Use a good quality nail clipper with a straight blade to cut the cat’s nails. Cut just below the quick of the nail and never try to trim too much.
After a few trims, the quick will become visible and you can avoid cutting into it. If you do accidentally cut too far, apply some styptic powder to the tip of the nail so that it stops bleeding.
Nail clippers are available at any pet store or may be purchased from your veterinarian. The cat’s nails should be trimmed every few weeks.
The quick of some animals’ nails are not visible, making it very difficult to trim their nails without cutting into the quick. Some animals have black nails, which makes them even more difficult to see where the quick begins.
If your pet falls in either of these categories you may want to ask your vet or groomer for assistance.
If you do not feel comfortable trimming your pet’s nails yourself, ask your vet or groomer for assistance.
Alternatively, many vets will offer the service of doing the nails while you wait or schedule it apart from other services. Many professional groomers also offer nail trimming as an extra service for their clients. Your vet may be able to recommend one.
The quick is the part of the cat’s nail most likely to bleed if cut. It contains nerve endings and blood vessels that cause pain and bleeding if cut, so it is important that you don’t cut into it.
Avoid cutting too short – clipping just above this area will ensure no bleeding occurs. Styptic powder, cornstarch or any substance that can be used to stop bleeding when applied to the quick will also work.
Some pets have dark-colored nails which makes them difficult to see where the quick begins. If your pet’s nails fall in this category, you may want to ask your vet or groomer for assistance.
If you find that you are still too nervous to trim your cat’s nails, ask your vet or groomer to do it for you. Some vets will clip the nails while you wait, but others may require an appointment.
So this is how to cut cat nails.