To cut a cat's nails when they hate it, use the "Kitty Burrito" method (swaddling in a towel with one paw out), distract with high-value treats (like lick mats or Churu), and gradually desensitize them to paw handling over weeks, working in short sessions when they're sleepy, or consult your vet for professional help or medication if needed.
The first strategy is to slowly accustom the cat to having their paws lightly touched. Don't even try to trim a claw, just gradually every day get them used to handling their paws. Once they cease to react violently, you can slowly incorporate trimming - just start with one, then move on to do more and more.
Benadryl is dosed at 12.5mg (or 1/2 a tablet) for a 10 pound cat given 1 hour prior to transport or nail clipping. A second dose may be needed if there is no effect after one hour. Make sure to keep your pet as calm as possible prior to giving the Benadryl and afterward so the medication can take full effect.
Clip the tip.
With the proper clippers, clip the very tip of the claw. Don't cut them too short as you could hurt your cat. Avoid the quick at the base of the claw by the toes – this is the bit that will look pink. If you cut this, it will be very painful for your cat and will make them bleed.
Giving your cat CBD before a nail trimming session is a great way to make sure they are soothed and calm before the process begins. Try giving them our CBD cat treats or mixing some CBD oil into their food 30 minutes before.
Overgrown nails can cause your cat pain and difficulty walking. Additionally, long nails are more prone to breaking, which can be both painful and dangerous for your cat.
Gabapentin is a medication that can be used for several purposes, including seizure control, anxiety relief, sedation, and pain management. It's a common cat sedative for grooming, travel, vet visits, and other short-term events. Gabapentin is generally considered safe in healthy pets, with minimal side effects.
All claws, including dewclaws, need regular trimming, typically every 2-4 weeks for indoor cats. You may discover that your cat's front paws need more frequent trimming than rear paws. Older or arthritic cats, who tend to be less active, often require more frequent trims compared to younger, more active cats.
Yes, but they are rare. In some cases, declawing may be performed if the cat has a medical condition affecting the claw or paw that can't be resolved through other means. For example, tumors or severe infections in the nail bed might require partial or full declawing.
For a healthy adult cat, diphenhydramine is considered safe to use but should only be given under the direction of your veterinarian. Benadryl for cats should never be administered without specific diagnostic and dosing advice from your vet.
Nails that have not been trimmed for a long time may grow in a circular shape, causing the sharp tip to grow into the cat's paw pad. In older cats, the nails often become thick and hard, which can lead to pain or even lameness.
A nail-trimming every ten days to two weeks is a nice routine to settle into. If your cat refuses to let you clip her claws, ask your vet or a groomer for help.
Benefits of Using a Nail Grinder for Cats
Nail grinders for cats work by gradually filing down the cat's claw, resulting in a rounder edge than the edge created by nail clippers. Though these are louder than nail clippers, they may be better for cats that are averse to the sensation that nail clippers produce.
#2: Use nail caps on your cat's nails — Nail caps are a great option. They can be applied to the sharp tip of your cat's nails as a protective shield, but still allow your cat to walk normally.
Why do cats hate having their nails trimmed? Cats have sensitive feet, and many cats don't like having their feet handled at all – whether you're trimming their nails or not. Additionally, cats rarely enjoy being restrained, which is sometimes necessary for nail trims.
While tree bark can help dull a cat's nails, scratching posts made of sisal rope, carpet, or cardboard won't keep them dull and trimmed. There are scratchers made with different grit sandpapers that can help file your cat's front nails, and some cats really enjoy them.
Veterinarians do recommend trimming your cat's nails, and many will do it in-office for a low fee. Many cats wear down their nails on their own through scratching.
The 3-3-3 rule for new cats is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 days to decompress (hiding, overwhelmed), 3 weeks to start learning routines and showing personality (exploring, getting comfortable), and 3 months to feel truly at home and bonded (revealing true self). Patience is key, providing a safe, quiet space and consistent routines helps reduce stress and build trust during these stages, allowing the cat to adjust at its own pace.
Natural options like CBD and chamomile are generally considered safe for most pets. They have fewer side effects compared to prescription sedatives. No Prescription Needed.
Cats with long nails are more likely to scratch, which not only hurts but can also lead to infection. No one wants that! And lastly, trimming your cat's nails can help to prevent furniture scratching - something we know all too well as pet parents.
It is a painful, irreversible surgical procedure that amputates part of a cat's toes. This often leads to chronic pain, behavioral issues, and long-term health problems. Many pet parents who've had this done in the past were unaware of the lasting harm it causes.
In veterinary medicine, acepromazine is commonly used for its sedative and tranquilizing effects. It can help calm cats and reduce anxiety during stressful situations such as veterinary visits, grooming, or travel.