How to Trim a Cat's Toenails

Deciding not to declaw your cat is a humane choice, but it can feel a little foolhardy when you're rewarded with hands and arms covered in accidental scratches. One way to keep your cat's daggers in check is to trim them yourself. If you're up to the task, here are some pointers to make your cat's mani/pedi a little less traumatic for you both.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Long-sleeved clothing
• Nail clippers

1. Open the nail clippers and set them close to a sofa, chair or other place to sit.

2. Pick up your cat and sit down with the cat in your lap. Adjust your hold so they can't wiggle from your grasp. You may need to have a helper hold the cat for you.

3. Take one paw in your hand and press gently on the knuckle of each toe. This will force the nail out from the retracted position.

4. Trim just the translucent tip of the nail, taking care not to cut it too close to the flesh of the toe.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for each toe on each paw.

6. Give your cat a treat once the trimming is over and praise the cat in a soft voice. Eventually the cat may come to associate this reward with having his toenails trimmed.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear long-sleeved clothing to prevent scratches.
• Be careful not to hold your cat too tightly or in an awkward position that may hurt the cat. If you have too much difficulty trimming the nails, either leave the nails sharp or have a veterinarian or groomer do it for you.
• When in doubt, cut less rather than more from the nail to avoid hurting your cat.