Saturday, March 16, 2024
HomeStoriesCan You Cut Cat Nails With Human Clippers

Can You Cut Cat Nails With Human Clippers

How To Get Your Cat Used To Nail Trims

How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails

Its never too early to start trimming cat nails or getting your cat accustomed to having their paws touched.

It might actually be a little late if you have an older cat who has never had their nails trimmed and will never understand why you want to start now.

  • Begin by touching the cats feet. Do this well before you reach for the nail clippers.
  • Massage your cats feet, but dont get into any kind of rough play. We dont want to promote the idea of your cat clawing at you or trying to grab your hand with their claws. If they think this is play time, wait until theyre tired or resting to see if theyll let you casually pick up a paw and rub it.
  • See if you can gently press on a toe to make the nail protrude. Cats have retractable claws. There is a skill involved in gently pressing on the digit to expose the toe. More on this technique later.
  • How To Trim The Nails

    The first step is to get some treats, make the whole experience positive and dont feel like you need to be a hero and trim all the nails at once. Start with one, reward and come back later if you or your pet is nervous. In cats, simply trim the hook off the end. Dont try to cut them extremely short, just cut the tip off. The quick is the pink area within the nail where the nerves and blood vessels are, similar to the area underneath our nails. This is the area you want to avoid when trimming nails.

    Cats have retractable claws, so to get the nail out, simply push on the top of the foot so that the nails come out of their little sleeves. This allows you to fully visualise the nail and avoid the skin around the nail. If your cat is a bit of a fidget, wrap him in a towel or enlist the help of a friend to hold him. Try not to pull your cats foot into uncomfortable positions while trimming those nails and ideally stop before he gets too cranky with the process. Even if you just do one nail a day while he is relaxed and sitting with you on your lap, it will still be better than fighting with him and having him run for the hills as soon as he sees you with those nail clippers!

    Trim Your Cat’s Nails Like A Pro: How To Use The Best Cat Nail Clippers

    Learning the technique of cutting your cat’s claws is a simple but effective way to keep her healthy and safeand these aren’t the only benefits! Proper pet claw care is better for your kitty’s health, your family’s health, and your home.

    So, beyond using the right type of cat nail trimmer for your feline, it’s also important to know how to use cat claw clippers correctly. Of course, getting your cutie to sit still while you cut her cat claws can seem nearly impossible. Plenty of kitties see those sharp stainless steel blades and go scampering off!

    If you’re really unsure about how to cut your cat s nails, you can always consult with a professional nail trimmer or even your veterinarian. They should be able to give you some helpful pointers.

    In the meantime, keep the following tips in mind have your cat nails trimmed with success:

    Remember: the goal is to keep the process of the claw trimming experience as comfortable as possible for your little one! So keep yummy food handy, use a soothing voice, and be firm but gentle. And make sure you’re watching out for your own health, toofind a way to do this task without having to maintain a lot of tension or awkward posture in your body.

    Also Check: Sedating Cats For Car Travel Benadryl

    Here Is How You Can Cut Cat Nails With Human Clippers:

    Take the cat and place it on your lap.

    Hold the human clipper with the your active hand.

    Stretch the cats leg and squeeze the claws to reveal it and take the clipper towards the claws and slowly but gently squeeze the clippers handle to start trimming the claws to cut by moving the clippers blade to cut the claws to the desired length.

    You will expect to see light colored claws as most cats have that. The shade of color makes it easy to see the blood vessels that supply blood to the claws. Carefully look for a pink pigment at the end of the nail, this is called a quick. While cutting the claws, ensure to cut about 2 millimeters away from the quick.

    In case you cut the quick, the cat will be in a lot of pain and will bleed a lot.

    To avoid cutting the quick, hold the clipper perpendicular to the nail, you will be able to cut from the top to bottom with a lot of ease.

    Cut the claws that are light colored as it is not painful, trim with just a cut at every nail.

    Ensure you do not hold the clipper parallel to the nail; this will cut side to side which may not be ideal, causing the nail to crush.

    Use a nail file to sharpen the clipper, as the sharper the human clip trimmer the better the cut.

    Learn More : 7 Best Power Case Trimmer, Top Cordless Horse Clippers.

    How to Sharpen Dog Nail Clippers

    Pliers Style Nail Clippers

    How Early Can You Cut Your Cat

    Perhaps the most highly acclaimed variety of cat nail clippers, this style is popular among both beginners and professionals. As the name suggests, theyre shaped like a pair of pliers, with long, comfortable handles that fit in any hand size.

    This design gives you good leverage and strength, allowing you to make quick, effective snips. Many pliers style nail clippers also come with safety features like a quick-stop guide.

    Read Also: Why Does My Cat Hump Blankets

    Prepare Your Cat For Nail Trims

    If you’re bringing home a kitten, get her used to the nail trimming process as soon as possible. Establish those good habits early on and your life will be much easier.

