Kitty Like to Scratch? A Look at Cat Grooming and Nail Trimming

When you think of cat grooming, you might imagine cleaning the ears, brushing out the fur coat, and maybe even brushing the teeth. A major component is the nails, but they may be easy to overlook if a cat doesn’t shred upholstery. Their nails might also be relegated to the “nope zone” if a cat is particularly sensitive or protective of their feet. 

How important is it to maintain a good length on their nails? Beyond saving any furniture (if applicable), keeping a cat’s nails nice and tidy can also reduce the risks to human safety and comfort. While cats may not intend to harm the people they love, the truth is, those nails can act like razor-sharp claws. 

But They Hate It!

Nails that are completely left alone may be subject to painful tearing, splitting, or cracking. This means that cutting their nails is actually for their own good. Now we can work on convincing them of that. 

Easy Does It

Slowly start to introduce your cat to sensations of touching their feet, grazing the paw pads, and maybe even feeling the tips of the nails. Petting, scratching under the chin, and maybe even a tasty treat will win them over. Once the experience becomes positive, you can slowly increase attention to the nails.

Start by pressing on the pad directly in front of the nail. This will push the nail out so you can assess the appearance and quality of the nail. 

Holding On

Your cat may try to get away from you at this point. Never force them to stay in your arms, but if they aren’t distressed, you may move ahead. Give them loads of encouragement and praise.

It may be worthwhile to have the buddy system for cat grooming. If one person holds the cat, the other can quickly move from toe to toe, which reduces your cat’s stress.

This process can take numerous attempts. Don’t get the clippers out until your cat has demonstrated ease with your gentle restraint and casual attention to their feet. 

Step By Step

We recommend investing a high-quality pair of sharp cat nail clippers, in addition to styptic powder, a product that stops bleeding.

The “quick” is the part of the nail that you cannot see through. The tip of the nail is translucent and curved, and the quick lies right inside the nail as it widens. Do not cut the quick, as it will bleed and cause pain. This will impact how willing your cat will be to allow future cat grooming episodes. 

Working quickly, position just the tip of the nail between the blades of the clippers. Don’t extend the time clipping a single nail. A quick, decisive cut is always best, provided it’s not through the quick. 

Cat Grooming for the Win

You may brush your cat once a week, or brush the teeth every few days, but trimming their nails can be done every 2-3 weeks. 

If you have additional questions about cat nail trims, or need help with the process, we are always here for you at The Urban Pet. Call us at (615) 356-8993 or send an email to staff@theurbanpet.vet.