The quick contains the nerves and blood vessels of the nail. If the quick is clipped, it causes a lot of pain and bleeding. Injury is most likely the reason your cat hates getting their nails trimmed; once they feel that pain, they know what to avoid. A well-trained cat will not mind getting its nails trimmed.
Just like the pink part of a human fingernail, the quick is very sensitive; cutting into this area will likely cause bleeding and pain.
What is this? While it's going to vary between different cats, most just don't like the restraint required during the nail trimming process. Unless nails are trimmed too close, the process isn't painful but it's a weird and usual experience for your cat that they just don't like.
Declawing can cause paw pain, back pain, infection, tissue necrosis (tissue death) and lameness. Removing claws changes the way a cat's foot meets the ground and can cause pain like wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes.
Your cat should be at ease with the sound of the clippers before you attempt to trim her nails. Sit her on your lap, put a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the clippers and hold them near your cat. (If she sniffs the clippers, set a treat on top of them for her to eat.)
For the most part, cats require nail cutting about every 2-3 weeks. Mature cats usually need more frequent nail clippings than kittens. Make sure you provide a scratching post to support your cat's instinctive urge to claw and to keep those nails trimmed between clipping sessions.
You can try wrapping your cat in a towel (the kitty burrito approach), exposing one leg at a time. You can get someone to help you, so one of you can restrain the cat while the other person trims the nails. Make sure that your helper knows how to properly and safely restrain a cat.
Keeping your cat's claws trimmed is good grooming and will reduce the damage done by sharp nails. If possible, get the cat used to having their claws trimmed while they are still young. Never encourage a cat to play roughly with hands or feet. Instead, give them a toy to kick and claw.
So if your kitten whines or squirms when you are cutting her nails, that doesn't mean you've hurt her. Just that she's anxious about the process and the strange pressure on her nails.
For example, cats scratch to mark their territory. They also scratch to trim their nails. Outdoor cats probably use some tree around. However, your cat is an indoor cat, a scratching post may come in handy.
The point is to get rid of those sharp points. There are actually a handful of reasons why it's a good idea to clip your cat's nails, and reducing your cat's ability to shred your furniture is just one of them.
Trim Your Cat's Claws
A good, humane option to stop your cats from scratching furniture is to trim their claws every two to three weeks. If possible, it might be best to start doing that while your pet is still a kitten. If you have an older cat, though, you can still help them get used to nail clipping.
Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be provided. Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Rub some catnip on a scratching post and then take her over to the scratching post several times a day to encourage her to stretch and scratch it. Reward her with petting (if she will tolerate it), a treat or verbal praise to encourage her to seek out the scratching post again and again.
Use your clippers to trim the tip of your cat's nail. Rather than cutting straight across, aim for a 45-degree angle, which lets the nail rest comfortably on the ground when your cat walks.
Most cats should have their claws trimmed every week and a half to two weeks. Getting into a routine will make it easier to keep your cat's nails under control. If you're having trouble trimming their claws, you can ask a groomer or veterinarian for advice. The ASPCA highly discourages declawing cats.
On top of the physical discomfort, spraying your cat with water doesn't actually teach your cat better behaviors and could end up seriously confusing her. What you think is just a bad behavior, like hissing, is actually something she's doing because she's afraid or stressed.
Cats Aren't Mind ReadersF
Scolding might make sense to you, but that doesn't mean it does for your cat. In fact, pets often have no idea what just happened or why you're yelling at them.
If your nails aren't cut and allowed to grow, dirt and germs can get under them, causing infections. If your nails are long, you're more likely to bite or pick at them, which can also cause infections.
Cats have retractable nails, so they won't wear down from walking. Cats also need their nails to remain sharp at all times, since in the wild they need them for hunting and climbing trees to escape predators. To maintain their sharpness, cats' nails grow in layers.
Cats are naturally able to file their nails and trim them on different surfaces, such as the trunk of a tree. However, in the case of a domestic cat that does not have the opportunity to find plants on which to trim his claws, it is essential to put in one or more scratching posts.
So do kitties have control over those sharp nails? “Absolutely,” says Dr. Houlihan. “Cats have very good control over their claws, but they also have an instinctual side that will take over when they're in a dangerous situation or they're frightened,” prompting the claws to come out.
Cats also bite when playing with their owners, along with pouncing and grabbing, according to Purina. This behavior is entirely normal. Your cat is playfully using its innate hunting instincts. You can discourage this by rewarding them with affection or treats for playing nicely and gently.
Usually, cats use biting as a way to show aggression. Whether they're reacting to an unfamiliar scent on your carpet or communicating that they're in pain, it's important to look into the habit and investigate what they're angry about. Cats may also bite if they're being petted.