Cats are cute, independent and great pets to have at home. However, when you least expect it, you can catch your cat scratching the sofa and other furniture. In this case, you may need to take steps to keep the claws the right size. So, it pays to know how to cut a cat's claw properly.
In this post, check out why doing the cat's manicure is important and see 4 practical tips if you're going to perform this task. Learn also a brief step-by-step guide to cutting your cat's nails carefully and correctly. Good reading!
Why is it important to cut a cat's claw?
Cat nails serve several functions, such as defending, climbing, and even de-stressing. That's why cat scratchers, pillows, and furniture are always the target of feline claws. With this, they keep them trimmed naturally.
However, sometimes you must cut the cat's nails. After all, when they are big, they can scratch people, furniture, and the pet itself, in addition to making it uncomfortable. Therefore, it is worth learning how to cut a cat's nails.
Another important point is that they need to be trimmed only when necessary, usually every three weeks in young cats, if they are too long. In older cats, growth is slower, so you should wait. After all, if the process is not carried out well it can lead to behavioral changes in felines.
Should I cut the nail on my own?
Ideally, the cat will do its manicure, so you should have scratching posts available. In case you have to intervene and cut your nails, the preference is to go to the vet, since they are a professional who will know how to cut the nail to the right size and with great care, especially in older or skittish cats. So, as a last resort, you can do this process.
How to cut a cat's claw following 4 practical tips?
Now that you know the importance, it is essential to learn how to cut a cat's claw in case you have to do it someday. Next, check out how to carry out this process carefully and follow 4 practical tips!
1. Get the cat used to
The kitten may not like you to cut her nails. Therefore, it is important to get used to it from a young age, transforming care into a non-traumatic process. So, apart from letting you cut your nails, there's no risk of anyone getting hurt. In this case, it is possible to start in two months.
2. Be very careful
The pink area near the cat's finger, called the cob, contains nerve endings and blood vessels. Therefore, it is important to be very careful not to hit it. After all, you can generate a cut, hurting the kitten and making him afraid to cut his nails.
3. Offer snacks and play games
Cutting the nail can be an annoying and stressful process for the cat. In this case, doing it little by little, making jokes and affection, can help him to understand that he is safe. Also, using treats is positive reinforcement in the process.
4. Use proper tools
The cat nail clipper is the ideal tool to carry out this process safely. So, don't use anything else. In addition, it is important to measure the right region for the cut, just before the tip of the nail.
What is the step by step to cut the cat's nail?
Cutting a cat's claw is not that difficult, but it does require caution and should be done only when necessary. In the absence of a veterinarian who already has the skill, you can carry out the process very carefully, following the step by step:
ﾷ sit with the cat on your lap in a light and calm place;
ﾷ have the appropriate cutter nearby;
ﾷ start by calming the kitten;
ﾷ squeeze their paws lightly so that the nails stretch;
ﾷ hold the paw firmly but not squeezing;
ﾷ cut one nail at a time;
ﾷ intersperse these moments with caresses and snacks.
When to take the cat to the pet store to have its nails trimmed
You will only cut the kitten's nail when he doesn't trim it enough himself. That is when it is too big and causes problems. However, if you don't feel safe in the process, the best option is to take it to a veterinarian, who with the right tools can do it for you, without causing any pain or trauma to the pet.
Knowing how to cut a cat's claw is important. After all, he may not be able to keep them trimmed, especially if he is older or disabled. In this way, it is possible to prevent them from scratching people, ruining furniture, and becoming uncomfortable for the pet. For this, the ideal is to look for a veterinarian who can cut the nails to the right length, but if this is not possible, you can try with great caution and care
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