How to Properly Trim Your Cat's Claws
Anyone living with a furry friend knows that cats are experts in body care and hygiene, and they know exactly how to take care of themselves. Typically, cats trim their claws on trees when they are outdoor cats and on scratching posts when they are kept indoors. However, in rare cases, uneven wear can occur. Indoor cats are generally less active than their free-roaming counterparts, so you may need to take the claw clippers into your own hands to trim their claws yourself. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Recognize When Your Cat's Claws Need Trimming
At first glance, it can be difficult to tell whether your cat's claws could use a trim or not. Generally, if you notice that she is having problems in her daily life with her claws and can't move freely anymore, it's time for a claw trim.
This is especially noticeable if your cat gets caught on the carpet or other soft materials. If your cat walks on laminate, parquet, or tiles, overly long claws can be recognized by a clicking sound. They can also lead to injuries while grooming because protruding tips can get caught on the skin despite retracting the claws. Trimming the claws is important for the →health of your furry friend.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Wohnungskatzen nutzen zum Stutzen und Schärfen ihrer Krallen vor allem Kratzbäume.
Step 2: The Right Tools
To trim your cat's claws, you need the right tools in addition to a guide. Under no circumstances should you use your nail, craft, or kitchen scissors - a special claw clipper is required. For trimming claws, either special claw scissors or claw clippers that you can buy at a pet store are suitable. The tool is characterized by being particularly sharp and capable of cutting through the hard material of the claws.
Claw clippers have a special shape that is adapted to the structure of the claw and, unlike human nail clippers, does not run straight along the blades. Both allow for a smooth cut and provide the necessary leverage to shorten the claws.
As a second tool, don't forget the treats to reward your cat during and after the claw trimming. Our Pets Deli Snacks are irresistibly delicious - and also healthy.
Leckere Katzen-Snacks fürs Training oder zwischendurch
Step 3: The Right Technique - Guide to Claw Trimming
How do you trim a cat's claws? Once you have the right tools ready, nothing stands in the way of trimming your cat's claws - except for her likely displeasure, as indoor cats generally don't enjoy someone snipping at their claws. Ideally, you should get your cat used to this procedure from kittenhood to avoid a lot of drama as she gets older.
For the right cut, you should carefully examine the claw structure in sufficient light. By applying light pressure to the center of the paw, you can prompt your cat to reflexively extend her claws. You can see how far you can cut by looking at the pink tissue. From this area, the nerves begin, and an injury would be extremely painful for your cat. Therefore, cut up to a maximum of 2mm before the pink tissue of your cat's claw. By holding the tool at a right angle to the claw, you can avoid splintering the claw.
It is also advisable to have a second person present to hold your cat steady and prevent her from pulling her paw away or escaping during the cut.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Tierärzt*innen schneiden die Krallen deiner Katze professionell und schmerzfrei.
Getting Claws Trimmed at the Vet: The Cost of Claw Trimming
If you feel uncomfortable trimming your cat's claws yourself and wish for a certain level of expertise, you can easily have the claws trimmed at your next veterinary appointment. Veterinarians and pet groomers are true professionals in this area and can quickly and cleanly trim your furry friend's claws. In terms of cost, you can expect to pay around 5-10€. Depending on the growth of the claws, a trim may be needed every 2 months.
In addition to claw care, there are other factors to consider when it comes to your furry friend's overall well-being. For instance, →coat care should not be neglected in cats. With our →care tips for cats, you and your indoor cat are well-equipped.
