The way to Restrain a Cat for Nail Clipping: Vet-Authorised Security Ideas

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Whether or not you already comprehend it or not, cats scratching issues is an instinctive habits. Whereas their claws present protection, in addition they enable cats to speak with different felines within the space with visible and olfactory indicators. That’s not a difficulty on the subject of the bushes exterior, but it surely’s one other matter when it’s your sofa that they’re digging their nails into. You have got three plans of assault: You may put up boundaries to maintain your pet from destroying your stuff, you may strive optimistic reinforcement coaching to get them to scratch acceptable issues, or you may reduce it off on the supply—actually.

Trimming your cat’s claws is a crucial a part of cat possession. Just like the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation (AVMA), we don’t advocate declawing. As a substitute, we suggest trimming them. We perceive if you happen to’re questioning how one can trim a cat’s nails that gained’t allow you to. It’s not like they make it simple. