Helpful Tips for Trimming a Cat’s Claws

Trimming a cat’s claws might not be the most glamorous aspect of cat ownership, but it’s necessary to prevent painful scratches and damage to your furniture. Fortunately, with a little care and preparation, you can make claw trimming a relatively stress-free process for you and your feline companion. Check out a few of our favorite claw trimming tips below!

Invest in the right clippers.

The nail clippers you use to clip your own finger and toenails are probably not the best option for a cat. While some people use that kind of clippers to get the job done, there are much better options out there for you. You can user a pair of small scissor-style clippers designed specifically for trimming cat claws, or guillotine-style clippers that feature a small hole to accommodate individual claws. These tools will typically be easier to use and more effective than regular nail clippers.

Pick the right time to trim.           

Ideally, you should attempt to trim your cat’s claws when they’re calm and relaxed. You probably don’t want to try trimming your cat’s claws when they’re getting ready to eat dinner or after they’ve been playing with other pets. If your cat is too excited, you’re going to have a hard time getting them to sit still long enough for you to trim their claws.

Be as gentle as possible.

Some cat owners take a “let’s just get this over with as quickly as possible,” approach to trimming their cat’s claws. This is the wrong approach to take. If you try to make sudden movements while trimming your cat’s claws, they may get uncomfortable and try to squirm away. Instead, start the trimming process slowly and take your time. Most cats will respond more positively to the experience if you use this gentle, patient approach.

For more helpful cat care tips, stay tuned for the latest updates from our blog!