    Regardless of your cat’s age, begin by getting her used to having her paws handled. Massage her feet and play with her paws regularly, speaking softy and rewarding her with treats to reinforce just how enjoyable the experience is.

    You also want to get her used to the sight and sound of the nail clippers, before you ever attempt a trim. Take the clippers out of the drawer where you keep them and let her sniff and explore, rewarding with treats to create a positive association.

    The biggest difference between trimming a dog’s nails and trimming a cat’s is that cats possess retractable claws. When trimming a cat’s nails, you’ll need to gently squeeze the top and bottom of each foot to extend the claws for trimming. If she flinches or pulls away, don’t fight her. Just gently stroke and continue to soothe until she’s relaxed enough for another try. Pros suggest pressing down to extend one nail each day in preparation for the eventual trimming. Extend the nail, and then reward her with a treat. That way, she’ll be ready when the time to actually cut the nails comes.

    Acclimatize Your Cat To The Clippers

    If you have time, before you start the actual shaving, schedule a few sessions to get your cat used to the sound and vibration of the clippers. Set your cat on the table or area that youre going to shave them, and turn the clippers on. Place the clippers near your cat, but dont actually start clipping them. Reward your cat with treats and praise if they stay still. You can also place the clippers on your cats body, so they can feel the vibrations.

    After a few sessions like this, you should be able to judge if your cat is relaxed enough for you to start clipping them.

    You May Like: How To Make Cat In Little Alchemy

    Was Your Pet Food Recalled

    Getting the nail perfectly set into the little guillotine window requires time and skill. The guillotine must be perpendicular to the nail. The extra few seconds required to get the proper nail placement may make you lose your golden window of opportunity.

    4. Human Nail Clippers

    Many people find human nail clippers, a staple in every household, the easiest tool to cut your cats nails and I agree. They are small, so you are close to your cats nail and can quickly trim a nail.

    These work best turned sideways to cut the cat nail, the opposite of how you cut your own nails.

    5. Dremel

    Beware the advertising on all the Dremel tools sold online and in stores. They make it look so easy, but that is not the case.

    These Dremels make a noise, create a vibration sensation and can take a while to sand down the nail. Most cats are not fond of a noisy, vibrating tool coming at them.

    Is It Ok To Cut My Kittens Nails

    How To Trim/Cut Cats Claws: Step By Step Tutorial

    For a kitten, you can use human fingernail clippers or small nail trimmers made for pets. Just make sure theyre sharp, as dull clippers can crush the nail, which may be painful. For now, just cut off the very tip of each nail. Its better to stop before your kitten starts struggling than to push things to that point.

    Recommended Reading: Why Does My Cat Wrap Her Tail Around My Arm

    Clipping A Cat’s Claws

    This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.

    In the photographs below, unless otherwise noted, the top if the paw is facing up. Tigger, who was the feline model, has black pads on his toes. The black pads on the bottom of his toes will help you orient yourself as you view the photographs.

    Variations on these instructions exist.

    Most cats do not like having their claws trimmed. Start trimming claws in young animals so that they get used to the process. Some cats will happily sit in your lap or on a table while you trim their claws but many require some form of restraint.

    To restrain a cat in your lap, use your forearms draped over the cat’s neck and hind-end to keep the cat in your lap. The clipper is held in the right hand.

    There are several styles of nail trimmers, including a guillotine type, a scissors cut, and a standard human fingernail clipper. Either the guillotine type or a human fingernail clipper are easiest to use in cats.

    The scissors-type is used if a toe nail is so long that it is curling in a circle. Long claws can grow into the toepad.

    Hold the trimmer in your right hand if you are right handed.

    Close you hand around the clipper to squeeze the handle which will move the cutting blade.

    this side will face you as you trim nails

    this side will face the pet as you trim nails

    If you cut into the quick, the claw will bleed and the cat will experience pain.

    What Are The Best Nail Clippers For Cats

    The Best Cat Nail ClippersBOSHEL Cat Nail Clippers and Trimmer.Dremel Pet Nail Grooming Tool.Epica Professional Cat Nail Clipper.Safari Guillotine Nail Trimmer.Hertzko Electric Cat Nail Grinder.Pet Republique Professional Cat Nail Clippers.gonicc Cat Nail Clippers.SHINY PET Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals.

    Read Also: How To Make Cat In Little Alchemy

    Cleanhouse Pets Cat Nail Clippers

    These are the second-best option, though it will cost you some pennies. These treated steel pet nail clippers accompany inherent, mobile well-being.

    In essence, squeeze the button near the sharp edge to remove the hair clippers and start cutting the nails. No matter if, you need small nail clippers for cats or huge nail clippers for dogs, we have you for sure.

    These two items will facilitate you keep your cats nails short t and maintained

    What if you dont have money to purchase the above items? You can use the human clippers to achieve you objective. Here is how you can do it.

