How to Clip Your Cat’s Claws

Keep your cat’s claws trimmed with this advice

Clipping a cat’s claws can be an awkward task, particularly if your cat gets restless or lashes out when held. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to make your life easier. Our very own Dr Rachel Caines explains more in this instructional video.

Which cat clippers do I need?

It’s important that any cat nail clippers that you use are up to the task so that you don’t risk injury to your cat’s foot or take their claw off completely. Some points to consider when choosing your cat’s clippers are: –

• The clippers should be easy to use. Most of the time they just look like scissors with a small hole in the blade where you place the cat’s nail.
• The clippers should be durable. Choosing a good pair will be a worthwhile investment as you will use them regularly.
• Check reviews if purchasing online to ensure the clippers don’t have a history of damaging cat’s claws.
• If you are unsure about what type of claw your cat needs then our vets will be able to offer you advice on your next visit.

How often should I clip my cat’s claws?

If you leave your cat’s claws to grow long they can damage furniture, carpets and scratch their owner’s unintentionally. It can also cause your animal discomfort, whilst they may get caught and damaged more easily. The frequency with which you trim their nails depends on their lifestyle. If they are an outdoor cat they will naturally scratch their fingers more often so you won’t need to do it too much. Indoor cat’s should be checked every two weeks and trimmed if their nails look uncomfortably long.

How to maintain a cat’s nails naturally

It’s possible to maintain a cat’s nails naturally by providing them with scratch posts and scratch boxes. This will also prevent them from scratching their nails on your home furniture or walls. Outdoor cat’s will need less maintenance as they will naturally wear their nails down when running on hard ground and climbing more often.

You can find more advice and instructional videos like this one on our vets advice page and across the site. To make Knutsford Veterinary Surgery your new vets in Cheshire, register your pet today.