Feline Manacures
HOW TO TRIM YOUR CAT”S CLAWS AND LIVE TO TELL ABOUT IT !
Trying to trim the nails of a kitty can be an adventure. Here are some tips to help make it a little easier on both you and your cat:
- Do the trimming when your cat is relaxed.
- Have everything at the ready- nail trimmer, emery board and styptic powder or pencil or a small container of flour and a thick towel.
- Place the towel across your lap to offer some protection in the event the kitty tries to escape. While sitting, snuggle the kitty into your lap.
- Hold a paw gently, but firmly near your body. Pick your first nail. Put your thumb on top of the toe and your index finger under the toe. Squeeze your finger and thumb together. This will cause the claw to extend.
- With your nail trimmer, cut about halfway between the nail tip and the nail quick. The quick is where the blood supply ends and is usually visible as a small pink line in the nail.
- You can also “tip” the nail by trimming at the “hook” of the claw. This removes the sharp point at the end of the claw and is sometimes a good idea for the frist nail trim. You can build your confidence in trimming nails.
- If you nick the quick, DO NOT PANIC! If there is bleeding you can use the following items to seal the wound :
- Styptic powder or pencil – available in most drug stores or in pet stores-follow the directions on the package for sealing the nick.
- Flour or cornstarch – place a small amount in a shallow bowl and push the nail into the flour or cornstarch to seal the nick.
- Bar soap – Take the nail and press it firmly into the bar of soap to seal the nick
- Use the emery board to file down any sharp edges remaining after the trim.
If you start when the cat is young, they will become accustomed to the nail trim. Remember, patience and practice will make this task less traumatic for everyone.
