How to trim a kitten's claws? How to properly trim a cat's claws at home, and is it worth doing? How to trim the nails of an aggressive cat

Cats' claws grow constantly, and, obeying instinct, animals must grind them down. When living in an apartment, wallpaper and furniture can become victims of this need. In addition, the kitten loves to play, not yet knowing how to calculate strength, and inevitably scratches its owners.

The simplest and affordable way To solve this problem - regular nail trimming. They should be clipped at least once every two weeks on the front legs and at least once a month on the hind legs. Trimming claws should be perceived by the kitten as a necessary and pleasant procedure, then it will take very little time.

How to trim claws?

Six steps for a painless procedure

Choose a time when the kitten has had enough of playing, is full, tired and wants to sleep.

During this period, he is least inclined to resist. Speak in a calm voice while trimming nails.

Find a comfortable, well-lit place to carry out the procedure.
Use a nail clipper.

Scissors and nail clippers are not suitable for this purpose. Before starting the procedure, wipe the nail clipper with a disinfectant solution.

In case of a cut, have a bottle of hydrogen peroxide ready.
Before cutting your kitten's nails, pet and calm him down. Take it in your arms.
Using two fingers, press the pad so that the claw is accessible and examine it.

Usually, in good lighting, you can easily see the regrown edge of the claw and the living part - the pink tissue inside the claw. The pink tissue has blood vessels and nerve endings, so there is no need to injure it.

At a distance of 1-2 millimeters from the pink tissue, trim the claw.

In small kittens, the tissue of the claw is quite soft, and trimming is not a painful procedure for them.

If necessary, you can lightly file and polish the cut edge with a file. But this need arises more often in adult cats. Treat all other claws in the same way.

The fifth claw on a cat's paw is often forgotten. But it is this claw that more often, as it grows, digs into the pad of the paws, causing pain to the animal.

Useful tips

The claw should be cut strictly transversely to the growth; it is more convenient to position the claw cutter from top to bottom, perpendicular to the surface of the claw. This will cause less discomfort to the animal and will prevent the claw from peeling.

On the cat's front paw there is a fifth claw, which is located on the paw slightly higher than the other toes and behind. It does not take part in the cat's scratching and clinging, and therefore is often forgotten about. But it is this claw that more often, as it grows, digs into the pad of the paws, causing pain to the animal.

If, nevertheless, you shorten the claw more than necessary and minor bleeding begins, treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide. The bleeding usually stops quickly, but it is imperative to calm the kitten down and give him some encouragement.

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

If you are a happy owner of a pussy, you will inevitably face questions about caring for it. The main difficulty is how to trim a cat’s claws and whether it should be done. There are supporters and opponents of this procedure. The latter insist that claws are given to animals by nature for a reason, and human intervention is unsafe. This article will help dispel doubts.

Is it possible to trim cats' claws?

Often this procedure is necessary. It is necessary to trim your cat’s claws, given that animals living in cities often stay in apartments. Growing horny formations have nothing to grind against. The question often arises: how many claws does a cat have? In addition to four on hind legs, each such animal has another one on the front - the side. Considering that there is absolutely nothing for this claw to grind down on, it can become so long that ingrowth occurs, causing the animal to suffer.

The condition of the claws may also depend on the breed of the cat. Persian cats, sphinxes are more likely to encounter problems. Thus, in Persians, excessive growth and detachment of the horny part occurs due to insufficient amounts of vitamins B and D in the food, and their claws need to be trimmed more often. This same breed may develop tangles between its toes that need to be removed.

As cats age, they may experience abnormalities in the growth of their claws, which should be monitored closely. Scottish Folds are highly recommended to have their ears circumcised. If pets get caught, they can be seriously injured, which can lead to complete removal corneal process. This breed It is particularly playful; if there are children or other animals nearby, they may accidentally harm them.

