Cutting a cat’s nails requires a lot of thought. Your final nail cutting technique requires you to remember the part of the nail that your cat is nibbling on at the precise time you’re cutting it, and timing is everything. Here are some tips for getting your nails on and off perfectly.
Check Her Trusty Pelican Nails
Just as a social butterfly, your cat will try to stay close to the people around her. Give yourself a break from the clutter by allowing your cat to come and go as she pleases; this will help her choose a reliable place to hang out when she doesn’t want to be entertained. To help keep her focused, cut your nails in a simple spiral so she will stay near your toes.
Decide Before You Cut
Don’t do it until you have final approval from your cat. If you suspect your cat is tired of being entertained, you may want to wait until she is a little more relaxed to get started. You’ll need to slip your cat a small toy or treat to work her brain, but be gentle. If you accidentally remove a nail, your cat may not return for several days.
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If You’re Not a Skin Care Guru, Use the Right Tools
Different styles of nails require different tools. Nails with thin, porous surfaces require a lot of pressure; instead of using a thin blade like a paring knife, use a pointed tweezers. Opt for a round tip. A very thin tip isn’t going to cut through a thick base coat of catnip, so stick with a thick one. For a natural-looking nail, it is also important to wear polish to really make a cut. I usually wear a white polish — because I want the accent of white on my nails — rather than an acrylic nail.
Teach Your Cat ‘I LOVE You’ Right Now
If you’re having problems, be gentle! Try to create a comfortable environment for your cat so she feels comfortable. Check in with her every 10 minutes and gently pat the back of her head, giving her reassurance that you are with her. Since it’s going to take some practice to practice, she can’t really love you until you actually tell her. There are times when you will feel more comfortable just playing with her than using your “call” card. When this is the case, touch your cat’s back like you’re going to pat her; you can’t pet her through the net, as it’ll produce excruciating pain.
I want to build on a suggestion I shared in this article: Cats have two sets of verbs — “you” and “I.” Let your cat know it’s her turn to get attention in the beginning. When she goes out to play, make sure to let her know you love her and that you’re with her every second of the day. If she has a good grooming session, bring her back to you and ask her to look back to check that you’re still there. If she doesn’t, be nice, considerate, and do her. That’s what I do.
If you are not a cutter, you can make a few permanent changes to your cat’s nail growth by using a vet-prescribed nail nail file. If the trimming leaves a divot, you can try to take advantage of that divot and make it into a little scratching post by laying on the surface there. Do not paint it with catnip but choose something in a neutral color. And one more thing: don’t cut the nails off while they are still growing, as this will cause huge necrosis.
Another thing to consider is removal. Although you might think of catnip as an effective pain-killer, or at least harmless, scratching is not healthy. Cats can’t see their own feet and the stimuli of scratching can lead to harmful bacteria and yeast. When you remove one splinter or nail tip, the nail grows back in its full length, causing cuticles and other bumps. Many cats suffer from severe pain, swelling, and dark marks. That same nail can take weeks to grow back in its full length, or it may never grow back at all.
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