How to Cut a Cat's Claws Using a Scissor Style Trimmer

This can be a daunting task especially if your cat is not used to it's claws being trimmed. The style I use to trim our cat's claws is quite different from the usual style but we have trimmed our cat's claws since they were kittens, 4 years ago. I prefer the scissor style trimming tool for greater visibility while clipping the claw.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A cat claw trimmer (do not use a dog claw trimmer because you won't have the maneuverability and delicate size
• Your cat
• Treats
• Patience
• A well lighted area

1. Gather the claw trimmer, treats, and find a well lit area.

2. Make sure your cat is sleeping or relaxed.

3. Gently pick up your cat, speak quietly and softly as you carry him or her to the well lit area.

4. Sit on a surface that allows you to have the soles of your feet on the floor so your legs form a very sturdy surface.

5. 

   Drape your non dominant arm over your cat's back and along his or her side. You will use the non dominant hand to hold and extend your cat's claws. You will use your dominant hand to do the clipping.
   
   Hold your cat with confidence or he or she will struggle and become frightened and stressed out.

6. Your cat's claws will be retracted. Choose the paw with the claws you wish to trim.

7. 
   Extend Claw-http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu

   Establish a firm grip on the paw. Use your pointer, middle finger and thumb to gently push down on the top of your cat's outside toe. This will extend the claw. You will be clipping all claws, including the very inside claw, the dew claw. It is located on the inside of the two front legs.

8. 
   Cat Claw Quick-http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu

   Use the scissor style claw trimmers to cut only the white/clear part of the claw. Do it in a quick, smooth movement. The clipper should be on the top and bottom of the nail.
   
   You will see a pink area near the toe of the claw. Cut no more than 2mm within this area. It is called the quick, like human fingernails. If you cut this area it will bleed and cause a lot of pain.

9. Cut the dew claw last but make sure it is cut. Cat's claws will start to round down when they get too long and can cause the cat difficulty in walking or even poke into it's skin.

10. After the dew claw is cut either continue on to the other paws or stop if your cat isn't used to it's claws being cut.

11. Immediately set your cat down and feed him or her the treats. Give your cat plenty of love post clipping to help reassure him or her that he or she did a great job.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your cat as calm as possible
• Use the sharpest trimmer you can to prevent splintering and obtain a clean cut
• In case of a claw being cut too short and bleeding (it may bleed for a long time) have on hand a remedy that helps stop the bleeding. These products can be found at most pet stores. Ask an associate for help.
• Speak calmingly to your cat the entire time
• You want the claw cutting experience to be as quick and painless as possible or your cat will fight you every step of the way forever
• There are various holding/restraint techniques so find the one that suits you and your cat the best
• There are different trimming tools, including a tool called the guillotine tool and a human nail clipper (not recommended)
• Be aware that more than one person attempting to restrain your cat may make him or her more frightened
• Do not cut the claw with the trimmer side to side on the claw because it can cause the claw to splinter