Trimming cat claws at home

Even if you constantly trim your claws, you still won’t save your furniture from constant attacks from the cat tribe. To avoid tattered chairs, which are so pleasant to scratch even with what remains after a haircut, the animal must have a scratching post. You can use special caps for cats’ claws, which will certainly save the situation.

It is difficult to trim your pet's nails alone, so make sure you have an assistant. Prepare pruning pliers, a blood stopper, and cotton pads. Your mustachioed friend may need them if you touch the pulp. Trimming should be as painless and quick as possible so that the pet does not get tired and begin to resist. The assistant must hold the cat firmly. It is better to stroke the animal, distracting it from unpleasant experiences.

What to cut your hair with

To trim your hair at home, you will need special clippers (nail clippers), which are sold in pet stores. A regular nail file from the set will come in handy. It is not recommended to use scissors for cutting: the claws are too hard to be cut painlessly with anything other than wire cutters. They not only cut them, but also allow them to be the right type. There are guillotine-type trimmers, where the cutting blade moves when you press the handle, making the process easier. A hard file or emery block will help to trim the claws after trimming.

How often

The frequency of cutting claws is individual: it is selected taking into account how quickly they grow. Some cats have the procedure done once a month, while others need to be trimmed more often. In nature, wild cats constantly climb trees, cross long distances, and face other difficulties. The stratum corneum wears off naturally. At home, the claws can become too long, causing discomfort to the animal. If you don’t know how to trim a cat’s long claws and are afraid to do it yourself, contact any veterinary clinic.

How to trim claws correctly

To ensure that the haircut is painless and does not cause injury to the animal, you should carefully examine the object of the procedure. Study the structure of the plate to understand where the so-called pulp (soft part) ends. The claws of some cats are clearly visible in the light, and it will be easily noticeable. The pulp should not be touched under any circumstances to avoid bleeding, which could cause inflammation.

So, how to trim a cat's claws:

Squeeze the pad of your paw between your big and index fingers so that the claw becomes visible.
Carefully cut off the very tip.
When trimming, the pliers should be positioned perpendicular to the nail to avoid delamination.
After cutting, it is recommended to smooth out the cut areas with a nail file.
If you hit the pulp and blood appears, use hydrogen peroxide.

When can you trim a kitten's nails?

To avoid problems with adult cat, it is advisable to accustom one to a haircut with early age. It is best if the kitten is a little tired or sleepy during the procedure. You should not stop him from playing at this time, you should not use force to scare him. How to trim a kitten's claws correctly? Do this with guillotine-type cutters. But even with them you should be careful and cut off the very tip.

What to do if your cat has peeling claws

Claws may become separated due to: natural process renewal of the horny covering. Another reason: the animal lacks what it needs for normal metabolism. useful substances. This is possible because the cat's declawing was done incorrectly. Detachment in an animal occurs within two months. When a cat sharpens his claws himself, he can remove their top layer on his own.

If the claws begin to peel off frequently, but trimming is going well, this may mean that there is not enough calcium in the animal’s body. In this case, you should contact veterinarian so that he can help assign the pet proper diet. The cat should always have a scratching post so that he can get rid of excess horny formations. The animal should be accustomed to it from early childhood.

Video: how to trim a cat's claws

From this video, owners of tailed animals will be able to find out in what cases their pets should be trimmed, and when it is better to refrain from this procedure. The clinic veterinarian and her assistant clearly demonstrated how to trim a cat’s long claws without harming the animal, what tools to use for this, and how to hold the animal and its claw.

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Manicure for furry pets is often necessary not for the safety of the owner’s hands or furniture, but for the health and comfort of the animal itself. How to trim a cat's claws at home, how often does it need to be done, and what life hacks can you learn from experienced groomers?

Not many cats climb trees and fences enough to grind off their claws naturally. Scratching post, though best friend From the point of view of saving a person's home, a manicure and pedicure cannot always be replaced by a cat's. How, when and with what to trim the claws of purrs?

