If you're considering trimming your cat's nail but aren't sure if this is a task you should undertake, knowing the benefits, as well as, the risks may help you decide.
Nature provides cats with razor sharp nails, or claws, to help them survive in the wild. The claws are used to capture prey and provide defense against natural enemies.
Despite the fact that cats have become domesticated they still retain these tools of survival. Unfortunately, they are often turned on our furniture or, accidentally, ourselves.
Some cat owners have their cats de-clawed in order to minimize this damage. This is a controversial procedure that many people believe unnecessarily disfigures the cat.
However, just keeping your cat's nails regularly trimmed can go a long way toward keeping the damage to you and your home to a minimum. Well-trimmed claws are also more comfortable for your cat.
The temperament of your cat is going to be your guide when it comes to choosing the best time and method for nail clipping.
If he enjoys being held, petted and cuddled, then chances are, you won't have a difficult time manipulating and holding his paws during clipping.
Ready for my nail trimming!
However, if you cat is more independent and doesn't enjoy a lot of physical contact, you may have to wait until your cat is in his relaxed, resting condition. Even then, your cat may resist.
Just speak to him in a calm, reassuring voice. If you remain calm, your cat is likely to respond in a similar matter. This will also help to make future clippings easier.
In either case, you'll want to have some basic tools at the ready so the job can be done safely, quickly and efficiently. In addition to a nail clipper, you'll want to be sure to have a styptic pencil or swab on hand.
While it is perfectly ok to use human nail clippers, pet nail clippers are better suited to the natural growth and consistency of a cat's claw.
One risk involved with clipping your cat's nails is cutting too close to the quick. Try not to become alarmed...even professionals do this from time to time. Just quickly apply your styptic pencil to stem any bleeding.
The best way to avoid making this mistake is to make sure you have plenty of light so that you can readily detect the quick. In white nails, it will show up as a pink streak and in dark nails it will appear as a dark patch.
When you're finished be sure to reward your cat with a treat for good behavior.
As you become more experienced with clipping your cat's claws you may find that both you and your pet will grow to enjoy this opportunity for special interaction. This will also help to make other grooming activities, like brushing and bathing, more pleasant as well.