Trimming your cat’s toenails at home means less stress from going to the veterinarian’s office for a pedicure. If your cat has an indoor lifestyle, long and sharp toenails can harm your furniture and skin. Here are some tips on how to trim your cat’s nails at home where they are most comfortable.
Here’s How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails Like a Pro
The most essential part of trimming your cat’s toenails is knowing where the quick is. The quick is the nail’s blood supply; you do not want to cut it because it is painful and bleeds.
The part of the nail you will want to trim is the hook. It may look a bit like a bird’s talon, depending on the length. You can cut your cat’s toenails as often as needed, usually about every two to three weeks, depending on how fast they grow. Just do not forget the dewclaw! Pet toenail trimmers or even large human fingernail clippers can be used.
Use Treats
Treats can be used as a reward for behavior training, which is called positive reinforcement. As your cat exhibits a wanted behavior, you give it a positive reward, like a tasty treat. As you trim the nails on one paw, treat your kitty to let them know they did a good job not pulling their paw away. Positive reinforcement training is beneficial. It may take some time, but it’s worth it!
Treats can also be used as a distraction. If you have an extra hand, have a friend feed your cat treats while you trim their toenails. The cat’s mind will be so focused on the tasty goodness in front of it that it will not care about the pedicure.
Have Help Restraining Your Cat
Having another person help you get the job done can make a kitty pedicure much smoother and faster. Whether you place your cat on the table while your partner gives it a nice ear massage or holds it like a baby, the distraction helps. A second set of hands helps ensure your cat won’t bite you when it loses its patience. Properly and safely restraining your cat can also help the process go quickly and easily.
See our tips on how to safely restrain your cat for more information.
Quiet Atmosphere
When it is time to give your cat a pedicure, try to do it in a pleasant, quiet atmosphere, maybe in your cat’s favorite spot in the house. Stay away from a high-comotion area, as cats can quickly become stressed. Trimming your cat’s toenails in the evening while your cat is taking a nap will also work. Depending, of course, on how light or heavy of a sleeper they are!
Learning and practicing trimming your cat’s toenails at home can save them from the stress of going to the veterinarian clinic every couple of weeks. Instead, they can have their mani-pedi in the comfort of their home.