Trim a cat's claws: how, why and when

Many novice cat breeders wonder: is it possible to trim cats’ claws? Doubts are justified by the presence of a scratching post and references to the past, when cats were fluffy, and they caught mice, and no one gave them a manicure or styling. The opinion is widespread, but does not stand up to criticism.

Just like humans, animals' claws continually grow throughout their lives. IN wildlife or the most approximate conditions of village life, the claw will grind down on its own when the animal climbs trees and runs around hard surfaces. Domestic cats, which are in modern world The vast majority cannot achieve such loads even in theory. In an apartment, cats sharpen their claws on a scratching post and try to gnaw the ends on their own, but in a healthy animal, the claws grow faster and a manicure is necessary.

A cat's claws are curved and retract into the pads of their paws, but the space for retraction is far from infinite. Overgrown claws become dull and peel, causing cats discomfort when walking and can injure the pet when it decides to scratch behind its ear with its hind paw.

The most dangerous are the claws on the fifth toe of the front paws. They dig into the pads and injure soft fabrics. It will be painful for the animal to walk, and an infection may get into the wound, which will provoke much more serious problems with health. Cats' claws on their hind paws are also trimmed. They do not grow into the paw pads, but it is even more difficult for an animal to grind them off on a scratching post than the front ones.

The growth rate of claws is individual for each animal, but determining how often to trim a cat’s claws is not difficult. On average, the procedure is carried out once every two to three weeks. First, inspect the paws. If the tip of the claw has become long, has begun to dull and will soon stop hiding, it’s time to cut it. Secondly, listen when your pet walks on the floor, windowsill or some hard surface. If the claws of the branch are larger than normal, there will be a slight clattering sound.

Tools

In simple terms, cat claw scissors are called claw clippers. It would be more accurate to say “claw pruner” or “trimmer” - the blade blades have a special shape for the claw, and the edge of the cutting surfaces is reinforced. A stronger version, more like a nipper, is the claw guillotine. In this model there is only one moving blade, and the force on the handle is applied slightly differently, due to which the cut is made faster and smoother.

Nail clippers for dogs and cats differ only in size. For large breeds trimmers are more powerful, for cats and small breeds- the size is not much larger than nail scissors. For a non-professional it is more convenient to hold such a tool in his hands than a large pruner.

After trimming the nails, the tip can be filed with a regular manicure file so that the edges of the cut do not cling. The procedure is optional, and not every cat will agree to extend the manicure for filing. Don’t be upset if your pet is against it; he will shape the cut himself using the scratching post.

The tool must be made of high-quality steel that will hold an edge for a long time. The blades should fit perfectly against each other, the handle should have no play or creaking, with a pleasant force when the spring is compressed. Most pet stores offer a sufficient range of tools from various manufacturers with a wide range of prices. You should purchase a trimmer of at least the mid-price category, since the cheapest scissors can be not only short-lived, but also dangerous for the animal. Participants in specialized forums recommend taking a closer look at the tools of the companies listed in the table.

Table - Popular manufacturers of nail clippers

You cannot use regular scissors, manicure scissors or more massive ones. They will split the claw, which can cause injury.

Technique of the procedure

From the age of one month, a cat can already have its claws trimmed, and it is better to instill this habit from childhood. It is good if the animal sits quietly during the procedure, but this is rare. Even calm cats out of fear they become aggressive. To prevent your pet from running away and scratching you while escaping, you can wrap it in thick fabric. Some owners use an interesting life hack: they wrap the cat in its own robe, and pull out its paws one by one through the sleeve for grooming. Separating the limbs reduces the ability to resist.

Another life hack is to trim your cat’s claws using clothespins. During childhood, the mother cat carries kittens by the withers with her teeth, and fixing the skin in this place causes most cats to stop twitching. This "baby reflex" can be helpful for grooming - attach a couple of clothespins or a similar, not too powerful clamp to the fold of skin just below the scruff of the neck. True, the older the animal, the greater the chance that the feeling of its mother’s teeth is forgotten.

