Cat Nail Clipping: A Pet Owner's Guide

If you have ever had a cat, then you know how adorable it is when they purr in your face and dig their claws into a blanket before going to sleep. Cats' claws are also crucial for hunting and defending themselves. For this reason, they also need to be trimmed regularly so that they do not get too long. 

If you want to keep your cat healthy and happy, you must trim their nails regularly! In this guide, we will discuss cat nail clipping, why cats' claws must be clipped, how to get this done, and the tools needed for the job.

Cats Need Their Claws Trimmed if They Stay Inside

If your cat stays inside, you will need a nice cat nail clipping regularly. Cats are still predators and may scratch at the door or window searching for prey lurking outside. They need to have some sort of outlet for these instincts, like playing with interactive toys or furniture-protecting scratching posts so that they do not become destructive in other ways.

Why Should We Trim Cats Claws?

Trimming a cat's claws is very important for the health of your pet. Here are three reasons why you should always be conscious of your kitties' nails and trim the cat's claws promptly. 

1.They Can Get Too Long if Left Untouched

If you trim their nails regularly, they will not get too long or thick and start to curl into themselves. This can cause pain in cats, leading to anxiety, stress, behavioral changes, and more. This is why it's so important to trim a cat's claw.

2.Stops them From Scratching You & Your Stuff

Cat nail clipping also helps keep them from scratching furniture or people as well! When a kitty scratches up your sofa, it causes damage. However, when they scratch someone else, they can get injured, or worse, have an allergic reaction to the saliva left behind by the kitty's paws.

3.Prevent Injuries

Lastly, if your cat has claws that are longer than average, there is a greater risk for injury while playing with other pets or children (or even adults!) who might be hurt because of sharpened edges. Be sure to trim a cat's claw before letting them be around fragile children. 

How to Trim Your Cat's Claws? 

Step One: Understand the Task

It's important to remember that trimming nails is not the same thing as cutting them. Cats have nerves and blood vessels in their claws, so it can be painful if you cut too close or into the quick. If your cat has dark-colored nails, this will make it easier because you'll see when they start getting pink near the tips. If they are white, they might get a little bloody. You want to avoid hitting that area for pain relief, and so there isn't any permanent damage done!

Step Two: Trimming Cat Claws with Scissors (Optional)

If you don't own an electric nail trimmer, use some scissors instead (this shouldn't take more than a minute). You want to hold the paw in one hand and scissor over their claws with the other, making sure not to go too far down-you can trim a little bit at a time. Just cut straight across so that it makes clean cuts. However, we highly recommend using a professional groomer. 

Step Three: Use the Nail Trimmer (Recommended)

If you have an electric nail trimmer, you'll need to do this step. First, make sure that both blades face the right direction towards the claws before turning on your clipper. You may also want to use some kind of guard or shield on top of their paws while clipping them. This way, if there is any chance they might scratch themselves during the process, they won't.

Step Four: Clean Up & Apologize

When you finish clipping their nails, use a towel to wipe off any hair or blood that might have come from the procedure! If your cat is nervous and upset about the ordeal, give them some treats afterward to make it up. They might be a little angry with you, but as you know, cats can't hold a grudge forever!

When to Cut Your Cats Nails?

If you see that your cat's nails are starting to curl up and over the nail bed, then it is time for a trim. You can also tell if they look jagged or have little nubs at the end of them-these will need to be cut soon to avoid pain, injury, and other issues like behavioral changes (like hyperactivity).

The tips of their claws should always be pink, so check this area before cutting! If you still aren't sure about how long or short a kitty needs its nails trimmed, watch closely for any signs of discomfort while playing with your pet.

Last but not least, cats who stay inside may not always require regular trims because we want them comfortable enough indoors so that they don't feel the need to scratch furniture or other things. Cats who spend time outdoors will require more regular trims because they are scratching different surfaces and objects that would be easily damaged if their claws were too long!

Tools Recommended for Cutting Cat's Nails & Avoiding Accidents

1. Toozey Professional Nail Grinder A nail grinder is a great way to trim your cat's claws, and it will get them used to groom themselves! There are many different types of grinders on the market, but we recommend Toozey's Professional Nail Grinder because it will not hurt their paws or nails in any way. This device has three speeds so that you can adjust for when they're cooperative with grooming versus when they might need some coaxing (at speed one). 

2. The Toozey Furniture Protector From Cat Scratching If your cat likes to scratch furniture or other things, then you need a protector for this, and Toozey's Furniture Protector is perfect! This cover will go over the surface of whatever they want to destroy-like couches, chairs, tables. The fabric used in these covers is made from durable yet soft materials, which allow them to blend in with the natural color of your furniture. 

Main Points & Summary

Above, we covered all there is to know about cat nail clipping. You'll want to watch for signs of discomfort or injury as a sign that it is time for a trim. As mentioned, even cats who live indoors need good grooming now and then. 

When cutting your kitty's claws, always be careful and take small bits off at a time, so they are less likely to hurt themselves. Remember, slow and steady wins the race when trying not to get scratched by sharp cat claws in the process of grooming. 

After completing this process, always give them some treats afterward as an apology. If you have any questions about trimming your cat's claws or the right products, be sure to contact us. Our staff here at Toozey is always happy to help you and our fabulous furry friends.