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6 steps to easier nail trims for your cat

Paige Cerulli
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Nail trims are an essential element of caring for your cat. They help prevent nails from curling inward and digging into your cat’s sensitive paw pads. Nail trims also help keep your cat’s nails from getting snagged on items, and they can help protect your furniture, rugs, and clothes, too. But trimming your cat’s nails isn’t always an easy process, especially if you haven’t done it before. These six tips can help make the process easier, safer, and less stressful for both you and your cat. Soon, you’ll be able to trim your cat’s nails like a pro.

Start with the basics of how to trim cat nails

  • When trimming your cat’s nails, it’s easiest to sit your cat so that he’s right in front of you, facing away. Some cats may sit there willingly, but others may need to be gently restrained with a towel or blanket.
  • Hold your nail clippers in your dominant hand, and with your other hand, lift up one of your cat’s paws. It’s easiest to start with the front paws.
  • Gently squeeze your cat’s paw pad and the top of his paw with your thumb and the edge of your pointer finger. This will extend your cat’s claws.
  • Look at each nail. You’ll see a lighter, white outer at the tip, and then a darker section that begins a little bit further up the nail. That darker section is called the quick. It’s sensitive and will bleed if you trim it. Make sure to trim only the nail, avoiding the quick.
  • Position your clippers around the tip of the nail and close them with a quick, strong motion. In most cases, the faster you clip, the cleaner the cut will be. Again, make sure that you avoid the quick. If you’re unsure of how much to take off, always err on the side of caution and take off less.
  • Repeat this process with each nail on each paw. Your cat may need some breaks, or you might need to trim just a nail or two during each session.
A person holding a cat's paw and trimming its nails

Introduce nail trims when your cat is young

To make nail trims easier, introduce them when your cat is young, ideally when he’s a kitten. You can get your cat used to having his paws handled by touching them briefly, then gradually increasing the amount of time you handle his paws. This will help him learn to accept nail trims and can make the process less stressful.

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Carefully time your trims

It’s important to choose the right timing for your nail trims. It’s best to play with your cat, tire him out, and then time the trims for when he’s relaxed and quiet. Don’t attempt a trim before your cat has breakfast or when he’s energized and playful. A happy, relaxed cat will probably be more willing to cooperate than a cat who’s full of energy.

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Don’t forget to watch your cat’s reactions during the trim. He may need to take a break, and giving him a break can make it easier for him to cooperate.

Focus on proper restraint

For your cat’s safety, it’s important to properly restrain a wriggly cat. You can wrap him up in a towel or blanket like a burrito, removing just the one paw that you need at a time. You may find it easier to enlist another human helper to help position and hold your cat.

Find the right tool

The right nail clippers can make the trimming process easier and safer. Look for sharp clippers that are appropriately sized for your cat’s nails. The clippers need to fit securely in your hand, and they need to be easy enough to use so that you can operate them with one hand. Clippers with textured grips can create a more secure feel, which can help build your confidence as you’re learning to do these nail trims.

Person holding a black and white cat for a nail trim

Make nail trims positive

Focus on making each nail trim a positive experience for your cat. When you’re just getting started, that might mean that you trim one nail, end the session, and reward your cat for a job well done. Always praise your cat and end the session with some treats or playtime.

Learning to give your cat a nail trim requires some patience and practice. If you’ve never done a nail trim before, then ask your vet to guide you through the process during your next appointment. Your vet can give you some additional tips that are specific to your cat, and they can help you find the quick in your cat’s nails so you can be sure to avoid it. Nail trims are an important part of caring for your cat, and they can help keep him healthy and comfortable. Soon, you and your cat will be more accustomed to nail trims, and the process should be smoother and easier for you both.

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