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The upkeep of your kitty's ten tiny tools is an
important job. Your pet needs her nails for scratching
and climbing, and they also serve as her main means
of defense.
If left untrimmed, however, her super-sharp claws
can accidentally scratch you while she's on your
lap or hard at play. And badly overgrown nails can
grow into a cat's paw pad, potentially leading to
infection.
Trimming Nails Regularly Helps Prevent Destructive Scratching
Unfortunately, some felines satisfy their scratching
needs in inappropriate ways-on the chair leg, for
example, or the new drapes. With regularly trimmed
nails, your animal companion is less likely to harm
arms-of both humans and furniture.
It's a good idea to get your cat used to having
her nails cut when she is young. Kittens are ready
for their first trim when they leave their littermates,
so try to begin no later than 10 to 12 weeks of
age.
Instructions on Trimming Cat Nails
It'll be easier on the both of you if you can make
the experience a pleasant one-especially the first
time, or you might always have a fight on your hands.
Experts suggest that you start out by doing
just a few nails at a time, and offer a food reward
or a round of petting before letting her go.
Trimming Nails of Skittish Cats
To clip your cat's nails, begin by applying gentle
pressure to the top of the foot and the cushiony
pad underneath; this will cause her to extend her
claws. Using sharp, high-quality cat nail scissors,
cut off the white tip of each nail. Take care to
avoid the sensitive quick, the vein that runs into
the nail. If you do accidentally cut into this pink
area, it may bleed, in which case you can apply
some styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
If your adult cat squirms at the very sight of
the clippers, it may help to get her used to having
her feet touched before you tackle her nails. Rub
your hand up and down her leg, then gently press
each individual toe. Although every animal is different,
hopefully within a week or two she'll be better
able to tolerate a trim.
You can also use the tried-and-true mummy method
to restrain an uncooperative cat. Wrap her in a
thick towel, leaving only her head exposed. Bring
out one paw at a time, trimming each nail as quickly
as you can. It also may help to schedule her manicure
for after a meal. Satisfied and groggy from her
after-dinner nap, your cat may be more relaxed and
easier to handle.
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