How to clip a cats nails

One of the disadvantages to owning a cat is their claws. Even when they don’t mean to they can cut skin or furniture. Declawing is an option, but it is a surgery that removes the last digit of the cat’s paws. If this doesn’t work for you, it may be best to learn how to cut your cats claws.

The key word for anything you’re doing with your cat is patients. Before you can cut your cats nails you need to get them used to handling their paws. It’s best to start this out as a kitten, but cats can be trained as well. Gently touch the cat’s paws while giving them treats and praising them. As your cat gets used to their paws being touched gently pick the paw up, as if you were shaking hands. Once the cat is used to that, gently press on the pad and the boney peak to extend the claw. If your cat is used to this it’s time to clip your cats nails.

Some find it easier to wrap their cats in a towel so they don’t kick or struggle. If your cat is used to being handled, it generally isn’t needed. You can also have someone else hold the cat so it’s easier to switch from claw to claw. This, or course, depends entirely on you and your cats personality.

If you are clipping the cat’s nails alone, put the cat on your lap so you’re both facing the same direction. Take the cat’s paw into your hand (first picture) and extend the claw (second picture). Taking the clippers in hand and distinguish the line where the quick ends. Cat’s claws are typically clear so you should see a line where the claw stops being pink. If you cut into the quick it will be a little painful for the cat and they will bleed, if this happens you can use flour to the tip to stop the bleeding. Try to just clip it to the point where it’s no longer sharp, but you still have plenty of space before you get to the quick.

It can be best if you do one paw at a time and let your cat cool down and be sure to give them treats ad love to tell them how good they were.

As your cat scratches (hopefully at their scratching post) the cat will shed its claws and they will need to be clipped again. Keeping on top of it will keep both you and your cat happy.