Best Non Toxic Nail Salon in Houston

By Krista Golanova, For POPSUGAR

Life with cats and dogs can be tricky, with millions of different foods, food preparation, methods, and routines. Knowing how to make sure that your kitty nails aren’t getting chewed up or peeled off can be a bit of a hassle. While it’s hard to imagine cutting a cat’s nails from the front without accidentally ripping a nail, with time and a little technique, there are plenty of trick ways to do it that’s likely to be less traumatic for the cat, and just as productive.

Whether you want to trim off stray chunks and give your cat another set of claws or you want to grow new claws out, this training will make sure that your cat will always keep his nails in good shape. Here are five tips and tricks to make sure you get the most from your cutting ability.

Know When to Chop

First, you’ll need to know when it’s appropriate to cut your cat’s nails. What kinds of injuries do you want to prevent? The ulnar fracture, which can happen to any type of nail, is a painful but not life-threatening tear, and a sheaf of fingernails can replace what you’re removing, so you want to be sure not to cut the nail when it hurts. A more common injury is nail shears. If you are trimming your cat’s nails, be sure to look for any conditions that could be causing the nail to break. If you’re planning to grow new claws out, there is a small risk that your kitty may pull out and get injured, so always look for signs that the nail is breaking or bleeding before you start trimming.

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Lay the Red Tape

Another key factor in successful nail-slicing is whether you have a red tape or are using a glass blade.

Nail slicers (like those used in nail salons) have blades on either side, but a nail slicer also has the handle inserted deep into the nail bed and will cause more damage. When using a glass blade, make sure the blade doesn’t strike the nail, as this can cause more injury and complications. So basically, you want to keep your fingers out of your nail-cutting process, or you’ll risk doing damage you’d rather avoid. To learn more about how to properly cut your cat’s nails, read this Q&A.

Think Small

Another helpful tip is to save the easiest and easiest-to-cut areas for your newest toes. For example, instead of going for a flower nail, you’ll be less likely to accidentally remove the wiry fur on your mouse’s foot if you choose to cut those at random. The great thing about having small kittens is that they don’t wear that wiry fur. Nails grown out on the cuffs of your dog’s paws are also less likely to get tangled, which can lead to more problems than unsprung ends.

Scissors Are So Old School

One more tip that will help minimize injury is to start using scissors when cutting your cat’s nails. Think of them like an airplane ticket, since you’re cutting out a piece of the cat’s skin. Some cats may be sensitive to the bleeding of the scissors, so try not to be overly sensitive when you cut and distribute your skin. If your cat is scratched, you may want to ask her to use her paw to moisten up the blade before slicing. In addition, don’t make your cat use his entire cuticle when you’re going for the finest nail: a little downward pressure will be all he needs.

Cutners Are More Expensive

Although you don’t want to take the shine off your feline friends, slashing your feline’s nails with scissors can cost about $50 for a three- to four-inch number. Prices for nail file vary by brand and product, so be sure to read reviews online before purchasing one. Still, you won’t have to pay for too much of a luxury once you learn how to properly trim your cat’s nails.