Make manicures enjoyable and easy for both you and your cat.
Does your kitty disappear when the clippers come out? Do you
have to wrap her in a towel to give her a manicure? According to our behavior
experts, calm, enjoyable nail-trimming sessions are not only possible—that’s
how they should always be! Check out the following tips for getting kitty to
relax while you trim, turning nail-clipping sessions into enjoyable together
time.
Setting the Mood
Ideally you should introduce your cat to nail clipping when
she’s a kitten. Choose a chair in a quiet room where you can comfortably sit
your cat on your lap. Get her when she’s relaxed and even sleepy, like in her
groggy, after-meal state. Take care that she isn’t able to spy any birds, wild
animals or action outside nearby windows—and make sure no other pets are
around.
Make Friends with the Paw
Gently take one of your cat’s paws between your fingers and
massage for no longer than the count of three. If your cat pulls her paw away,
don’t squeeze or pinch, just follow her gesture, keeping in gentle contact.
When she’s still again, give her pad a little press so that the nail extends
out, then release her paw and immediately give her a treat. Do this every other
day on a different toe until you’ve gotten to know all ten.
Get Acquainted with the Clipper
Your cat should be at ease with the sound of the clippers
before you attempt to trim her nails. Sit her on your lap, put a piece of
uncooked spaghetti into the clippers and hold them near your cat. (If she
sniffs the clippers, set a treat on top of them for her to eat.) Next, while
massaging one of your cat’s toes, gently press her toe pad. When the nail
extends, clip the spaghetti with the clippers while still holding your cat’s
paw gently. Now release her toe and quickly give her a treat.
Never Cut to the Quick
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. Snip only the
white part of the claw. 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. It’s a good idea to
keep it nearby while you trim.
Time to Clip
With your cat in your lap facing away from you, take one of
her toes in your hand, massage and press the pad until the nail extends. Check
to see how much of a trim her nails need and notice where the quick begins. Now
trim only the sharp tip of one nail, release your cat’s toe and quickly give
her a treat. If your cat didn’t notice, clip another nail, but don’t trim more
than two claws in one sitting until your cat is comfortable. Be sure to reward
her with a special treat afterward. Please note, you may want to do just one
paw at a time for the first couple of sessions.
Clipping Schedule
A nail-trimming every ten days to two weeks is a nice
routine to settle into. If your cat refuses to let you clip her claws, ask your
vet or a groomer for help.
What Not to Do
- If your cat resists, don’t raise your voice or punish her.
- Never attempt a clipping when your cat is agitated or you’re upset. And don’t rush—you may cut into the quick.
- Don’t try to trim all of your cat’s claws at one time.
- Do NOT declaw. This surgery involves amputating the end of a cat’s toes and is highly discouraged by the ASPCA. Instead, trim regularly, provide your cat with appropriate scratching posts and ask your veterinarian about soft plastic covers for your cat’s claws.