Trimming a cat’s claws every few weeks is a vital part of maintaining the animal’s hygiene. Regular trimming not only protects the health of a cat’s caretakers, but also guarantees the well-being of their couches and armchairs.But if the idea of trimming a cat’s claws has you biting your nails, know that all it takes is some patience and a bit of practice to sharpen your skills.
If possible, start training your cat to have her claws trimmed as a kitten. Gently stroke your cat's paws often, getting her used to having her paws held before you attempt trimming. Be sure to reward your cat with a special food treat-one that she receives only during claw trimming or some other grooming procedure-during or immediately after trimming. The best time to trim your cat's claws is when she is relaxed or sleepy. Never try to give a pedicure right after a stressful experience or an energetic round of play.

You need a cat nail clipper

There are many type of nail clipper. You can search the the best tool for you on the net or local petshops. You can also use human nail clipper.

There are several styles of nail trimmers, including a guillotine type, a scissors cut, and a standard human fingernail clipper. Either the guillotine type or a human fingernail clipper are easiest to use in cats.

The scissors-type is used if a toe nail is so long that it is curling in a circle. Long toenails can grow into the toepad.


Cat Nail Clipper

When using a guillotine type nail trimmer, the cutting blade (outlined in yellow) should be facing you, not the cat. The screws on the trimmer should be facing the cat. The nail should be cut from top to bottom, not side to side. The tip of the nail is placed in the hole in the trimmer and the handles are squeezed to advance the cutting blade through the nail.

The handles of the trimmer can be held pointing toward the floor or ceiling, which ever is more comfortable in your hands.

The cutting blade can be replaced when it is no longer sharp.



Using guillotine nail clipper

Incorrect direction of a guillotine type nail trimmer When the trimmer is held with the screws toward you, the cutting blade is cutting closer to the quick than if the trimmer is held with the cutting blade toward you. You are less likely to cut into the quick if the cutting blade faces you.

Start clipping your cat’s nail

Most cats do not like having their toenails trimmed. Start trimming toenails in young animals so that they get used to the process. Some cats will happily sit in your lap or on a table while you trim their nails but many require some form of restraint.



Clipping Cat’s Nail : ways to restraint the cat

To restrain a cat in your lap, use your forearms draped over the cat's neck and hind-end to keep the cat in your lap. The clipper is held in the right hand.

Clipping Cat’s Nail : ask somebody to restraint the cat


If you’ve got a helper, ask him to hold the cat while you clip the nails, or just ask him to rub the cat’s nose or offer up a special treat.

Some cats do well with no restraint at all, but most cats need to be held firmly but gently to make sure that no one gets hurt. Try resting the cat in the crook of one arm while holding one paw with the other hand. Or, place the animal on a table and lift one paw at a time. You may even be able to convince a particularly sociable cat to lay back in your lap.

Take the paw & Cut the cat nail

Your cat should be resting comfortably on your lap, the floor, or a table. Hold a paw in one hand and press a toe pad gently to extend the claw. Cats have retractile claws so you need to gently squeeze the toe between thumb and forefinger to expose the claw.



Clipping Cat’s Nail : press the toe pad to expose the nail

Notice the pink tissue (the quick) on the inside of the claw. Avoid the quick when you trim the claw; cutting into it will cause pain and bleeding Remove the sharp tip below the quick (away from the toe), clipping about halfway between the end of the quick and the tip of claw.


Don’t Cut The quick

If your cat becomes impatient, take a break and try again later. Even if you can clip only a claw or two a day, eventually you'll complete the task. Because cats do little damage with their rear claws and do a good job of keeping them trim themselves-by chewing them-many cat owners never clip the rear claws. Others trim their cats' rear claws three or four times a year or have them done by their veterinarian or a professional groomer.


Don’t forget the dew’s nail

Cats have a nail on the inner side of each foot called the dew claw. Remember to trim these as they are not worn down when the cat scratches and can grow in a circle, growing into the foot.

What should I do, if my cats  nail is bleeding ?

If the toenail is cut too short, you can use a styptic pencil containing silver nitrate to stop blood flow, although many animal object to this the styptic pencil as much, or more, than toenail cutting. The black end of the stick is held to the bleeding nail and gently rotated.

Even without any treatment the nail should stop bleeding in about 5 minutes or less.

If you accidentally clip into the quick, don't panic. The claw may bleed for a moment, but it will usually stop very quickly. Soothe your cat by speaking softly to her and stroking her head. If the bleeding hasn't stopped after a minute or so, touch a styptic pencil to the claw end or pat on styptic powder to help staunch the bleeding.

How often you need to clip your cat's claws depends somewhat on how much of the tip you remove, but usually a clipping every ten to fourteen days will suffice. If' your cat absolutely refuses to allow you to clip tier claws, get help from your veterinarian or a professional groomer.