Cats have a natural need to grind their claws, and they can perform many outdoor activities that help keep their claws sharp to a minimum.
On the other hand, most pets are lazy, prefer to sleep most of the day, bask in the sun. They do not strive for activities at all. And their claws can be very sharp and long, hurt and scratch you even during the usual jump from your knees. How to cut cat's claws to avoid trouble?
How to cut cat's claws: tools
To trim the claws, you can use several different tools: ordinary human nail scissors, as well as tools with a scissor or guillotine shape, designed only for claws in cats and dogs. Whatever tool you choose, make sure it's sharp enough. A blunt edge can crush a claw rather than cut it. This will lead to fragmentation jagged edges and will be very painful for the pet. Also check the manufacturer's warranty on the blade. Some of them do not have a guarantee, while others offer replacements over time or in the case when the blade loses its sharpness.
How to cut cat's claws: choose the right time
Try to choose a time when the cat will be calm and relaxed, possibly sleepy and affectionate. Ideal time after a tasty and hearty meal. Under no circumstances should claws be cut off if the cat is agitated, evil or playful. Nothing good will come of it. You, like no other, will be able to choose the perfect time for this procedure. Around should also be calm and quiet - no screaming and running children, other animals, loud conversations and crowds. Nothing should distract or annoy the pet.
How to cut cat's claws: get ready
An important tool that you must have on hand during clipping is hemostatic powder and corn starch, and some groomers even recommend using soap in case of bleeding. To avoid infections. Make sure that there is cotton wool, bandage and hydrogen peroxide nearby. You may also need a large towel or a small sheet to hold your pet more conveniently in case it is nervous and angry. The room must have excellent lighting. You must see what you are doing.
How to cut cat's claws: start pruning
· Gently grab one of the cat's paws, push on it to reveal the claws. If the cat immediately seeks to leave and starts to get nervous, perhaps you should first train and train her. Be patient. Do not forcibly and firmly hold the pet's paw. For several days - weeks, massage each of the paws, pressing on them in turn, until the cat begins to perceive this process adequately. For calm, reward her with a treat. You can also try to cut the claws on one paw today, on the other tomorrow and so on. It is important to avoid stress. Also make the cat adequately apply to the scissors. A week before trimming, put them in a place where she often rests or plays. The pet must get used to this subject.
· The purpose of nail trimming is to remove a sharp edge. Therefore, when the claws emerge from the pad and your cat is calm, begin to trim the sharp edge of the claw. This must be done carefully, cutting off only a small part of the claw, because after trimming you will see a pink area in which there are blood vessels and nerves. If you hurt them - the cat will feel a sharp pain, bleeding will appear. If you accidentally still hit this area, any bleeding can be quickly stopped with the help of powder or hydrogen peroxide, which is always at hand. But in this case, the cat can continue to react violently negatively to scissors and the entire process of clipping. So be careful.
· It is best to use special clippers for cats. They will not allow you to grab the extra part of the claw and help to avoid injuries.
· If your cat continues to resist, do not raise your voice and do not punish her. Never try to cut your claws when your cat or you are excited. Pets feel everything. And do not rush - you can make a mistake.
· It is recommended to cut the claws every two weeks. But it all depends on the speed of their growth and the level of grinding by the pet itself.
If you are unable or afraid to cut your pet's claws, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian or specialist.
How else can you take care of your cat's claws?
Buy scratching post! Cats love to sharpen claws on various surfaces in a variety of positions. This simple activity provides many physical and psychological benefits for our pets:
· Keep their nails healthy.
· Stretch and train their muscles.
· Relieve stress.
Absolutely any cat will like a scratching post. You just need to choose the type that your pet will like. There are several types of claw points. Particularly popular are those that mimic nature. Indeed, in the wild, cats scratch a variety of surfaces: trunks, roots and branches of trees. Pay attention to:
· High vertical claws, covered with material imitating a tree trunk. Rough surfaces, such as dense bark and wood, can be imitated with sisal.
· Flat and angled structures made of corrugated cardboard, which smells like wood and is great for grinding claws. Corrugated cardboard imitates softer bark and roots.
For some especially demanding cats, you may need several types of claws at once. If you want to keep your beautiful and expensive furniture, wooden cabinets, chairs and beautiful carpets intact, make sure that your cat has a scratching post. But do not forget to follow her claws!
