However, if the nails have grown too long, the
deed must be done. Some cat people mark a certain day on the calender.
Others, like me, pray they will just stop growing. A good rule of paw is
this: When kitty's nails catch in things like furniture, carpeting or
flesh, it's time!
If your cat can pull a scatter mat across the room or adjust the bedspread, you're probably overdue. It will still be one of the most tricky procedures in cat care but we will tread softly.
Choosing nail clippers You can find several types of clippers for cat's claws in the pet store. I had to experiment with 3 different products until I found a pair that made us both happy. Or as happy as a cat can be to have her nails trimmed. There are people who use human nail clippers but I don't recommend those. Cat's nails are different. All too often, human nail clippers shred the cat's claws. Then nobody's happy.
First, find a comfortable place to work. A table, on your lap, whatever your cat decides. For my feline, we sit in a big, comfy chair with her between my side and the arm of the chair. To me it's for restriction. For Furby, it's more for comfort.
1. Speak softly and reassuringly. Take hold of a paw. Expose the nail by pushing gently on the pad of the foot.
2. You will see a pink area partway down. This is the vein or quick. DO NOT CUT INTO THIS! It will bleed and possibly get infected. Meow! Then of course, there is the guilt you'll feel for days over hurting your friend. The look in your cat's eyes will finish you off.
Slide the clipper just down beyond the quick and using a smooth, strong motion...clip. 3. If the quick is hard to see or if the fur around the nail is white and you just can't see what you're doing, just cut the hook off. You'll notice the hook, trust me.
If you accidentally cut into the vein, apply Kwik-Stop powder to the tip of the nail to stop the bleeding. Keep watch to make sure infection doesn't develop. This would be a good time to pack your bags...
4. Praise in your best baby-talk! Breathe sigh of relief.
This is another grooming chore that will be defined by your cat. If you manage to get only one nail cut at a time, fine. Eventually, they will all get clipped. It's not worth forcing the issue.
Sometimes they will tolerate getting both paws done in one sitting. Other times, she'll want a break after one footsie. She decides. I obey. Some people have the veterinarian perform this maintenance. It's whatever works for you. You have my best wishes!
If your cat can pull a scatter mat across the room or adjust the bedspread, you're probably overdue. It will still be one of the most tricky procedures in cat care but we will tread softly.
Choosing nail clippers You can find several types of clippers for cat's claws in the pet store. I had to experiment with 3 different products until I found a pair that made us both happy. Or as happy as a cat can be to have her nails trimmed. There are people who use human nail clippers but I don't recommend those. Cat's nails are different. All too often, human nail clippers shred the cat's claws. Then nobody's happy.
First, find a comfortable place to work. A table, on your lap, whatever your cat decides. For my feline, we sit in a big, comfy chair with her between my side and the arm of the chair. To me it's for restriction. For Furby, it's more for comfort.
1. Speak softly and reassuringly. Take hold of a paw. Expose the nail by pushing gently on the pad of the foot.
2. You will see a pink area partway down. This is the vein or quick. DO NOT CUT INTO THIS! It will bleed and possibly get infected. Meow! Then of course, there is the guilt you'll feel for days over hurting your friend. The look in your cat's eyes will finish you off.
Slide the clipper just down beyond the quick and using a smooth, strong motion...clip. 3. If the quick is hard to see or if the fur around the nail is white and you just can't see what you're doing, just cut the hook off. You'll notice the hook, trust me.
If you accidentally cut into the vein, apply Kwik-Stop powder to the tip of the nail to stop the bleeding. Keep watch to make sure infection doesn't develop. This would be a good time to pack your bags...
4. Praise in your best baby-talk! Breathe sigh of relief.
This is another grooming chore that will be defined by your cat. If you manage to get only one nail cut at a time, fine. Eventually, they will all get clipped. It's not worth forcing the issue.
Sometimes they will tolerate getting both paws done in one sitting. Other times, she'll want a break after one footsie. She decides. I obey. Some people have the veterinarian perform this maintenance. It's whatever works for you. You have my best wishes!
K.D. Cook and Furby live together in harmony 98% of the time. K.D. learns something new about cats everyday.
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