Anatomy Of A Cat Claw
It’s not difficult to learn how to clip a cat’s claws. But before you begin it’s important to undertstand the anatomy of a cat’s claw. As the above image shows, each claw is made of a quick and nail bed, and a claw tip. The only part of the claw that should ever be trimmed is the claw tip. And even then you should only focus on clipping the very end. Just enough to blunt the claws.
The rear claws of outdoor cats should never be trimmed. In America in particular there is not enough understanding that declawed cats (illegal in the UK) should never be allowed outside. Indoor cats can have an all-round trim but remember that your cat will still want to climb on its favourite cat tree so with regards to how much to trim from the cat’s claw, less is more.
Tools for clipping
Two types of tools can be used for trimming claws. The first is a cat claw clipper with a stop on it, that prevents you putting the whole claw through the blades. The second, commonly used by experts is just human nail trimmers. But these aren’t recommended for beginners as its easy, if your cat moves to cut too much off the claw.
Keeping a cat still for clipping
How you immobilise your cat for clipping depends on your experience – and your cat’s attitude! There are two schools of thought here. One the one hand, many cats can have their claws trimmed without so much as a wriggle if they’re claws are clipped while they are sleeping for feeling snoozey. This works well for one of your clients who has a cat called Dylan who won’t keep still while being held.
The alternative is to hold the cat. If you are working on your own the best way to restrain the cat to have the cat sitting on something which makes it broadly level with your hip. This can mean sitting the cat on a table or sitting it next to you on the sofa. If you’re right-handed place your left arm around the cat, holding the front legs with your left hand. Yes, it’s a lot to do with one hand but practicing helps.
Trimming the claws
Pick your preferred front paw and press the pads with a finger focusing on the pad under the claw you want to trim. This has the effect of making the claw come out of the sheath adn gives you a better view of the whole claw. It can be tempting to cut across the claw, but this technqiue is more likely to lead to fraying. Instead, hold the clippers perpendicular to the claw, and trim it bottom to top.
If your cat starts wriggling make no attempt to continue trimming a movin cat. Rather stop trimming and re-secure the cat. Give your cat it’s favourite treat.
How often to trim claws
Unless your cat is attenting cat shows, the best clue to when to clip your cats claws is when you notice them ‘sticking’ to soft furnishings. Most likely your cats claws will only need trimmed 3 or 4 times a year.
Be patient
It may the case that you can only clip one claw at a time! That’s OK, be patient and build up your cats confidence. If your unsure take your cat to your vet or a cat-friendly groomer. Jack’s grooming will clip your cats nails for free when it’s brought in a for a consultation.
