How to Trim Cat Claws

To keep your cat from shredding anything it can get its claws on including the carpet, molding, furniture and wallpaper, it is necessary to trim its front claws from time to time. A cat’s claws are helpful for outdoor protection, but if your indoor/outdoor cat does not get into fights and uses its claws indoors, trimming them is a good idea. There are cat claw trimmers specifically made for feline use. The blades are shaped to fit a cat’s claws to make the job easier. This instructional, however, will walk you through the process without using special clippers.

Step 1: Wait for the Opportune Time

The first step in trimming your cat’s claws is waiting for a time that the cat is not wound up. Try to do the job after dinner time or immediately after it has been napping. If your cat squirms when you try to groom it, it is best to get it when it is fairly drowsy so it is not inspired to use those long claws on your skin.

Step 2: Position the Cat

The best way to clip its nails is to either have a helper hold the cat for you, or, if you are alone, to position the cat firmly between your legs. Again, this works best when the cat has been sleeping so it is not wired. You want to snugly but confidently secure the cat in place while you set about clipping its claws.

Step 3: Grab Hold of the First Paw

After the cat is secure between your legs, take hold of the first paw to clip. Holding its paw out, locate the pad farthest to one side.

Step 4: Depress the Pad to Reveal the Claw

On a cat’s paw there is an under pad that corresponds to each claw. Gently depress the first pad. It acts like a lever, pushing the claw out of its retracted position. Now it is clear to trim.

Step 5: Clip the Claw

This is very important. Once the claw has been pushed out and revealed making it easy to clip, take the toenail clippers and hold them sideways. Do not attempt to clip the claw as you would your own toenail. The clippers must be tipped to one side. This allows them to clip the claw without hurting the cat. Clip off enough of the claw to reduce the sharp end, but don’t clip all the way back. After you have done the first claw, move on to the next pad over, depress it and reveal the next claw for clipping. Repeat this process for all the claws on the two front paws.

A cat’s claws can protect it from attack when it is outside, but unfortunately they can very destructive inside. It seems like they are constantly sharpening them on something, whether it’s the couch, the carpet or the hardwood molding around the doors. It is perfectly reasonable, though, to clip your cat’s claws from time to time when they get unmanageable. It does not hurt the animal, and it might increase the life of some of your things.