If you’ve ever tried to trim a cat’s nails, you know that it’s a task that’s not for the faint of heart. But it is possible to make these necessary nail-trimming sessions an enjoyable time for both you and your kitty.
The first step is to develop a routine. If you and your cat can get into a rhythm of clipping the nails every ten days to two weeks, you’ll have established an ideal schedule.
Next, make sure your cat is comfortable with the sound of the clippers before you attempt to trim her nails. The ASPCA recommends putting kitty on your lap and putting a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the clippers. While massaging your cat’s toe, gently press her toe pad extend her nail, and then clip the spaghetti with the clippers. Do this a few times and the cat will come to associate the sound of the clippers with the gentle massaging of her toes.
See the rest of the ASPCA’s recommendations here.
Most of all, throughout the entire nail trimming process, it’s important for you to stay calm. Your kitty will be more inclined to relax and not become scared when you maintain a gentle demeanor. When you’re laid about the process, she’s more likely to be, as well.
Do you trim your cat’s nails? We’d love to hear about your experience in a comment below!
I have two kittens who are now four months old. After having their claws clipped by the vet, I have now done it myself three times. I wait till they are having their afternoon naps and when they are sound asleep, I gently sit beside them and one by one clip their claws. Usually, they tolerate it well and just go back to sleep. It’s much better than trying it when they are wide awake. They do not like it then at all! I am trying to get in the habit of doing it every other Sunday afternoon. So far, so good.
We have three cats. Our Maine Coon, Koneko, was a stray who found our yard and who never left (we tried to find his family – to no avail). He had his front claws removed before we found him, but I still need to keep his back claws trimmed. Our other two cats – Moko and Arata – get their claws trimmed regularly by my daughter and myself. The cats aren’t particularly fond of getting their nails trimmed, but it only takes a few minutes and they seem to forget about it right away.
Oh, yes! We have cat-specific clippers (not the kind pictured, but the type many businesses have carried for a long time) and though I don’t do it often enough, I do trim the claws of whomever will let me, from time to time. We have LOTS of scratching surfaces throughout the house, which also help.