If you trim your cat's claws yourself, teach the kitten to a position that is comfortable for this from childhood - sitting on your lap with its back to you. If there is an assistant, the animal can sit or lie on your lap or on the sofa, the assistant will hold the cat, and you will pick up each paw in turn.

Nail trimming itself is not difficult. There are five claws on the front paws and four on the hind paws. Consistently apply pressure to the animal's fingers until the claw is released. Many cats have transparent claws and the line between the base where the nerves and blood vessels pass is clearly visible. You shouldn't cut your cat's nails too hard - this can cause bleeding and pain. If you make a mistake and start bleeding, treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide or another antiseptic.

In general, in order to trim a cat’s claws correctly, you need to follow a few simple rules, compiled into a table for easy memorization.

Table - Basic rules of manicure and pedicure for cats

It is advisable to create a pleasant association with this process in the animal from the first haircuts. Act gently, pet your pet before manicure, paying attention Special attention paws. It is better to choose a time after eating, when the cat is happy with life and relaxed. After trimming the nails, treat your pet with an extra treat.

Is there an alternative: “soft paws” and “anti-scratch pads”

In fact, there is only one alternative and how humane it is is the question. We are talking about an operation to remove claws - onychectomy. The need for it may arise when severe course claw diseases, traumatic injury fingers or excessive aggressiveness of the animal. But in last years some pet owners go for it without medical indications, but only to prevent damage to furniture by animals.

The glamorous name “soft paws” actually hides the amputation of the last claw phalanx on the animal’s toes. The operation is performed under general anesthesia, which in itself is a serious test for the animal’s body. Removal of claws can lead to a number of diseases and affect the psyche and behavior of an animal deprived of an innate tool, but not the need to use it.

A more humane method to prevent damage to hands and furniture is silicone claws or “anti-scratches.” These are silicone caps that are glued to the claw with special glue. Available in several sizes for cats different ages and species, and all kinds of colors. Multi-colored caps not only allow you to be creative in choosing a manicure, but also make it easier to find and clean up fallen nails. The latter is especially true for families with small children and other animals who may pick up and eat something from the floor.

The gluing procedure is in many ways similar to trimming nails and is no less stressful for the animal. It should be taken into account that silicone pads change the animal’s tactile sensations when walking, playing, and affect jumping and the ability to climb objects.

Experts have differing opinions regarding silicone claws. On the one side, special harm there is no harm from them, and in comparison with “soft paws” they are completely harmless. But, on the other hand, for the animal it is stress and suppression of instincts.

Perhaps reviews from more experienced cat owners will help you decide on the need for the procedure. But remember that “anti-scratches” do not solve the problem at the root. It is still necessary to trim your cat's claws, as they continue to grow under the silicone.

A small fluffy kitten in the house is not only a great joy, but also a huge responsibility, because the pet needs careful care. And, if most cats perceive such brushing favorably, then trimming claws turns into a real problem not only for animals, but also for their owners. Let's try to figure out why you need to trim your cat's claws, whether it can be done at home, and what tools are needed for this.

Long claws on a cat

Cats' claws grow throughout their lives, and in order to regulate their length, animals are forced to constantly grind them down. Yard cats and pets that their owners let outside solve the problem of overgrown claws, grinding them off on asphalt or trees.

And domestic cats have no choice but to sharpen their claws on wooden surfaces, walls and door frames. The result of such “hooliganism” is known to all owners of furry pets: hopelessly spoiled cushioned furniture and traces of scratches on the doors of cabinets and bedside tables.

If there is no scratching post in the house, then torn wallpaper and sofas will not take long to appear!

Another argument in favor of this procedure is that claws that are too long can grow into the pads of the paws, causing pain when walking.

To protect furniture, curtains and wallpaper from the sharp claws of a pet, owners have two options - either purchase a scratching post or regularly trim the cat’s claws.

A scratching post can only partially solve the problem of a pet’s overgrown claws, because there is no absolute guarantee that the cat will sharpen its claws exclusively on it.

