Keeping your cat's claws clipped will minimize scratches that might be suffered by you and your furniture. It's not an easy task and it is easier to be two to achieve it. One should hold the cat and the other, to cut the claws. The best time to trim your cat's claws is when he is relaxed or sleepy. You could give him a special treat to make the experience more enjoyable, a treat that he would only associated to trimming and grooming.
Special claw trimmers are available from veterinarians or pet supply stores, but nail clippers for humans could work just as well to the condition that it is sharp enough. Otherwise it could cause a nail to split or bleed.
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, the other hand behind the cat's neck holding firmly. You should be able to see the pink or the quick, which is a small blood vessel. Don't cut into this pink portion as it will bleed and be painful for your cat. If this happens, apply a little pressure to the very tip of the claw. It might bleed for a minute but if it does not stop then touch a styptic pencil to the claw end or pat on styptic powder to help staunch the 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.
If you are not able to trim all nails at once, don't worry. Few cats remain patients for more than a few minutes. Reward him with affection and/or food and just wait for the next opportunity to cut his nails.
For more information please visit Your Pet House. Jimmy Crisafi is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer.
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