An Easy and Stress Free Guide to Trimming Cat Nails

Paws. Claws. Murder Mittens. All cats have them and certainly know how to use them.

Much like our fingernails, our cat’s claws grow continuously. Our feline friends will maintain their claw health by scratching and kneading at rough surfaces.

The subject of nail trimming is often a frightening topic for cat owners, but there is a lot you can do to keep this activity stress-free. So, to help keep you both calm, here is our guide to cat claws and when and how to trim them.

Why Do Cats Need Their Claws Trimmed?

Overgrown nails can cause extreme discomfort and pain for cats. Their claws will curve eventually inwards causing damage to their delicate paw pads.

Cats will walk differently on overgrown claws, causing a shifting of weight and a strain on the joints and muscles. This can lead to the development of arthritis and long-term deformities.

Should I Trim My Cat’s Nails?

The likelihood is that at some point during your cat’s life, they will need a helping hand to keep their claws healthy.

As cats age, they will move around and likely scratch less. This often leads to nails growing quickly and becoming uncomfortable. On the flip side, younger and active cats are less likely to need support as they are still getting their claws into everything.

Ultimately it comes down to age, activity and lifestyle. However, as an owner, it is essential to be prepared for the eventuality.

Here are the signs that a cat’s claws are too long:

• Reducing scratching on their post due to discomfort.

• Nails get caught on things frequently, such as carpets, blankets and beds.

• When resting, you can see the white part of their nail on their paws.

• Your cat makes a tip-tapping sound when walking on hard floors.

Get into the habit of regularly checking your pet’s paws for issues and remember every cat needs to scratch!

Help your kitty maintain their claws by providing strong, sturdy scratching posts.

How to Trim Cat Nails

Desensitising your cat to having their paws and claws touched will greatly help.

For new kitten owners, the key is to gently stroke your cat’s legs and paws when they are relaxed. Often, it’s easier to do this when they are lying down on you or snuggled up somewhere.

Start by just stroking their legs and progress to gently holding their paws, then touching the tips of their claws. The key is to go slowly! Work at your cat’s own pace.

Before you start trimming, it is important to have the proper equipment, you’ll need:

1. Pet Nail Clippers – do not use human nail clippers, they are not designed for the shape of your cat’s nails.
2. First Aid Powder- the chances are you won’t ever need this, but it is worth being prepared just in case!
3. Tasty Natural Treats – after all that trauma, your cat deserves a treat for being so well-behaved.

Step 1- Hold Their Paw

Choose your moment carefully, if your cat is chasing their toys, probably not the best time to start trimming.

Wait for your cat to be calm and comfortable and hold them securely. If your feline friend likes to sleep on your lap this is the perfect time. Having someone else with you will make this process easier and smoother. One of you can trim and the other can hold your kitty safely and securely.

Gently hold their paw and push their toe between your thumb and finger to reveal their nail. Remember you don’t have to dive right in and do every claw in one go. If your cat is nervous, take your time and do a claw a day.

Step 2 – Search for the Quick

The ‘quick’ is the nerve and blood supply to the nail and is pink in colour.

If you cut the quick, it will bleed a lot and be painful for your cat. Pets with clear nails are much easier to trim, as you can see it clearly. If your kitty has darker nails, shining a light on them can help you see the quick in the nail cavity.

Step 3- Take off a Tiny Amount

Trim a tiny amount of the nail, no more than a millimetre so you can keep checking where the quick is. Continue taking off tiny amounts from the nail. By trimming regularly (typically depending on individual growth every couple of weeks) you should only have to remove around 2-3mm at any one time.

Step 4- Don’t Forget the Dew Claw

This is the nail that sits slightly higher up the leg, this will need regular trimming too.

Step 5- Ignore the Drama

Cats will often wiggle, meow and squeal during nail trimmings.

If you haven’t caught the quick, your nail trimming has not caused them ANY pain. The reaction they are showing is because of the discomfort of having their paw held and the action of the clipper cutting through their nail.

If you trim regularly, they will get used to this routine and be a lot less vocal about it!

Step 6- Reward!

Congratulations you and your cat got through your first trim! Your feline friend certainly deserves a treat after being so brave, so make sure and reward them suitably.

Of course, I’d argue you also deserve a treat too…

If you are still struggling with nail trimming, remember that your vet will offer this service. Find your nearest Pet Practice.