Regular Claw Clipping Will Prevent Discomfort To Your Furry Friend… And You (And Your Furniture!)
Like human nails, our feline friends claws grow continuously. If your cat is an outdoor cat, the likelihood is that claw clipping won’t be needed; outdoor activities such as tree climbing and digging help keep nails at a reasonable length! However, for indoor cats, kittens and the older pet amongst them, claws can easily become overgrown. This can cause your cat huge discomfort, growing into the pads or risk of tearing, which might also lead to infection.
Trimming your cat’s claws for the first time can be a daunting task. You must pay every care to not trim them too short as there are blood vessels located at the base of the claw. As well as this, your cat could become distressed and fidget making the task even more difficult.
Tips for Claw Clipping
- Pick a time when your cat is relaxed
- Ensure a peaceful, well lit location (with no time pressure!)
- Either placing your cat on your lap or on a table, have him/her face away from you. If your cat is a little nervous, you can always wrap them in a towel, like burrito!
- On the first paw, gently press the top of each toe to extend the claw. Be gentle!
- The bit you’ll need to trim will be transparent. Examine the claw carefully – you’ll see the blood vessel (quick) in the centre – avoid this!
- Do not struggle with your cat – if they become stressed, stop and try again at another time
- Work your way around the claws…. good luck!
An Alternative Option
If you can’t face the trauma of struggling with your cat or a little nervous about doing it, Suma Farm Cat Hotel offers a claw clipping service in their grooming facility. You can either add this on to your booking with us and we’ll do it during your cat’s stay, or you can pop in a we’ll do it for you.
We also offer other cat grooming services that include bathing, face and ear cleaning, brushing, and clipping (lion cuts, matt removal etc.)