When is the best time to trim a kitten's claws?

As already mentioned, cats are very reluctant to allow their owners to even touch their claws. To make it easier for your pet to survive such unpleasant procedure, he should be taught it from a young age.

When the owner takes the kitten in his arms, he should gently stroke the pet’s paws, lightly pressing on the pads, so that he gets used to these touches and does not resist while trimming the claws.

You should not try to trim a small pet's claws when he is playing, hungry or in an excited state. It is best to do this when the kitten is calm or sleeping.

If during nail trimming the kitten breaks out, it is better to postpone this procedure until next time.

Trimming a cat's claws at home

The basic rule that an owner should learn before trimming a cat’s claws is to never Do not use regular scissors or your own manicure accessories. The only exception to this rule is the sanding nail file.

In specialized pet stores or veterinary pharmacies Today there is a large selection of various accessories for caring for cats, including tools for trimming claws.

Blisters and nail clippers

Special accessories for trimming nails can be purchased at a veterinary store.

First of all, the owner needs to purchase special scissors. They are called blister pack and are a little like regular nail scissors, but they have sharper blades and their very shape is adjusted to a cat's claw.

Popular with hosts furry pets and so-called nail clippers. They resemble small pliers or forceps and come in two types: sickle and guillotine.

After trimming the nails, you can polish them a little with a nail file.

Damage from nail trimming

The picture shows where the cat's claws need to be trimmed.

In addition to cutting tools, it is also advisable to have iodine, hydrogen peroxide and baby talc . After all, it is not always possible to carefully cut off the tip of the claw, and then its tip begins to bleed. You can treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide and then sprinkle it with talcum powder.

Owners of fluffy cat breeds, such as Persians or Persians, need to prepare and hair clipper. After all, cats with long, luxurious fur grow thick tufts of hair on their paw pads, which prevent free access to their claws. If the animal is frightened by the noise of the clipper, you can trim the tufts of fur with scissors.

Before each use of scissors or tweezers, they should be treated with an alcohol solution.

Accessories

Required accessories:

Special cat scissors.

Crescent or guillotine tweezers.

Nail file.

Accessories:

Cotton wool or cotton swabs.

Alcohol solution.

Antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide, iodine).

Children's talc;

Jar of hydrogen peroxide

Nail trimming should be approached with all responsibility and be sure to keep all manicure accessories clean so as not to introduce an infection to your pet.

Basic Rules

Of course, you can entrust such a responsible and scrupulous procedure as trimming a cat’s claws to qualified specialists working in a pet salon. But there is not always time or opportunity to take a pet to a salon, so the owner needs to learn how to trim a cat’s claws correctly.

A cat's claw consists not only of the cornea; inside the keratinized part there are nerve endings and blood vessels, together making up the so-called pulp. If you catch the pulp during circumcision, it will begin to bleed, and the cat will experience severe pain and may even limp for several days. Therefore, only one or two millimeters of the cornea is cut off.

Apply slight pressure on the pad until claws appear

This should only be done during the day, preferably near a window, so that the owner can clearly see the claw itself. You should take the pet on your lap and, while talking to it affectionately, lightly press on the pad of its paw so that its claws appear. Then carefully cut off the upper keratinized part of the claw with tweezers.

This procedure must be done not only on the front legs, but also on the hind legs.

After cutting the claws is completed, the ends of the cut can be sanded with a nail file and treated with an antiseptic.

Upon completion of the procedure, You can treat your pet to his favorite treat, not forgetting to praise him for exemplary behavior.

If the cat is not given?

Cats, like people, have different types character. There are particularly nervous and aggressive animals that do not even allow the owner to touch their paws. Alternatively, nail trimming for these pets should be done by two family members, one holding the cat and the other trimming the nails. You can also swaddle your pet with a soft towel or sheet.

Aggressive cat

If the cat still behaves aggressively and stubbornly breaks out, you should not use force, since trimming the claws can lead to paw injuries. It is better to interrupt the procedure and do it when the pet is in a calmer state.

