Can anything be done about my cats nails?

Question

Our cats nails are so amazing sharp that she cuts everything, including making large snags in our blankets, and pulls strings out of our comforter. Anything we can do to help? We don't want to get them removed, because she may not always be an inside cat.

I have had dogs that nails I clip, but I could see her quicks (that part in the nail that you don't want to clip or they bleed), and I have a sugar glider who's nails I clip, but I have never heard of clipping a cats nail, nor do I know enough about it to feel comfortable doing it.

Answer 1

She should always been indoors (and keep her nails).

Anyways, do you have a scratching post for her? That often helps. Other than that, you can attempt to trim her nails yourself (if you know how to, and have a cooperative cat), or you can contact the local vet clinic and see how much they'd charge, for nail trimming.

Answer 2

I clip my cats' nails using a special scissors with short blades and a special "notch" for the claw. I sit in a livingroom chair and pet the cat, get it happy, back it into the corner and hold it under my arm. Then I gently expose the claw and clip off the "hook". Don't clip back as far as the vein. Most cats won't like this and you might have to hold them by the scruff of the neck or get help from another person. That's why it's a good idea to pet and play with your cats claws when it's on your lap. Gets them used to being handled. After the process of clipping is complete, give the cat a treat. She may not look at you for awhile, but this saves the furniture and isn't as difficult as the claw covers. Since cats shed the outer layer of their claws by scratching, I don't consider the covers appropriate. Do you have a scratching post? If you don't you can make one out of a 4X4 and some plywood big enough so it doesn't tip over. Cover it with short nap carpeting, either used or a remnant from a carpet store. It should be at least 3' tall so the cat can stretch out.

You'll have to clip the claws once or twice a month.

Answer 3

I clip my cats nails all the time. I just use regular nails clippers, but you can also buy clippers at any pet store I'm sure. My two boys are just over a year old & are very good about letting me clip their nails. All I do is wait until they are all comfy & relaxed & they pretty much just watch me do it. It's really amazing actually! I only do the front though because the back don't get as sharp. BUT, be very careful how far down you clip them or they can bleed. I can actually see just where to clip & usually just do the very tip anyway.

Answer 4

Please, please do not get your kitty declawed! It is very easy to trim her claws yourself, once you have the proper tools and knowledge. Get a high-quality nail clipper (don't get the cheap ones, they might hurt Kitty and they don't last too long.) Ask your vet or a groomer to demonstrate the proper technique. After a few tries, it gets easier on you and her, especially if you give her a couple treats after a job well done.

To extend the nails out of her paw to clip them, just gently hold her hand and press on her pad of that toe. Her nail will come out of it's sheath, and you will see the clear tip, and some pink veins near the bottom. Just snip off the very tip, avoiding those veins. It's like cutting too deep on your own nails. It's a good idea to shave styptic powder or pads to stop bleeding, just in case. If she's not game to having them all done at once, that's fine. Try again later. Just comfort her and tell her what a good job she's doing. When you're done, consider getting a quality scratching post. I know that this helps with the sharpness of claws, too, and helps protect your furniture, too.

I hope this helps!

Answer 5

Sometimes dog's nail clippers a too large to use on cats. Regular human fingernail clippers work fine.
You may need help holding her still, but gently pinch her toe so the claw extends and clip the tip above the quick.
You have never heard of doing this to a cat? It's high-time you did! This should be a common routine for every cat owner.
Do this biweekly. Your furniture and sweaters will thank you.

Answer 6

I take my cat to the vet (they do it for free with an office visit)to clip her nails because my eyes are so bad but my mom does her cats at home. All you need to do is clip the sharp pointy part and it will help keep them from snagging.

Answer 7

I have a cat, and her nails grow very fast and get very sharp because we have a nice kitty scratcher she loves to use. But it okay to trim her nails. We do it usually once every couple of months, once they start to get long and snag things. We use a pair of dog nail trimmers and they work just fine. As long as you don't cut too far down and get the quick, it will be fine. We have never made her nails bleed.

Answer 8

Once you learn to trim your cat's claws, it only takes a minute or so each time you do this. With mine, I place him on my lap, holding him like he's baby. With my left arm cradling him, I use my left hand to take his paw and gently manipulate the claw so I can see it. I use my right hand to work the trimmer and snip off the tip of the claw. Sometimes he wants to investigate the trimmer, so I let him grab it and nibble it, then we get down to business. Afterward, he always gets a treat.

I found a small scissors-like trimmer that works better for cats' claws than the big ones that are sold in a lot of places. If you can find a smaller one, it would be better.

Really, the whole thing takes less than five minutes, and your cat will get used to it.

Answer 9

Hi there, I am a Veterinarian Technition and hope I can help! Please do not declaw your cat. It is the single most painful surgery for felines. Instead, ask your vet about applying Soft Paws. Soft Paws are sold in stores such as Petmart and Petco and all you would have to do is bring them to your vet for application. Your cat will need to be put under anesth., only because cats need to stay very still in order to apply the Soft Paws correctly. Soft Paws are cap-like cones that fit over the nail and held on using glue. Almost like fake nails! Which brings me to my next point... just like fake nails, Soft Paws will grow out and need to be re-applied, but I have seen them last for 6-8 months if applied well. Hope that helps!

Answer 10

Definitely get your cat a good scratching post...that should help dull her nails down a bit.

If you aren't comfortable cutting them at all, just take her to the vet. I used to take my old cat to the vet all the time and they will clip nails for cheap or free.