How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails

If you are like many cat owners, you may be hesitant to trim your cat’s nails because you are afraid of cutting the quick of the nail, which may cause pain or bleeding. Once you learn how to do it, clipping your cat’s nails is almost as easy as clipping your own. Keeping your cats nails trimmed is an alternative to declawing.

1) Cats have retractile claws so you need to gently squeeze the toe between thumb and forefinger to expose the claw. Hold your cat’s paw firmly and push on the pads to extend the nail.   

2) Cats have light colored claws, making it easy to see the blood vessels and nerves as a pink stripe at the base of the nail, which is called a quick.

3) Human toenail clippers are easy to use and are readily available. The clipper should be placed perpendicular to the nail, cut top to bottom.

· Trim your cats nails every two weeks.

· The best time to trim is after a nap, when your cat is in a mellow mood.

· Give your cat a treat after you trim to make the process more enjoyable.

· If your cat is too restless, try again later or the next day.