cutting my cat's claws...?

Question

How do i know if my clippers are sharp enough? When i cut my kitten's nails, they make more of a crunching noise than a clipping noise and also the claw looked a bit rough and split instead of cleanly cut... hmm is it just me or the clippers? Also how far should you cut on the claw? i know that you aren't supposed to cut the pink part... are you only supposed to cut the VERY tip or can you go a bit farther (as long as its not the pink part)?

Answer 1

If the clippers make a crunching sound that means that they are dull. Buy a new pair.

Don't using the guillotine kind. Use cat claw or bird claw clippers if you must.

From an experienced cat groomer

Answer 2

If the nail splits and it splinters, your clippers aren't sharp enough and you should get a new pair. You can get clippers that are made specially for cats at the pet store or vet office but you don't need it - just another thing to spend money on!

I never cut my kittens nails at the very tip, it just grows back within a few days. Cut above the tip but stay very clear of the pink part and don't cut too high up. 3.5 - 5mm up from the tip should be OK.

Answer 3

You can try a couple of things. 1. there are new low cost ($20) nail "grinders" that you can use to file down the nails. He'll still jerk back at first but will become used to the sound and feel of the vibrations 2. If you bathe your cat yourself (assuming that you do bathe your cat) it is much easier to cut nails while they are soft after bathing. 3. Find a friend (a real friend) who is willing to hold your cat while you concentrate on one paw at a time. The paw may move a little but much easier to manage than an entire cat moving. 4. It's worth the $10 charged by a vet tech to clip nails once a month! Takes less than 5 minutes. 5. There are some natural spray products that calm cats for stressful events, as well as, natural drops that calm. Results vary and can be expensive. Good luck.

Answer 4

I use clippers made for cats claws, they look like a pair of small scissors. I usually cut off the sharp point and a bit more so that you are not constantly cutting their nails. You are right, stay away from the pink part, the cats nail will bleed like crazy.

Answer 5

I cut with human clippers and I also have used small clippers for (human) babies. I have not had luck with the clippers made for kitties. I cut the tips off and that is it. The vet can do the best job though and I do not want to risk hurting my kitty or giving it an infection by cutting too close to that pink part!

Answer 6

Your clippers are dull. They make nail clippers
especially designed for pets. Don't cut the pink part. You can go a little way beyond the tip as long as you don't get the pink.

Answer 7

Do you use pet clippers or baby clippers?? NEVER USE HUMAN CLIPPERS ON AN ANIMAL!! And also becareful, you want at least one inch of white(or in some cats black) nail before the pink just so that your sure you won't hit the vien. Be very careful. If you have any doubts perhaps you should find a groomer?

Answer 8

You can buy clippers made for cats at the pet store. I use them. I cut just the tip off. My cats nails make the same crunch noise and they do split & splinter often.

Answer 9

On my cats, I always used people toe nail clippers. You should trim just the tip that gets caught on everything but trimming more as long as its not to the quick is okay...if you can.
Best idea would be to take them to the groomer and let the groomer show you how to do it the first time.
If your cat will be an indoor one (as opposed to an indoor/outdoor or just outdoor), you may consider de-clawing as an option.

Answer 10

i never cut my cats claws due to the fact that a few years ago i once cut them too short. Opps!! I now get a small block of wood with some mild sand paper wrapped arond it and tie a small toy to the end of it. This way my beloved cats attack the block and toy and keep their nails nice and blunt!!!