Cats have fast responses and very sharp teeth. They are also alert and flexible. Their nails, on the other hand, can cause chaos on prey animals, supposed predators, damage your sofas, carpet drapes, and even hurt people who might come in their way.
For these reasons, the majority of cat owners have one question: “Should I cut my cat’s nails”? Honestly, you should. As a matter of fact, it is as important as trimming a dog’s nails. But, if you’re still hesitant to do this then keep on reading.
In today’s post, we will discuss the importance of trimming your cat’s nails. However, if your problem is that you don’t have any idea how to do it properly, no worries because we’ve got you covered.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
Why Should You Trim Your Cat’s Nails?
1. You will be able to save your furniture and other stuff at home from scratches
One of the common reasons for nail trimming is furniture redemption. As we all know cats love to press and scratch on anything they might handily get their mitts on. In the actual fact, scratching aids a more convenient purpose than we usually think. In addition to that, scratching lets your cat stretch his/her shoulder muscles and back. Scratching also allows your cat to shed dead layers of nails.
Even though scratching is essential for your cat’s well-being, that costly sofa might be essential to yours as well. Thus, to keep your sofa as good looking and useful as possible, then consider trimming your cat’s nails. Or better yet, invest in a scratching post.
2. Trimming the nails of your cat will keep you and other people safe
No matter how adorable and precious your cat, he or she will sometimes spit you and other people using his/her nails whether without or with intent.
In order to avoid this from happening, you need to trim your cat’s nails regularly. More importantly, show your cat that you deserve some respect as well.
3. It keeps your cat comfortable and healthy
This is arguably the most important reason why should you trim your cat’s nails. Trimming your feline’s nails will make him comfortable and healthy at the same time.
When your cat’s nails become too long, they may start to curl inside towards his/her mitts. If this happens, your cat might have a difficult time walking properly. As the days passed by, this may possibly affect your cat’s gait and without a doubt start to affect its activity level.
Nonetheless, trimming will keep your cat active. What’s more, it helps your cat get the exercise that he/she needs in order to stay fit.
Now that you already know the importance of trimming your cat’s nails, let’s discuss how to do it properly and safely.
How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Before trimming the nails of your cat, make sure that he/she is comfortable with the existence of the nail trimmer. You can do this by introducing the trimmer during your calm petting session.
On the other hand, make sure not to rush things. As a matter of fact, getting too quick might stress your cat or worst lead to you getting scratched or bitten.
Either way, here’s how to trim your cat’s nails properly:
- Begin by placing a blanket or towel in your lap so that you will be able to catch the nails and prevent them from digging to your lap. Apart from that, prepare a styptic pen or styptic powder. This thing actually comes in handy if you cut the cuticle accidentally as it stops the bleeding. Nevertheless, you can purchase a styptic pen or powder at pet supply shops.
- Pick a time when your feline is relaxed.
- If you think he/she feels relaxed choose paw, to begin with.
- Usually, cats have white nails with a pink base. However, the pink part consists of cuticle where the blood vessels and nerves are. Of course, you don’t want to cut this pink part as it may cause bleeding and pain. Thus to prevent this from happening, look for the area in which the pink part ends and the white nail begins.
- After locating the right area, squeeze your cat’s paw gently to show off the nail. With the help of nail trimmer that is specially designed for pets or cats quickly trim the white part (about 1mm or 2mm). When you’re trimming try to stop your cat from hopping on your lap.
- Praise your cat by offering small stuff, cat food for instance. If your cat is not agitated or not anxious, while doing the process, pick another paw and repeat the same process.
Trimming your cat’s nails has never been a difficult task. As long as you know what you are doing and your cat is well-trained you will never experience any serious problem.
Trimming Your Cat’s Nails: How Often Should You Do This?
In the actual fact, it depends on the cat and situation. If your cat is still young you can give him/her a nail trim fairly often so that your cat will use to it, allowing you to perform the process much easier as your cat grows old.
However, if you own an older feline, you can trim his/her nails every couple of weeks, because older ones might have a hard time withdrawing their claws. What’s more, older cats are susceptible to injury.
But if you own an outdoor feline you can do this less often so that you are not carelessly eliminating his/her weapon against critters and other cats he might encounter. In fact, outdoor felines trim their nails naturally by scratching and climbing trees.
Conclusion
By now, for sure you’re already aware of how crucial nail trimming for your cat is and how to do it properly. However, if you’re scared to do this on your own because your cat is likely to create a huge fuss, then consider bringing your cat to a groomer or vet. Hopefully, you have learned a lot from this post.