Nails

[Lissi]

Start trimming you cat as young as possible. Always trim when your cat is relaxed. Be sure to use a pet friendly nail clipper, this is safer for your pet and gives a smoother cut without splintering the nail.




Hold your cats paw firmly in your hand putting slight pressure in the center of the paw. This will allow your cats nails to extend out. Look at the nails and notice where the inner vein runs in the paw. Be sure not to cut into the vein area as this will cause your cat pain and bleeding. Be sure to use the clippers vertically cutting the nail bottom to top, instead of horizonally or across the nail. This will help in preventing splitting.



If your cat moves and you do cut the vein... Don't Panic!.. Immediately apply pressure to the end of the nail. The bleeding should stop in a minute or so. If it continues to bleed apply a little baby powder on the wound as it will act as coagulant.

I hope you find this technique useful and less time consuming then going to the vet or groomers.

[Megan]

This was very informative. Thank you. My cats always need their nails clipped but I wasn't entirely sure what to do.

[Gator]

very informative - our male cat, Charlie, will usually cooperate with my attempts to trim his nails when he is in one of his sleepy (or I want to sit on your lap) moods.

After the procedure is over, I give him a few of his favorite treats that are actually hairball control aids.

[Hunter]

My cat is set on automatic maintenance.

[Lissi]

Hunter love the pic. Wish my cats were.

[rhtwist]

Thanks Lissi, another fact gained from the forum. I didn't know cats needed their nails trimmed. Never did it on any of my cats.
Twist

[Lissi]

My pleasure twist and I'm sure you will find once they get use to it it's real simple.

[Rhonda]

Lissi, Thanks for the information, I have put it to good use!

[Chloe]

Very useful information, unless of course you have a cat like Hunter's who bites his nails!

[All '9' Lives]

Lissi, I was always fearful of hurting my cat, your instructions give me the confidence to trim my cats nails. To my surprise I do a good job. Thanx!