    Introduce The Clippers To Her

    Can I Cut My Cats Nails With Human Nail Clippers ...

    Run the clippers near them before the actual session so she can be acquainted to the sound for an easy clipping session. This step is very important, especially if you have an anxious cat or one that is easily spooked. Regardless, you definitely dont want to just go in with no warning whatsoever because that can scare her.;

    Read Also: How To Remove Old Cat Urine From Hardwood Floors

    How To Restrain Your Cat For Nail Trimmings

    Some cats require very little restraint, but here are some tips for the fearful, fretful or ferocious feline.

    Little or No Restraint

    If you have a fairly willing cat, they may find comfort lying in your lap.

    Gently rest or drape your forearm over the cats neck and hindquarters and try to pick up a foot, usually with your left hand and clippers in the right hand.

    You might want to have a thick towel or pillow on your lap between you and the cat in case your cat decides to use your thighs as a springboard to leap off your lap.

    Lets say this doesnt go so well: My suggestion is to wait and try again at another time when your cat is calm and is not aware of what youre up to.

    The Towel Method

    Some cats are not necessarily nasty but are just jumpy and wriggly.

    • First, wrap them in a bath towel.
    • Then try to take out a paw for nail trimming.

    With some practice, the towel can help envelop 3 limbs while you take out 1 limb at a time.

    The 2-Person Method

    If you have ever watched your vet and a vet tech trim your cats nails, 2 people can often make this task go quite smoothly.

    A table or countertop works well. One person holds or even restrains with a back-of-the-neck grip while the other person trims the nails.

    This is not for every couple or roommate team nor is it for every cat. You can get hurt if you arent comfortable with your partner or with restraint.

    Factors To Keep In Mind Before Buying Cat Nail Clippers

    Cat claws;are much more sensitive as well as stronger than our nails, and for them, we need special nail clippers. There are several types of cat nail clippers available on the market. There are certain factors of cat nail clippers that you should keep in mind before buying them. Some of them are discussed below briefly.

    You May Like: What Was Gargamel’s Cat’s Name

    Can Cats Trim Their Own Nails

    ; ; ;No, cats are unable to cut their own nails, cats nails grow in layers to make it hard and sharp for strong grips. Even though some say a cat scratching its paws against trees or scratch post will damped in but thats a lie. Studies from experts have studied that cats scratching their paws has some benefits to them.

    • They scratch their paws so they can sharpen their nails.
    • Again they do this to remove dead materials .
    • They also do this to mark their territory especially the wild cats

    So its very important for you to trim their nails so as to avoid them causing you injuries.

    Preparing For A Kitty Nail Trim

    How to Trim Your Cats Claws with a Nail Clipper

    To summarize, you will want to develop a good relationship with the cat you are trimming. If this is a new cat in your home, use food, pets, and a calm environment to ensure the animal is comfortable before beginning. This may take a few days. Practice touching the cats paws, and extending his claws before attempting to trim the claws. Wait to clip his nails until the cat is in a calm and relaxed state.

    You May Like: Why Is My Cat’s Fur Greasy

    Do Dog Clipper And Grooming Tools Work On Cats

    We have seen this questions asked by a vast number of pet owners. And this is a really interesting question. To some people, we are identified with either a dog person or a cat person, but in reality, lots of people are mixed. Why should there be any problem on having both cats and dogs? In fact, dogs and cats do get along with each other pretty well. So if you already have a dog, you probably know a lot about dog grooming and possess some certain DIY dog clippers or grooming tools at home. And now you have a cat, and you wonder if you can use same tools on your cats to save some money from purchasing completely new ones. This concern is totally understandable. To answer that, we need to know if the structure of a cats coat differs from that of a dog.

    Generally, cats fur are shorter and thinner. Although there are long-haired cats that need regular brushing, other breeds have shorter hair compared to dogs. Dog clippers are designed to have strong power to cut through thick layers of fur without damaging the tool and generating too much heat. Hence, such powerful clipper does not ideally work on cats. Instead, if you have a clipper kit that comes with various blades, maybe there are few thinner blades that can actually work on your cat.

    Quality Of The Clippers Blade

    There is no doubt that a nail clippers most important part is its blade. No matter;how many features the clipper has;if its blade is not strong and sharp, it is of no use. So if you have decided to buy a cat nail clipper, make sure that the clipper has a strong and sharp blade made out of high-grade stainless steel so that it remains rust-free for a long, long time.

    The reason why the blade should be sharp is obvious. A sharp blade facilitates clean, swift, and painless clipping of nails, while a dull blade might injure your cat while you keep on trying to clip its nail over and over.

    You should buy a nail clipper that you can sharpen easily at home yourself so that you and your cat experience a smooth clipping session.

    Recommended Reading: Gargamel’s Cats Name

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular