Cutting cats claws

Trimming a Cat's Claws

1. Stay on the cutting edge

There are plenty of tools available to trim a little cat's and normal cat’s  claws; use the one that works best for you and your healthy cat.

Some people prefer a special pair of scissors modified to hold a cat's claw in place, others prefer human nail clippers and tools, and still others choose pliers-like clippers or those with a sliding "guillotine" blade. Whatever your tool of choice, be sure the blade remains sharp; the blunt pressure from dull blades may hurt an animal and cause a nail to split or bleed. Keep something to stop bleeding, such as styptic powder, cornstarch, or a dry bar of soap near you.

2. Take paws, part I

If you approach a cat with a sharp object in one hand while trying to grab a paw with the other, unfortunately you'll come up empty-handed. Because cats' temperaments and dispositions vary greatly, there is no "perfect" way to handle a cat while trimming his claws. Please be carful or if it seems hard for you please contact the vet.

Some cats do well with no restraint at all, but most of cats need to be held firmly but gently to make sure that no one gets hurt. Try resting the little friend in the crook of one arm while holding one paw with the other hand. Or, place the animal on a table and try to lift one paw at a time. You may even be able to convince a particularly sociable cat to lie back in your lap.

3. Take paws, part II

If you've got someone to help you, ask him to hold the cat while you clip the nails, or just ask him to scratch your cat's favorite spot or offer up a special treat. And try to make a deal with your little friend.

4. Take a little off the top

Try not to get too close to the pink part of the nail called "the quick," where blood vessels and nerve endings lie. Just like the pink part of a human fingernail, the quick is very sensitive; cutting into this area will likely cause bleeding and pain for your little friend.

If this happens, apply a little pressure to the very tip of the claw, dip the claw in a bit of styptic powder or cornstarch, or rub the nail across a dry bar of soap. Don't continue if he's too upset, but keep an eye on him to be sure the bleeding stops.Dont frightens your little and healthy cat.

5. Take it one at a time

If you aren't capable of trim all 10 nails at once, don't worry. Few cats remain patient for more than a few minutes, so take what you can get and try, praising your pet for cooperating, then be on the lookout for the next opportunity maybe even a catnap to cut things down to size.