Good Lifestyle

Compared to other pets, cats are relatively low in maintenance with regard to their grooming needs. But although they can clean their own coats, their claws can become a problem if they are unattended. In addition to taking measures for to the test of pets in your home , knowing how to cut cat claws can help avoid serious damage to furniture and even have a positive impact on the overall health of your pet. We contacted the experts to discover everything you need to know when you take things your own legs. Read the rest for a step -by -step guide on how to reduce cat nails, according to veterinarians and animal specialists.

In relation: 6 best food for senior cats, according to veterinarians .

Do you have to cut your cat's nails?

In many cases, felines do not require the same level of attention as dogs Regarding the grooming requirements. But while many cats are able to bathe, it's another story when it comes to having your nails cut.

"It is important to reduce cat nails to prevent them from becoming too long," said Kathryn Dench , DVM, veterinary surgeon and chief scientific advisor of Patte origins . "Regular cut also helps prevent nails from curling and developing in the pads, which can be very painful. In my clinical experience, about 40% of cat consultations involve problems exacerbated by neglected care, stressing the importance of this practice. "

In addition to helping to keep your cat healthy, your cat's clawing can also reduce the probability of other problems, especially if they are mainly indoor animals.

"The invaded nails can increase the risk of scratches for humans or other animals in your home," said Joey Lusvardi , certified consultant on the behavior of Cat to Cats act . "This also increases damage to your furniture: even if they do not intentionally stride your furniture, your cat's nails could be caught in the fabric when they cross it."

How do you know when it's time to cut your cat's nails?

For the most part, cat nails remain hidden In their legs , which can make it difficult to know when it is time to cut them. This is why experts say that it is generally better to pay attention to their traces in the house.

"The best time to cut your cat's nails is that you can hear them click on hard surfaces or that you can see that the nails are visibly protected when your cat is relaxed," says Dench. "Cats often retract their claws, so observe them while they stretch or after wake up can give you a good indication of their nail length."

However, there are still visual clues that it is time for a nail cutting. "If the nails appear long and curved, are more fragile in nature, and especially if they start to curl up towards the paw pads, it is time for a garnish", explains Nita Vasudevan , DVM, veterinary consultant for Embred pet insurance .

You should also give special consideration to senior felines: Dench recommends that owners check the more than 8 years old cat legs each week to catch the invaded claws early.

"As cats age, old nail layers do not fall so easily, which can quickly cause too long and thickened claws that can develop in their pads," she explains.

In relation: 9 pets perfect for small spaces .

How to cut cat nails safely

Knowing how to cut the chat nails in the right way involves a little more cautious preparation than simply grasping a pair of mowers and hoping the best. Follow these steps, which should help you understand the ins and outs of cat handling:

Make them comfortable

Nail fittings can be difficult if your pet is particularly anxious or uncomfortable with the fact that the legs are affected. This is why Lusvardi says that the key to securely cutting cat nails is to make sure they know the process.

"Prepare your cat in advance by making the experience very positive," he suggests. "It is better to get them used to manipulating their legs first rather than just diving. It is actually less long -term work to help your cat acclimatize to flow their claws rather than Fight whenever the mowers come out. "

For a fun way to cool your cat, train them to give you a high five. "This helps to get the cat used to touching your hand so that they learn that it is not scary. This can indirectly help with nail trim because you hold their paw will not be as frightening," says Lusvardi.

Use the right mowers

Do you plan to use human nail mowers to cut your cat's claws? You may want to think again: Dench says it is essential to use a "Cat Clipper specially designed" for the delicate process.

They should also be sharp. "Dull mowers are more likely to break the nail and hurt," warns Lusvardi.

Exhibit the nail and clip

The next step is to gently press the paw cushion to prolong the nail.

"Cut only the white and sharp point of the nail to avoid cutting the rapid, which is the pink part where the blood vessels and the nerves reside," warns the dive.

Vasudevan also suggests having a styptic powder by hand to stop any bleeding if you accidentally cut your cat's nails that are too short.

In relation: 8 cats that do not lose, according to veterinarians .

Take your time

Don't worry too much about driving quickly. It can be easier for you and your feline to take a quieter approach to the task.

"You don't have to cut all their nails at a time," Lusvardi. "If you can only do one paw at a time and you have to cut the other nails over four days, there is nothing wrong with that. Listen to your cat."

Strengthen the positive points of experience

Lusvardi says that, above all, it is essential to keep your cat happy throughout the task, until the last nail cut.

"Fun meeting," he suggests. "Distracting your cat with tasty treat throughout the process so that they are concerned and the experience will be positive."

Above all means not to blur your cat when handling. "We no longer recommend it as a gentle technique because it is actually quite painful for the cat," he explains. "Likewise, the use of tools that can cause fear or stress for your cat is not necessary if you work slowly to put your cat at ease."

How to avoid cutting your cat's nails that are too short

Dench says that to avoid cutting too short cat nails, focus on cutting only the tip of the nail. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"For cats with darker nails where the fast is not visible, make small cuts and stop when you see a small dark circle in the center of the nail base," she suggests. "It is the start of the rapid - which contains blood vessels - and no other cut should be made beyond this point."

Since finding the rapid in a cat's point can be difficult, especially in cats with darker nails - DECH recommends using bright light to backdrop the claws to help make them more visible.

"This method reduces the risk of accidentally cut them too short, which makes the experience of cut less stressful for the cat and the owner," she said.

In relation: Does pet insurance insurance are worth it? Understand the advantages and disadvantages .

How to cut a dew

It is important to remember that more than the leg base must be considered when you stop.

"The dew of the cats is located on the inside of the front legs and does not touch the ground, so it does not wear out like the other nails," explains Dench.

She says this special nail should be cut like the other nails. This includes taking care not to cut quickly.

"Regular checks are necessary because these claws can develop in a circle and integrate into the paw cushion if they have remained unparalleled," warns Dench.

Conclusion

Knowing how to cut cat nails is essential for an appropriate grooming diet. Not only will this keep your cat healthy, but cutting your cat's nails can also reduce damage to your furniture as well as scratching injuries to yourself and other pets and people in your home.

But before you start, it is essential to know how to cut cat nails correctly. This means being careful not to cut accidentally beyond the sharp tip in the rapid, which contains blood vessels and nerves. For most cats, it is best to take your time with nail fittings and start with a paw before working through all their nails in a few days. And finally, it is normal to seek external help.

"Remember that if you are not sure or uncomfortable to cut cat nails, consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer to get help," suggests Vasudevan.