Nail trimming is an important element of cat parenting. Apart from an aesthetical point of view, nail trimming is also an integral part of cat grooming. Not to mention that nail trimming also helps to prevent puncturing cats’ feet which can avoid mutilated behavior, infections, and leg pains.
Nail breaks hurt the cat in the same way as humans. The only difference is that humans can explicitly express their pain, as compared to cats who can only loudly meow. This is why it is important to find the right nail clippers.
Trim after Two Weeks or Less
Cats have the natural tendency to trim their nails intrinsically by a process known as ‘scratching’. Thankfully due to flexor tendons, cat nails do not naturally wear out quickly as compared to dogs and the damage is less prevalent. However, it’s recommended to trim your cat paws after every two weeks or less.
Cats can show and hides their nails (as per cat requirements), so in a way they are retractable. These nails also grow at first-rate. If not trimmed at the right time there is a strong probability that these nails can get snagged, causing damage to your soft furniture and skin.
Cats do possess a royal nature and don’t like to get disturbed for grooming and trimming purposes. So if you’re trimming your cat nails for the first time you will certainly be resisted. Generally, only the front nails of the cat need to be trimmed, but if you notice that the back nails of your cat also pinch you, then your cat needs a complete nail trimming session.
Trimming of Younger vs. Older Cats
The age of the cat also plays a crucial part to determine nail trimming frequency. Younger cats need to be trimmed less often as compared to older cats that require a frequent trimming session (maybe after every week). As the cat grows older, their movement becomes less active, so they tend to scratch less rendering their nails to become longer and curvier. This causes older cats to puncture their feet more often that may cause infections.
To have a successful yet friendly ‘nail cutting session’ you must keep certain things in mind.
Remember these 5 things before trimming your Cats’ nails
Set the Right Position: Before the trimming session, hold the cat in your lap with its face pointing in opposite direction as compared to yours. Get hold of your cat paws carefully and softly press on the pad so you can examine your cat claws. Examine your cats’ claws and analyze if your cat needs trimming or a proper cut.
Cut in a Good Mode: Never trim your cat’s paws when your cat is upset. This will cause a strong opposition and irritate your cat. Moreover, it will also make the cut resistant for the next trimming session.
Never scold your Cat: If your cat resists nail trimming, then you should never scold it. This will make your cat stubborn and it will certainly run away from nail trimming for the next time.
Never Cut the Quick: Quick refers to a dark section inside cat claws that houses blood and nerve vessels. Be very careful to never cut this section, otherwise, your cat will bleed. According to doctors, it is also advisable to only cut the white part of the claw with up to a few millimeters only.
Never cut at Once: Don’t cut your cat nails at once. Generally, it is recommended to cut two or three nails at once. Reward your cat and then continue for the rest of the claw.
Nail trimming for cats is an important part of their healthcare routine. Although it is resisted by cats, this session is imperative for cats otherwise they might hurt their feet that might cause infections inducing irritable and grumpy behavior.
