Even Kittens need a nice Manicure at times!
In this article, we will give you the Do's and Don't's for a nice Nail Clipping!
(Let's take Mercy on your beautiful Roche Bobois Togo couch)
Scratch marks on your furniture, leather seats, and even your arms are simple to tell signs you’re a cat owner. And since declawing cats is unethical, the best way I can think of helping you to deal with your favorite pet sharp claws is regular trimming.
Trimming your cat’s nail can either be a simple deal or a big production (#drama in the making anyone?); it all depends on your current state of mind and your cats’ current attitude. Nevertheless, one of the best things you can do for your cat is to start trimming his nails while still a kitten to develop a grooming routine. However, all is not lost if you are intending to start clipping the cat later!
#1 Getting your cat comfortable to handling its feet
Cats prefer to self-groom, and most may take time to get accustomed to nail clipping, especially adults.
Thus, as the owner, you need to get your cat used to handle and have paws touched.
A) To ease the idea, always give him a treat when you feel the paws so that the cat can associate the exercise with something pleasant.
B) While handling the paws, use lots of praise and stock the cat to keep him relaxed.
As your cat gets accustomed to having his feet touched, keep practicing the technique by using your thumb on top and forefinger on the bottom of the paw and gently squeeze to expose the nails.
At first, the cat may react to the squeeze but keep practicing until the cat allows and has no issues at all. It is important to keep practicing the amount of pressure you need to exert on the paw to ensure your cat is fully exposed without pressing too hard.
Next, play with your cats' nails and keep offering praise to observe to what extent the cat will allow you to manipulate the nail. Be patient; it may take a couple of practices before the cat is comfortable to allow you to cut the nails.
#2 Set the Mood Right
When it’s time to clip off your cats' nails, start by ensuring the cat is safe, calm, and comfortable. Pets are quick to pick up emotions when they are nervous. Thus it is essential to approach your cat when you know it is most comfortable. If you are a first-time cat owner, don't panic, make the cat get used to holding the paw for a few days before clipping their nails.
The experienced owners holding the paw of your cat are intimate, and the cat will not have issues when you start to clip its nails.
Insider tips ;-) Take note; you do not have to finish all the nail clipping at once; when your cat starts to get excited, take a break. In time, the cat will be used to clipping.
Sadly, if your cat does not cooperate, you may have rushed the process, and it is time to go back to handling your cats’ feet exercise. Do not be in a hurry to cut off the nails again until you and the cat have bonded and seem to be willing to cooperate. To calm him down, you may opt to rap the cat with its favorite blanket and soothe him.
Some cats are complicated to clip off their nails. If what I have taught you does not work and your cat is not receptive to having his nails clipped, try visiting a vet or a professional groomer for advice. They are conversant on how to deal with all kinds of temperament animals.
Your cats’ behavior while clipping will generally improve with time. But if you’re still unsure if you qualify to clip his nails, talk to your veterinarian or a professional groomer.
Thanks for sticking with us until the end of this article. Follow our blog for more kitty information, tips, and tricks!
