Should i clip my cats claws

When using a guillotine type nail trimmer, the cutting blade outlined in yellow should be facing you, not the cat.

The screws on the trimmer should be facing the cat. The nail should be cut from top to bottom, not side to side. The tip of the nail is placed in the hole in the trimmer and the handles are squeezed to advance the cutting blade through the nail. When the trimmer is held with the screws toward you, the cutting blade is cutting closer to the quick than if the trimmer is held with the cutting blade toward you.

You are less likely to cut into the quick if the cutting blade faces you. Cats have a nail on the inner side of each foot called the dew claw. Remember to trim these as they are not worn down when the cat scratches and can grow in a circle, growing into the foot. In this photograph the trimmer is being held in the reverse of previous photographs, with the handles pointing up instead of down. This is a matter of personal preference, what feels most comfortable to you.

If the claw is cut too short, you can use a styptic pencil containing silver nitrate to stop blood flow, although many animal object to this the styptic pencil as much, or more, than claw cutting.

The black end of the stick is held to the bleeding nail and gently rotated. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.

Clipping a Cat's Claws. Variations on these instructions exist. Hold the trimmer in your right hand if you are right handed. Close you hand around the clipper to squeeze the handle which will move the cutting blade.

Our new tool will narrow down more than breeds for you. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, please install the latest version of Flash. By Dr. Join the Conversation Like this article? Have a point of view to share? Let us know! Select Dog or Cat. Watch the Latest Vetstreet Videos Check out our collection of more than videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more. You need JavaScript enabled to view this video. Find a Veterinarian Near Lastly, remember to check the dewclaws of the front legs.

Indeed, as they are less likely to touch the ground, they wear out more slowly. It is better to accustom your cat to this practice from a young age. Use an appropriate claw clipper bought at the vet clinic or in a pet shop.

If you are uncomfortable with this practice, do not hesitate to ask your vet for advice in order to show you the methodology. What is a claw?