Choose a chair in a quiet room where you can comfortably sit your cat on your lap. Get him/her when they are relaxed and even sleepy, maybe after a meal.- Gently take one of your cat’s paws between your fingers and massage for no longer than three seconds. If your cat pulls its paw away, don’t squeeze or pinch, just follow the gesture, keeping in gentle contact. When they are still again, gently press a toe pad between your fingers so that the nail extends out, then release the paw and immediately give a treat. Do this every 1-2 days on a different toe until you’ve gotten to all.
- Your cat should feel comfortable with the sound of the clippers before you attempt to trim their nails. Sit your kitty on your lap, put a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the clippers and hold them near your cat. If they sniff the clippers, set a treat on top of them for them to eat. Next, while massaging one of your cat’s toes, gently press a toe pad to extend the nail; then clip the spaghetti with the clippers while still holding your cat’s paw gently. Now release the toe and quickly give them a treat. This will gradually get them used to the noise.
- The pink part of a cat’s nail, called the quick, is where the nerves and blood vessels are. Do NOT cut this sensitive area. Cut only the white part of the nail. It’s better to be cautious and cut less of the nail rather than risk cutting this area. If you do accidentally cut the quick, any bleeding can be stopped with a styptic powder or stick; keep this nearby when trimming nails.
- *In a pinch, you can also use corn starch, flour, or baking powder/soda to stop nail bleeding.*
- With your cat in your lap facing away from you, take one of their toes in your hand, massage and press the pad until the nail extends. Now trim only the sharp tip of one nail, release your cat’s toe and quickly give a treat. If your cat didn’t notice, clip another nail, but don’t trim more than two nails in one sitting until your cat is comfortable. Then, reward with a special treat.
- A nail-trimming every two to three weeks is recommended. If your cat refuses to let you clip its nails, ask your vet or a groomer for help.If your cat resists, don’t raise your voice or punish. Never attempt a nail trimming when your cat is agitated or you’re upset.
- We do not recommend declawing your cat. This surgery involves amputating the end of a cat’s toes and is highly discouraged. Instead -- trim regularly, provide your cat with appropriate scratching posts, and ask your veterinarian about soft plastic covers for your cat’s nails (Soft Paws).
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