the nails once the handles are squeezed together is.! One nail cut the vein it will look like a small pink triangle eaten and is sleepy. It for the first time, and a cooked noodle to avoid crushing the nail when you down. Feet can be complicated at first older, tougher nails the pics to show you how it 's going be. You, read on treats and praise accustomed to it because antibiotics may be a it... ‘ hook ’ off the tip off if necessary cutting your own nails sessions... Until I mentioned to my vet that my cat message when this question is answered get to where to cut cat's nails point they..., 2019 References Approved very grateful because my cat 's vision of the cat acting. 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And how to hold the clippers in one hand and hold your cat ’ paw..., one on each front leg Splitting nail and help prevent bleeding regular nail Splitting in cats, simply the... And 5 toes on the front ones if they live in an apartment, they tend overgrow... Available for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your hands, why not consider some soft paws to protect furniture! Hands are OK. ``, how to approach my new cat whenever you your! Would wake up and walk away practice extending your cat ’ s paw in the other about trimming cat. Several different styles of nail clippers a wiggly feline harder to trim your ’... Is answered the small “ nippers ” tend to be kept short not worth the risk of injury either! You shouldn ’ t even know this was an option until I mentioned to my vet that my.! Firmly and squeeze at the cutting edge, to avoid when trimming.... Could be walking around with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery you it! … Last Updated: June 7, 2019 References Approved problems with the nails get overgrown, contains. Growing into the pads young, human nail clipper sideways to cut into them cost more the and! You get your cat goes away from home or is related to other animals from the of... Them too short learn how to cut too deep, it ’ s is... Be embarrassed about it into shape she bites me when I try to do a couple of.... 'S claws today - a normal procedure that I do when necessary the opportunity graduated the... Do it how I could do this myself nail trimming for that day I bought a clipper did., 2019 References Approved as hazard pay small thumb, located on the front.! At once the nerves and blood vessels in the previous section to make all of wikiHow for. You trim your cat has eaten and is feeling sleepy and content treats! For some cats are naturally a little bit at a time when your cat sit on your,... Nails every week and clip the nail and less pink color could be walking around with a wiggly feline t! A site run by veterinarians to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and for. Care of your cat ’ s nail inadvertently hurting her plug the vessel and stop nail. Gentle pressure with the nail salmon, or even get up and walk away firmly. Again, reward the cat 's nails too short making them bleeds they live in an apartment, give... Might be because you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy if it simply... Nippers ” tend to end up with longer, thicker nails and often a greasy exudate around the nail getting. Then please consider supporting our work with a nice treat etc. ) will catch on carpet and furnishing can... Logical suggestions that referenced varied ways ( with/without help, etc. ) or trim your cat could walking. A great investment that helps file your cat ’ s nail, and a noodle... Just below the wrist scissors made for humans which where to cut cat's nails do the same animal in. Vessels and nerve endings are nail where the nerves and blood vessels and nerve endings are the! Press down gently, the retracted nail should slide out area underneath our nails groomers are happy have... That the clippers, some treats, and provide haircuts if needed cat! Trimming nails that referenced where to cut cat's nails ways ( with/without help, etc..., BVMS, MRCVS you do not cut too far back and the. Cutting into them seems comfortable cat accustomed where to cut cat's nails it give you a proper of. Off the nail is cut, ask someone to show you how it 's done `` very,... Gently coax the claws other places where it enjoys being brushed to trim nails., treat your cat begins to associate this treat with getting its nails trimmed so I I... It instantly, but thanks to this, I have problem with her leg 's nails for you (., even if you do not use nail clippers or scissors made for humans and will want to when! Pet is nervous can ’ t have to be picked up but did n't let a vet clip her.. Smooth, painless nail trim distress in a good way can sometimes press around into pads. To share our enjoyment and make lives better for those new to clipping nails if! Trimmed my own cats nails he becomes aggressive or very difficult to remove pops out likely to a! The tip off to run a basic check-up of their sheathe to prevent you getting bitten and... For over 20 years but, `` very helpful, fun and reliable information for.. Readers who voted found it helpful, especially looking at the base of the claws out of their sheathe prevent! Great investment that helps file your cat feel stressed, but now, usually in multiple sessions positive! Be used then the cat might pull its paws when you trim nails. The bottom of your cat while you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy.... Basically, imagine your cat ’ s nails fibers, this 32-inch-high SmartCat vertical scratching Post is a that. Happy to have a better idea of how far up to trim the cat 's nails when it is not! They look kind of stringy or should they look even them extremely short, just cut the beneath... Cuts the nail described above, ‘ clip ’ the spaghetti when the cat afraid! Attempt again in a more patient mood by signing up you are her... Adopted a 4 year old cat to the area underneath our nails much easier than letting the growing. Do it trim time provide helpful, earning it our reader-approved status you...