How to Trim a Ferret's Claws
Ferrets make delightful pets, but they are predators, and as such, their claws can get long and sharp. You should trim them periodically to keep them looking their best, but you need to do it carefully. Otherwise, you risk harming your ferret.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Place the ferret in your lap or somewhere else where he's comfortable, while stroking him and making him feel at ease.
-
2
Grasp the scruff of the ferret's neck firmly with your free hand. Hold him so that he can't get away, but make your grip comfortable so that he doesn't squirm or feel threatened. Grasping him by the scruff of the neck imitates the actions of his mother when he was young and will let you hold him securely without triggering any fight-or-flight instincts.
-
3
Work through each foot, checking the lengths of the ferret's claws and noting which ones are most in need of a trim. Start with the rear claws, and then move on to the front ones when you're done. It's preferable to try to get them at a uniform length, which makes clipping sessions more routine and regular.
-
4
Press each of the ferret's toes to get the individual claw to extend.
-
5
Clip each claw gently with a pair of pet nail clippers, leaving a certain amount of space between the excess nail and the quick. Like cats and dogs, ferrets have blood vessels in their claws, which can bleed if you trim them too closely: always check to see where the blood vessels are when you trim the ferret's claws, and avoid cutting into them. You can purchase nail clippers at a pet store or an online site like West Coast Pet Supply (see Resources below).
-
6
Check your ferret after you trim each claw, to see that he is still comfortable and isn't frightened or trying to escape. If he's unduly nervous, you should take a rest in between individual claw trimmings, and return to it only after the ferret's relaxed and comfortable again. You may wish the give him a little treat after you trim each claw, which will help alleviate any potential nervousness.
-
7
Repeat the process once a month or so, or anytime the ferret's claws start to get long. It helps to set a regular date, such as the first of the month, and then stick to it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you can use two people to trim the ferret's claws, that is a little easier. One can hold the animal, while the other does the actual trimming.
If your ferret resists your efforts to trim his claws, try smearing a little Ferretone or other treat on his belly. He'll go to work licking it off and ignore you while you clip his nails.
