How to Trim Angry Cat Claws

One of the most challenging tasks cat owners need to do is trimming their pet’s claws.  Some cats do not mind getting their nails trimmed, but for others that hate it, it’s a huge problem as they tend to get aggressive. Some cat owners would resort to restraining their pets just to complete the process.

Trimming your cat’s claws is not just to make your cat look good. There are other reasons why you should cut it regularly. It will help keep your pet healthy. Also, it protects you, your family, and your pet from getting hurt. Trimming the cat’s claws can save your curtains, sofa, and other furniture. It is also an effective alternative to declawing, leading to surgical amputation that can cause behavioral issues to your cat.

If you have a hard time trimming your cat’s claws or do not have the budget to bring your furry pet to a pet grooming salon, try the following tips below on how to trim angry cat claws effectively.

Tips on Trimming the Angry Cat Claws

Here are 10 tips you can follow in trimming the claws of an angry cat:

Tools You Need

You can find lots of tools in the market that will help you cut the cat’s claws. Choose the one that will you the most and safe for your pet.

Some pet owners search for a special pair of scissors designed to hold the cat’s claw in position. Others prefer to use the human nail clippers, and a few choose the pliers-like clippers or the one with a sliding guillotine blade. It does not matter what tool you want to use just make sure that the blade is sharp. The pressure you apply to dull blades can hurt the animal and may but the nail or bleed.

Know The Basics

You should trim the cat’s claws as painless as possible, just like cutting your own nails. If you notice that your cat is acting differently, maybe you are hurting it. Make sure not to cut the claws too close to its red or pink tinge of the nail.

If you accidentally cut it, it could be the blood vessels and the nerves that you hit. It will be excruciating for your cat. Keep any of the following on hand in case of bleeding – cornstarch, styptic powder, or a day bar of soap.

Introduce the Sound of the Clipper

Some cats freak out every time they hear the sound of the clipper or when they see one. Before you try using the tool to cut your pet’s claws, you should introduce it first to your cat before you attempt to use it to trim its nails.

You can also put the trimmer or clipper in your cat’s bed so he will feel comfortable seeing it. You can also try to strike him with the clippers to lessen its fears from it. Every time your cat gets close to the clipper, reward him some treats.

Massage the Paws

Before you start cutting the claws, it will help if you massage the paws first. Reward your cat for letting you rub their paws. If your cat resists, do not pinch or pull it back, just follow its movement and continue holding its paw. Once your cat stops fussing, wait for some time, then reward your kitty and release its paws.

Trim Cat’s Claws When Sleeping

One of the easiest ways to cut the cat’s claws is when it is sleeping. Take the cat with you when it is relaxed and sleepy. Place the cat in your lap and then wait until your pet sleeps. Hold the paw, massage it slowly until the claw shows up, and start clipping them one at a time. It is very easy to cut claws if it is in a deep sleep.

If your cat continues to sleep until the time you finished cutting the claws, then you are lucky. However, if your cat awakens in the middle of the trimming process, you can stop it and continue when it sleeps again.

Wrap Your Cat in a Towel

For those with a very aggressive cat, it would help if you wrap your cat in a blanket. However, some cats may become more agitated if you do this and would not obey you at all.

Trim Cat’s Claws When Curious

Your cat gets distracted if they see new things or in a new environment. It is best to bring your cat in the garage or on the porch. You can trim your pet’s claws while they are distracted. If your cat doesn’t usually go out, you can also distract it with fresh air.

For instance, a cat gets curious if you bring it inside the vet’s office, which makes it simpler for the vet to cut your pet’s nails.

Use Calming Pheromones

Pheromone is a natural chemical that cats use to talk to other cats. They usually spread it when they are rubbing themselves on the carpet, couch, or other furniture.

Always Touch Your Cat’s Paws

If you are always touching your cat’s paws even when it is awake or asleep, he will not find anything unusual when you start massaging it and getting ready to be trimmed. It will make your cat feel that it is just normal to touch the paws. And when you start clipping its claws, your cat will not get surprised.

You can slowly push you’re the pads of your cat’s paws to display the nails, and when she is used to it, you can start cutting its claws. Your pet might even enjoy it.

Keep In Mind the Don’t’s

You should remember the things that you should not do while trimming the cat’s claws:

Observe your cat’s mood. If you think your cat is overexcited or upset, do not clip the nails. Wait for your cat to calm down so it will not get agitated.

If your cat seems do not want to be touched no matter what you do, do not force him. Also, if it scratches, do not punish him.

Do not declaw. It is excruciating for your cat and would result in behavioral problems as it will injure your cat for life.

Conclusion

If you think you cannot do the trimming on your own, let the professionals do it for you. Follow the tips above so you can make the trimming process worry-free and easy both for yourself and your cat.

Helpful Resource:

How to Approach a “Difficult” Nail Trim