To cut a cat's nails without freaking them out, start by desensitizing them with treats and paw handling, trim only the sharp tip (avoiding the pink quick) when they're sleepy, use positive reinforcement (treats/praise) immediately after each cut, and consider a "kitty burrito" (swaddle) or getting help if needed. Go slow, stay calm, and stop if they get too stressed; consistency and positive association are key.
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.)
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.
Visit Your Vet or Groomer
If you book an appointment at your local vet, they will be happy to help. Vets and vet techs can both trim your cat's nails for you. If for some reason your cat is extremely stressed and absolutely will not tolerate anyone trying to trim their nails, your vet can give them some sedation.
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.
Non-Medical Sedatives
If you're looking for a non-medical alternative to sedatives or anxiety medications when traveling with your cat, consider: Feliway: A calming spray specifically for cats that helps reduce signs of stress. Purina Calming Care: A feline probiotic calming supplement.
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.
Place a towel lengthways on the exam table. Place the cat two-thirds the way on the towel, head facing away and tail end toward you. Take the shorter end of the towel and fold over the kitty, leaving her head out and wrapping the legs. Tuck the towel beneath the cat.
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.
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.
Go buy some spaghetti noodles. Keep some close to hand when you know your cat will want to snuggle. Once she is settled and you're both in a position to trim nails, start by 'clipping' the spaghetti for a few weeks. Handle her paws, flex the toes, push a claw out, and then clip a spaghetti noodle right next to her.
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.
#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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Medical drawbacks to declawing include risk of anesthesia, temporary or permanent pain in the paw or lameness, infection, tissue necrosis (tissue death) and back pain. There can also be a regrowth of improperly removed claws, nerve damage and bone spurs.
Nail trimming made easy for your purr-fect cat
Instead of de-clawing to prevent damage to your carpets, furniture or flooring, a Dremel is a great alternative.