Sharp claws, help??

Question

Is it possible for me to trim my cats claws at home?? is so how or should I just take her to a groomer!! I'm a student so i'm worried that a groomer may be quite expensive??

I have to trim her claws because she is an indoor cat and refuses to use a scratching post and her claws are getting worryingly long!!

Answer 1

Hi Nancy...you can learn to trim your cat's nails at home. Here's an instructional video on how to trim cats nails by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline Health: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/trimming_claws/index.shtml

Answer 2

It's very easy to trim your kitties claws at home. First, you need a pair of nail clippers- you can buy them at any petstore, usually found with other cat health care stuff (like flea collars). They are pretty inexpensive- maybe $5-8. Also, get some stuff called "styptic powder" it's about the same price, and if you do cut too far will stop the bleeding.

Next, get some cat treats- you'll want them to bribe your kitty with.

Especially for the first few trimmings, you'll want another person to help you- one person to hold kitty still, the other to trim. Gently take the first paw and extend the first claw (just massage her toe it'll come right out).

If your cat has clear claws, this will be easy- the "quick" or fleshy part of the claw is pink. Don't cut into the quick!! If you kitty has dark claws, just trim in tiny cuts down the nail- you'll know quick if you've gone too far.

(if you're really nervous, take her to the groomer the first time and they can teach you!)

I always give my cats a few treats after each paw is clipped- they are easily bribed. Be prepared for more resistance with the rear claws than the front - you may even want to hold off on those until she's used to the fronts being clipped.

Answer 3

You can do it yourself using regular nail clippers. Holding the cat's paw in one hand, splay the paw open by gentling pressing the top of the paw. You will now see that the "toes" are apart from each other. Clip the white part of the nail. If you clip too close, where you see pink you will cause it to bleed.

Groomers only charge $5-7 dollars to do this. You might want to phone one to find out. As well, when you take your cat in to the Vet for their annual visit, s/he will do it for you then.

If you are somewhat leary about doing it yourself, take the cat to the groomer and watch how it is done. Perhaps the groomer will let you trim a couple of nails so that you can gain confidence.

Good luck.

Answer 4

i always trim my cats claws with my normal nail clippers but ive done it since he was a kitten so hes used to it.

but alot of cats would struggle alot!

if you do try to, make sure your cat is comfotable, press down on his knuckle to push his claw out then take a look at the claw, cos cats have their flesh in their claw and you dont wana chop that!

if you dont have any experience in doing so, id suggest just chopping the very tip that is the sharp part that would cause that damage:P

its likely that the claw will look like it has split a little but do not be alarmed, your cat will deal with this:)

Answer 5

Yes it is possible! It is very easy to do! You might need someone to help you hold your kitty down (probably wrap him in a blanket or towel, and work on one paw at a time) You can purchase clippers from any pet store (or Wal-Mart is cheaper) and they work like scissors. If you gently squeeze your kitty's paw, it should make the nails pop out a bit... from there you can clip them... but be careful not to cut too far down, or you will cut the vein and it will take a long time to stop bleeding. You should see a black line closer to the actual nail bed... thats his vein. If you want anymore info check out - www.vetmed.wsu.edu/clientED/cat_nails.asp

Or of you feel more comfortable, go to a groomer! (This way is MUCH cheaper!!!) Hope this helps!!

Answer 6

Yes, you can trim your own cat's claws safely and cheaply. You can buy nail trimmers specifically made for cats at Walmart, or any pet supply store. I got mine at Walmart for about $3. (Be sure to get the ones for cats rather than for dogs. The dog clippers are larger and harder to use on little cat claws.)

To clip: make sure your cat is comfortable and relaxed. I hold my cat on my lap and massage his toes for a minute or so before hand because he enjoys it. If you press up under the underside of each toe the claw will pop out so you can trim it.
Be sure not to cut back to the quick. The quick runs down the middle of the toenail and comes to a point inside the nail. (It is visible if you look at the nail from the side) You just want to trim off the clear pointed tip of the nail.

If your cat protests, just work with him/her for a bit and make a habit of playing with his feet. Eventually he/she won't mind anymore and it will go smoothly.

Good luck!

Answer 7

You can do it yourself, just go slow with it. Get a good set of trimmers from a pet shop. Take the paw in your hand and push down gently, exposing the claw; trim just the very tip off so you don't cut the quick. If kitty gets mad, just do a couple at a time.

Alternatively, I found these wonderful plastic claw caps at Petsmart. You glue them on and they stay for 6 weeks or longer. Kitty doesn't know he's got them on, and he can't damage things or people.

Answer 8

I trim my cats nails all the time, out of everyone here Angel01182 said it best, don't hit the quick and you will be fine, I personally use toe nail clippers and have used them for about 3 years now, they never fail me, I hold the clippers side ways, not straight, since dong it straight may break the nail a bit, sideways always gives a perfect clean cut.

Answer 9

Hello Nancy girl,

I see your problem.
I have an elder cat in my house and because shes gotten to the stage where she shes all achey and a weak old thing she doesn’t have the strength or stimulation to scratch on the post. So her claws have started to get so long and curl round if I don’t clip them.
It’s fine to get nail clippers and do it yourself. I’ve been doing it for ages. Just be careful when you do it and at the right angles so you cut them straight and avoid catching the pad or to far up.

However if you ar not comfortable doing this.

Get a responsible friend or grommer too.

XX

Answer 10

You can trim them yourself. Trim to just before the claw starts to curve. Or better yet, take kitty the groomer and let them show you how to do it.(after they do the initial trim, take note of how short they trimmed the claws, then do it at home yourself thereafter.)

Good Luck! ;)