How to Clip Ferret Nails

Ferrets use their nails for walking and climbing, as well as for traction. The nails aren't retractable, so keeping them trimmed is a grooming necessity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Small animal clippers
• Ferret treats
• Paper towel

1. Distract your ferret by rubbing a small amount of a liquid treat on its belly. This should give you a chance to clip its nails while it's busy enjoying the treat. Another method is to have someone hold your ferret by the scruff of its neck to make it calm down or even go limp.
2. Examine the nails while your ferret is calm or distracted. There is a pink line inside of each nail. These lines are blood vessels. Using nail clippers for small animals, clip just below the vessel. Try to make the cut so that when your ferret is standing the nail is lined up with the floor. If it starts moving around, wait until it is still again to continue cutting.
3. Use a nail file to smooth the edges after you're done clipping its nails. The smoother edges will help keep the nails from catching on clothing and other surfaces. It also makes the nail less likely to split later on than if you only clip them.
4. Give your ferret a treat after you're done. This shows it that getting its nails clipped can be a good thing since there's a reward at the end.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the clippers are sharp to avoid cracking the nails as you're cutting.
• Ask your veterinarian to show you how to clip your ferret's nails if you don't feel comfortable the first time.
• Cutting the blood vessel will cause your ferret pain and bleeding. Stop the bleeding as quickly as you can. This can be done by holding a paper towel on the nail and elevating the foot.