How often should a cat's claws be trimmed?

Claws should be trimmed as they grow, approximately once every two to three weeks. This procedure should not be skipped, otherwise cats will quickly wean themselves off it and the owner will have to re-accustom the cat to trimming its claws.

An exception may be in cases where if the pet is sick or is under stress.

Owners whose cats participate in exhibitions or competitions before such an important event must trim their pet’s claws, otherwise it may be disqualified.

IN foreign countries Discussions about the usefulness of cat claws periodically flare up. Some veterinarians convince breeders that these horny formations are unnecessary and offer surgery to completely destroy the claws. Fortunately, this barbaric custom has not taken root in our country; our owners are afraid of harming their pets and often wonder whether they trim their cat’s claws at all.

Do cats need to have their claws trimmed?

To the question “is it possible to trim claws” the answer can only be affirmative. There are many arguments in favor of this action:

overgrown claws interfere with playing and running quickly;
they can become firmly stuck in bulky carpets, thick curtains and can be completely pulled out of the predator’s clutches when trying to free themselves;
there is a risk that the fifth claw left unattended (it is located only on the front paws) will grow into the skin - it can only be removed through a painful operation.

Therefore, pruning should be done from the first months of a cat’s life.

Do cats themselves take care of their claws?

Furry predators have been watching their claws since birth: licking, gnawing, sharpening on all sorts of objects. From appearance and the length of the claws depends on your pet’s readiness to hunt - too long or blunt claws will not allow you to catch and hold prey. Paradoxically, stray cats and those to whom their owners pay little attention find themselves in an advantageous position. A free lifestyle with unlimited climbing of fences and trees helps to maintain the “weapons of struggle” in proper condition. Domestic cats, walking under strict supervision, cannot cope with claws on their own; they need help from their owners.

How often is the procedure performed?

Cats' claws grow at different rates, depending on diet, health and activity. pet. Therefore, some have to shorten them every two weeks, and others every three or four. General rule This is: the claws are trimmed as they grow. It is believed that it is better to perform circumcision at least once a month.

How to tell when it's time to trim your nails

It is easy to recognize that the claws have grown by many signs:

They knock when the cat walks on a bare, unmade floor.
They get tangled in fleecy carpets and fluffy blankets.
They leave scratches on furniture and on the skin of the owners.
Prevents the pet from moving quickly.

How to trim a cat's claws

If you have never performed this procedure and are afraid to start, seek help from experienced friends for the first time or take your pet to the veterinarian. This absolutely painless action for your pet should become a habit.

What to prepare for the procedure

It’s good if you buy your own scissors – a trimmer – for your furry friend. Choose a high-quality tool with a sharp blade - trimming with dull scissors leads to delamination of the claws.

Prepare the following things:

trimmer (or wire cutters);
towel;
pieces of treats;
hydrogen peroxide (or hemostatic pencil, potassium permanganate) - just in case.

Immediately before trimming, thoroughly treat the cutters with alcohol - it is easy to introduce an infection into the cat’s body.

How to set up a cat

Be gentle with the predator, talk calmly - the cat should not be afraid. If you doubt that you can cope alone, involve one of your relatives in the procedure.

How to properly hold a pet

Place the cat on your lap and hug it tightly to you. If she desperately resists, wrap her in a towel (that's why you prepared it).

How to trim claws

Lightly squeeze the pad with your thumb and forefinger and a claw will appear.
Look at it carefully - you will see blood vessels in the lower part.
Trim the claw 2-3 mm above this danger zone.
Hold the trimmer perpendicular to the nail.
Circumcision must be quick, otherwise the claw may break off.
Treat the claws on the front legs one at a time, then on the back legs.
If the cat is nervous, shorten the claws more than one day, spread the process over two or three days.

Here one girl took a video good instructions about getting a haircut:

I hope this will be useful to you, it’s not in vain that our experts wrote the article for you. Try it and everything will work out for you.