How to cut your cat’s claws safely

When it comes to cat care, our tabby friends like to do everything on their own terms. Of course, it doesn't have to be that way! While outdoor cats need their claws and can be kept in such conditions, it may be more practical for indoor animals to shorten their killing tools.

Read our article to find out how often you should to trim your cat’s claws, how to cut it accurately and what to do once you’ve cut into the live part.

How often should I trim my cat’s claws?

In general, indoor cats need a claw trim every few weeks. Kittens’ claws grow more quickly and may need to be trimmed weekly, while some older cats may only need this procedure once a month. The claws of outdoor cats do not need to be clipped. If a cat’s claws are too long, they may not be fully retracted, which can disturb and even injure the animal.

Overgrown claws may not seem like a big deal, but they can also grow into the sole and get caught in a number of places, which can lead to injury.

How to cut the cat’s claws: step by step

The type of tool you use for the operation is up to you. Choose the one that is most efficient and convenient. If we can give you a tip, we recommend scissor-type cutters for cats, as they can be easier to use than guillotine-type devices. While files may seem safe, their sound can be disturbing to the cat, so it may not be a good idea to start with this. Choose a towel that you may want to spray with pheromone spray 15 minutes before the action. You can wrap the cat in this if necessary.

Find a cosy, quiet corner and have your cat’s favourite treat ready, as well as a bleeding pill in case you want to get in on the live action. For cutting, choose the position that is most comfortable for you. If the cat is really fussy, you can wrap it in the towel leaving one paw out at a time. Some cats may be stressed by this method. In this case, we recommend that you lay the cat on your lap on its back and try it this way.

Once you have the position, select a pawl. Apply light pressure to the paw pad to make the claws visible. The pink part of the cat’s claw, where the blood vessels and nerves are located, will bleed and hurt if cut. However, since most cats have transparent claws, it is relatively easy to find and avoid the pink part of the claw. As long as you only cut the white, translucent part of the nail, you’ll be fine! And you know, better less than more at once.

Instead of cutting straight, do it at a 45 degree angle, which allows the nail to lie comfortably when the cat is standing. Be firm when making the cut, a softer pressure on the scissors can break the claw instead of cutting. Be careful of the hair on the cat’s paws, especially if you are using a file! It is recommended that you give your kitten a reward treat after each paw, as this will reinforce the positive experience of claw clipping and hopefully make it easier and easier for you to do it later.

If you’re the visual type, here’s how a beautician cuts the claws of a Scottish slack-eared man. If you watch, he just clips the tip.

Tips

If you cut your claw, disinfect it immediately and stop the bleeding. Don’t blame yourself, it happens to the best of us! However, we do recommend that you have the cut checked by a vet, as even small cuts can be a big problem if they don’t heal properly. An important tip is to use as little force as possible to restrain your cat. Holding up the neck skin, for example, can make the animal stressed, which can only make the situation worse, as can losing your temper. So if you can only manage one paw at a time, don’t despair, you can start again tomorrow.