Cat Grooming Nail Trimming
As much as we all love our cats and playtime with them, there is rarely a person who can stand the constant scratches that may result from the games with them. Untrimmed nails are uncomfortable for the cat as well – they can curl in on themselves and grow into the cat footpad which will cause great pain. Not to mention the ruined furniture that usually takes the biggest toll. For that reason, it’s of high importance to trim your cat’s claws to avoid a great disaster. However, many cat owners have a problem with this treatment, as their cats can be wiggly and would not stand still or even get aggressive. Naturally, they wonder how to trim a squirmy cat’s nails?
The best answer to this question is to start training her when she is still a kitten. Don’t despair, there are some tricks for adult cats as well. Keep on reading to find out how to deal with your wiggly cat while trimming her nails.
Do You Need To Trim Cat Nails
Before we share some tips on how to trim your cat’s claws, it’s really important to realize why you shouldn’t avoid this cat treatment. First and foremost, kitty’s claws grow very fast and the process is the same as with your own fingernails. As you trim your own nails, you should do the same with your feline. Outdoor cats usually don’t require claw trimming because they scratch trees or other similar surfaces. On the other hand, indoor cats tend to scratch your furniture, therefore to protect it, trim their claws.
Moreover, untrimmed nails have the tendency to grow inside your cat’s footpad which can cause them a lot of pain. So, protect your cat, yourself, and your furniture and follow this guide.
How to trim a squirmy cat’s nails?
There are a few things to have in mind when you decide to trim your squirmy cat’s nails. To start with, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed or in a playful mood. Sit behind her so that if she starts backing up she would only get directly into your lap. Press her footpad lightly so the claws appear and cut only the tip of the nails. Your cat would love it if she’d get a treat, so take her favorite treat and give it to her as a reward.
The most essential part to know about the nail trimming is that this is not the same as cat declawing – you only need to clip the tip of the cat’s nail and not the entire claw. That act is inhuman and is banned in many countries because it entails surgically removing a part of a toe or even an entire toe.
Tips and Tricks for Dealing with Squirmy Cats
If your cat is a bit aggressive or has the tendency to scratch or attack you, here is what you need to know before you start with the nail trimming. Make this process a positive experience for your cat. Most of the time, cats run away when they first see you get the trimmers and make it impossible for you to catch them. The best solution for this problem is to create a positive association for them. For example, put the nail clippers next to your cat’s bowl, or place saucer with canned food near the trimmer. In this way, she will learn that good things can happen when the scary device appears. You can even let her smell and observe the nail clipper, and cut some spaghetti or anything similar, so she can get familiar with its sound.
Don’t put pressure on yourself or your cat that you have to cut all the nails at once. The trick is to cut one nail and maybe give her a treat. Keep her calm and relaxed and then move onto the next one. Try to make her lay on her back – no matter how impossible this sound, if the cat is relaxed she will gladly do that. It would be great to get a helping hand and get your friend, partner or anyone else help you. If you start teaching your kitten how to relax it will be much easier for you when she gets older.
Bottom Line
With a lot of attention and effort, you can learn how to trim a squirmy cat’s nails. All you need is an understanding and empathy for your cat and a lot of love, of course. Give her the time she needs to adjust to the process and everything will be much easier. If you can’t get a second person to help you with the trimming treatment, consult with a vet, or take your cat there and let the professionals do that for you.
Cat Scratching Post To Trim Nails
If you are very busy and don’t have a lot of time to trim your cat’s nails, there are some alternatives. We recommend getting a cat scratching post to trim nails if you don’t have enough time or your cat is too squirmy.
