Tips for trimming a cat's nails?

Question

I need to trim my cat's nails. Any advice on how to make it easier on the both of us?

Answer 1

I learned a very good technique. After getting your cat used to you touching its paws and everything, find a nice quiet time to trim them while the cat is relaxed or sleepy (not sleeping... they won't like that).

Before you start, gather the trimmers and treats beside where you are going to sit. Sit in a comfortable position with the cat in your lap facing your dominant hand and your feet on the floor. (If you're short like me the toilet is perfect, and easy to sweep up trimmings afterwards). have the clippers in your dominant hand, and your non-dominant hand wrapped around the cat and holding the paw. hold firmly but gently so you don't hurt them. NEVER let the cat pull its paw away, or it will learn that it can pull its paw away and trimming their claws becomes much more difficult. trim them in the appropriate place so that you don't hit the quick (the pink part). If you are unsure, practice by just trimming the tips and next time you trim, trim a little bit closer, etc. This will make it easier for you to figure out where the ideal cutting place is, but doing it slowly over time will also let your cat get used to you trimming their claws. both front paws can be trimmed in this position. The back paw can be done with a little bit of adjustment, still cuddling the cat, bring the dominant hand with the clippers to the back paw so the cat is still surrounded. This will let you trim the paw that's on the opposite side from you. Finally, the last paw, of course the most difficult. if you give up now, the cat will learn this and it will only become more difficult over time. You have to turn the cat around so that it is facing the opposite direction. wrap your arms around so that your non-dominant hand is holding their paw and the dominant hand is ready to trim. ideally you want the cats head to be in the crook of your elbow.

If the cat ever wriggles or tries to escape, bend forward so they have no where to go. that's why its important to have your feet on the floor. Because you are essentially cornering your cat be gentle but firm, and always talk in reassuring tones. It is very important to be consistant, always finish all 4 paws, even if you just start with the tiniest trim. It is very important that you never let the cat get away or that they are able to pull their paw away from you. if the cat does this once, they'll never stop trying.

And most importantly, afterwards, reward the cat immidiately!!! With treats, catnip, etc. make sure you reward them in the same spot or room where you just clipped their claws. (though, you may have to put them down first, as I know my cats won't eat the treat until they know they're finished, but they jump right back onto my lap)

although this technique sounds difficult, it is easier than anything else I have tried. be sure to take your time to work your way up to this stage, practice makes perfect for both you and your cat. And never stop halfway, or let the cat pull back or escape. then you have a great technique you can use for life, without the assistance of anyone else. Your cat will never love it, but will learn to tolerate it as long as you are reassuring and rewarding.

Answer 2

I've tried making sure they're nice and relaxed on my lap before bringing out the clippers, but that doesn't seem to last past a nail or two. I kneel over the cat so it's between my legs, with my feet crossed at the back, so it can't back out. This works better for medicine, but it can work for nails (front only, though). The easiest thing is have someone else hold the cat and secure it and calm it while I do the nails as fast as possible.

Answer 3

Get a real nail trimmer for cats. They're cheap. Don't use a fingernail clipper, it breaks the claw instead of cutting it.
Start rubbing your cats feet, get him used to you pushing gently to extend the claw. When you trim the claw take only the very tip, where it starts getting thick and pink should never be trimmed. My cat is pretty good about doing this. I do it every few months or until the claws can get through my jeans!
Take your time and your cat will be a pro!
It was nice of you not to de-claw your cat and let him keep the defense that nature gave him.

Answer 4

1. use a nail clipper, not scisors
2. take him in your arms when he is calm, not when he is restless
3. Have someone else nearby, in case you need help to hold him a bit.
4. Pet him, talk softly, and then decisively but gently press softly each finger so that the claw gets out.
5. Then, trim just 1-2 millimeters, just the pointy edge, not the thicker part of the claw, because that would hurt him or cause bleeding. Just the pointy edge that is obvious that has no blood vessels.
6. Good luck.

Answer 5

if you wrap her in a towel and only take one paw out at a time, then she won't be able to scratch you. Also make sure you don't cut the quick, it will cause alot of pain and maybe someone who clipped her nails before, hit the quick. If so that would explain why she is so scared. That happened to my cat and ever since, she is deathly afraid of nail clippings, but we have to do it.

Answer 6

you will most likely only be able to do one paw or a few nails at a time right now. if the cat isn't used to you touching and holding its paws. whenever you have snuggle time or just one on one time just reach out and hold his/her paw. this way the cat will get used to you touching the paws without always getting a trim. the more you touch the more used to it the cat will become, the easier it will be to clip the nails

heres a link to show and explain how to do it properly
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1391&articleid=817

Answer 7

my vet suggested using someone to hold the cat, and the other person to trim the nails. the person who holds the cat should hold them by the scruff like their mamas do which automatically calms them down.

Answer 8

Stay away from the pink'ish looking part of her/his nails. those are tiny blood vessels. You want to stop cutting just before the pink part of the nail.

Answer 9

why do you want to trim your cat's nails? I have never heard of this practice. Cats need their nails to be nice and sharp. They spend a lot of time getting them that way.
Is your cat an indoor cat only? Are you trying to keep her from shredding your furniture? If so, they make nice tips that you can put on her nails. My friend uses these and they are no problem.
However, I found this web site with some tips. Please don't mess with a cat's nails who is going outside.

Answer 10

i sit on a chair & put him on his back on my lap with his head towards me. i'm really lucky though & my cat likes his feet pet so he is really good when i clip his nails.