Cat Nail Trimming: How and When

Most feline parents wonder if it's necessary to trim their cat's nails. After all, cats are believed to be self-grooming fury friends. However, cutting your feline's nails every two to three weeks is essential for their health. Too long nails will affect your cat's activity level. Trimming them will not only enhance your kitty's quality of life but will also salvage your furniture and keep you safe. ​

​When Are a Cat's Nails Too Long?

Felines tend to keep their claws short naturally through scratching and climbing. However, it's not always the case. Your cat may not exhibit this natural behavior, so their claws will overgrow. There are three ways to tell when your feline's nails are too long and need a trim;
 

• If your cat's nails can't retract completely
• If the white part of your cat's nail look curled
• If the kitty's claws are incredibly sharp.​

​What Happens If My Cat's Nails Get Too Long?

You should maintain your feline's claws short. Allowing them to grow too long can lead to severe problems. It may not appear significant when your cat's claws get stuck on the carpet or produce a tapping sound as the cat moves on a hard floor. However, this can cause them injuries or discomfort. Too-long nails will arc and grow into your cat's paw pads, causing them lots of pain. They can also affect your cat's locomotive behavior, triggering long-term joint disorders. 

​How Often Should You Cut Your Cat's Nails?

​There is no standard time frame for when you should trim your feline's nails. Like humans, every cat has a different nail growth rate. It's therefore recommended you inspect your feline's claws more often. Long, razor-sharp, and curved cat nails indicate a need for trim. With close monitoring, you'll be able to develop a trimming routine for your cat, which may be after every 2 to 3 weeks. However, the intervals between the trimmings will depend on your cat's adventurous activities and scratching rate. Accustom your cat to nail trimming from a young age; it calls for lots of patience to cut a grown cat. 

​Do All Cats Need Nail Trims?

Not all cats will require a nail trim.
 

• Arthritic cats: They demand trimming, as their activity level is low, which may lead to their claws overgrowing.

 

• Outdoor cats: These felines will maintain short nails without needing a trim from their owner. They have regular access to scratching posts. Besides, they trim their claws to a size that will not compromise their need for climbing and defense.

 

• Hairy cats: It's hard to spot a furry feline's retractable, curved, or long claws. That's why they need regular trim to help prevent potential health issues from overgrown cat nails.

 

• Indoor cats: These felines may require regular nail trimming as they do not have access to scratching posts to help shed their claws. So, their attempt to keep short nails turns destructive as they turn to scratch their owners' furniture.

 

•  Geriatric cats: As for these felines, their thick and brittle claws tend to overgrow due to their age. Hence, they need regular clipping.

​What Is a Cat's Quick, and What Happens If I Cut It?

​A quick is the pink part of your cat's nail, and it's sensitive. This is because it's where the nerve cells sit and blood vessels lie. A cut into this area will trigger bleeding, and your cat will be in pain. However, applying a little pressure on the tip of your feline's claw and dipping their nail into cornstarch, styptic powder, or rubbing it with dry bar soap for a few seconds will help stop the bleeding. Remember, cats can become aggressive and defensive when they feel threatened. So, be gentle with your feline friend.

​What Will You Need to Cut a Cat's Nails?

There are plenty of tools out there meant for cat nail trimming. You only need to use what works best for you and your feline friend. But whatever type of trimer you choose to use, ensure the blade is sharp enough. Blunt trimmers will hurt your pet and split their claws or cause bleeding. You'll also need;
 

• Cat treats – to help keep your feline calm
• Towel- to cover your pet
• Styptic powder (highly recommended), cornstarch, or flour – to help stop bleeding
• A helper – to assist you if necessary

​What Kind of Nail Trimmers Should You Use on Your Cat?

Here are five pet claw trimmers that are easy to use.
 
1. Scissor Clippers
There are scissors-like trimmers explicitly designed for pet nail trimming. The clippers are easy to use and come in handy when trimming curved claws.
 
2. Nail Grinders
Nail grinders are less pleasing to cats. They trigger a vibration sense, emit noise, and take time to polish the nail. However, they offer a clean trim.
 
3. Guillotine Style
The guillotine is a professional clipper. Using it demands time and some set of skills. But it's effective if you achieve the proper nail placement. For example, this clipper won't split your cat's nail, provided you ensure the blades remain sharp.
 
4. Electric Or Battery-Operated Clipper
These clippers will leave your cat's nails clean and in great shape. However, they are noisy and may make your cat uneasy. But, if your feline doesn't mind the noise, you may prefer these clippers. They operate quickly and are very easy to use.
 
5. Pliers Style
This comfortable clipper can offer quick and clean cat nail trimming. It has a perfect grip and thick, springy handles, to keep you in control. 

​How to Stop a cats nail from Bleeding?

​Is your cat's nail bleeding? You may have cut it too much, so you must stop the bleeding. Wrap your feline's foot in a towel or gauze and apply pressure on the wounded toe, and the bleeding will stop in 5-10 minutes. If it doesn't, the cut is too deep, and you'll need a more effective solution. Applying either styptic powder or cornstarch can help stop prolonged bleeding. 

​How to Trim Cat Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide

Spending more time bathing, shaving, brushing, and nail trimming your feline friend will boost their health and well-being. However, cats like grooming themselves, which makes cutting their nails an intimidating prospect. But it does not need to be daunting. Here is a step-by-step guide that can help make the entire experience enjoyable for both you and your feline friend.
 
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before getting started, ensure you have all you need for the trimming session. You don't want a scenario where you are looking for specific equipment while restraining your cat. Things can get ugly, especially if the cat is not fond of nail clipping.
 
2. Find a Quiet Spot and a Comfortable Position
Generally, felines are calm, sleep-obsessed pets and are scared of noise. So, your cat's nail clipping should be done in a quiet place, where you can comfortably position your cat on your lap.
 
 3. Isolate the Nail to Cut
Once you and your cat are comfortable, you can start the clipping process. First, hold one of your cat's paws gently in a natural position, but exert a bit of pressure on the pad for the cat to retract their claws.
 
4. Cut at a 45-Degree Angle
Cut the nail while paying close attention to the quick clip of the cat's claw at a 45-degree angle. Don't cut straight across, as it'll prevent the cat's nail from resting in a comfortable position as they walk on the ground or any surface.
 
5. Take Off a Little at a Time
Don't be in a rush; otherwise, you might cut into your cat's quick. Also, it will make future clipping sessions challenging as the pain will trigger fear and restlessness in your cat. If your cat likes treats, use that as bait to keep them patient and calm throughout the clipping session. But if the feline won't eat treats, take breaks once you notice signs that may mean it's angry, like when the cat starts to grow, twitches its tail from side to side, or stiffens its body. You can resume with the nail trim once they are calm.
 
6. Cut the Rest of Your Cat's Claws
It will take time before you perfect your cat nail trimming skills if you're a beginner. Start by trimming the claw tips to ensure you don't accidentally cut the quick. With time, you'll be capable of spotting the pink part with ease and know just how far to trim your cat's nail without inflicting harm or pain.
 
7. Reward Your Cat
Don't forget to reward your cat once the clipping session is over. A good playtime, cuddling, or treats can create a positive experience and get the cat to love nail trimming.

diagram of a cat's quick:

​Final Thoughts

​Cat nail trimming doesn't have to be complicated. All you need is a bit of training and patience, and your cat will agree to it willingly. Apply the tips above, and if there are any challenges, consult an experienced veterinarian or groomer.