How to Trim a Cat's Nails Easily

By now, most people accept the fact that de-clawing is kinda a mean thing to do to a cat, but then again, it is kinda a mean for the cat to claw up your stuff and/or attack you. So here is an easy way to cut a cat's claws.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• At least two people
• Cat nail trimmers
• Quick-Stop bleeding powder in case you cut them too short and they bleed.

1. First, put the cat on a table or flat surface.

2. Have one person pick up the cat by the scruff of its neck (as its mother would) and lift the cat up gently until only its front paws are off the surface (back paws should still be on the table). You will notice at this time that the cat's claw will naturally stick out and be visible.

3. Have the second person cut the claws. Generally, a cat's claw is white/clear at the end and pinkish at the root. It is similar to our nails. Do not cut down to the pink part (The pink part is called the "quick". IT WILL HURT AND BLEED.)
   
   If the cat has black nails, look underneath the nail. You will see where the quick is and be able to cut above it much easier.

4. You will then be done after the front claws. There really isn't a reason to cut the back claws unless they are doing something weird back there.

Tips & Warnings

• The only thing you have to do is make sure not too cut them too close because it is extremely painful for the cat and can cause a lot of bleeding. If this happens, dab on the quick stop powder and call a vet.
• DO NOT cut the quick (pink part). It is similar to us getting a nail broken or cut below the white part. Ouch!

[Tabitha85730]

on 11/11/2008 Thank you so much for your comment! I learned this trick from a veterinarian who was fed up with getting attacked from cats!

[angeldog]

on 11/11/2008 Nice article many people should read. It can save them lots of money in the future.