Kitty Claw Control: How and When to Cut Your Cat’s Nails

Kitty Claw Control: How and When to Cut Your Cat’s Nails - All About Cats (2024)

Kitty Claw Control: How and When to Cut Your Cat’s Nails

June 7th, 2021

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Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Don’t wait until your furniture looks like scratching posts. Introduce nail trimming to your kitten’s routine from a very young age. Even if your cat is older, warming up to paw handling is still possible. Start by holding the paws and rubbing them gently while talking to your pet. Squeeze the fingers and toes so the nails extend and release them immediately. Don’t forget to give your cat a treat to encourage the desired behavior.

Set the Mood

Choose a calm, quiet location away from distractions and ideally cut your kitty’s nails when sleepy, such as after a meal. It’s important to carefully plan the place and time to ensure you and your furry friend enjoy a positive nail-trimming experience!

Kitty Claw Control: Best Practices

Now that your furry companion is comfortable with paw handling, it’s time to move on to kitty claw clipping. Start by trimming a claw or two and increase the number of nails you cut in one session. Don’t forget to offer treats to build positive associations.

Make sure you choose quality nail clippers. Gently squeeze a finger or toe to extend a nail. Place the clipper perpendicular to the nail at the point where it begins to curve downward. Only clip the part of the claw beyond the quick, the darker part of the nail, to avoid hitting any blood vessels or nerves. If you can’t see the quick, don’t go past the thin curved tip. Make sure you offer a reward to encourage cooperation.

When Is It Time for a Cat Nail Trim?

You’ll know it’s time for a kitty nail trim when the claws are long, curved, and razor-sharp. The time between trimmings varies depending on a cat’s activity level and scratching habits. For the most part, cats require nail cutting about every 2-3 weeks. Mature cats usually need more frequent nail clippings than kittens.

Make sure you provide a scratching post to support your cat’s instinctive urge to claw and to keep those nails trimmed between clipping sessions. You’ll also shift the attention away from your furniture.

Need More Feline Nail-Trimming Tips?

If you’ve never trimmed a cat’s nails and feel nervous, talk to your trusted team at All About Cats Veterinary Hospital in Kirkland, WA, for tips or a demonstration. We are happy to guide you through a nail-clipping session to ensure you are comfortable with the process. Our cat-friendly team is here to support you and your feline friend every step of the way!

Kitty Claw Control: How and When to Cut Your Cat’s Nails - All About Cats (2024)

FAQs

When and how to trim cat nails? ›

Take one of your cat's paws in your hand and gently press on the pad until you see their claw clearly. If the claw needs a trim, cut only the sharp point and make sure to avoid the quick. Once you've trimmed that nail, immediately release the paw and give your cat a reward if they've noticed what you're doing.

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How often should a kitten's nails be trimmed? ›

Trimming a cat's claws every two to three weeks is an important part of maintaining your pet's health. Not only does a quick trim protect you, your pet and your family, it can also save your sofa, curtains and other furniture.

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How do you cut cat nails when they won't let you? ›

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.

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Why shouldn't you cut your cat's nails? ›

In most cases, clipping your cat's claws is unnecessary as they'll naturally file down their own nails. Active, outdoor cats shouldn't need their claws trimmed. But indoor or older cats are more likely to have longer claws and may need a helping hand.

Should I trim my elderly cat's nails? ›

When ageing, cats become less active. In such case, it is important to trim their claws which can get longer, curve and penetrate into the pad, sometimes causing an infection. Lastly, remember to check the dewclaws of the front legs. Indeed, as they are less likely to touch the ground, they wear out more slowly.

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How to cut an aggressive cat's nails? ›

Tips for Trimming the Claws of an Aggressive Cat

Try going very slowly and making the process extra rewarding with plenty of treats or a special catnip toy that only comes out after nail clipping. If your cat gets upset during the process, stay calm and take a break.

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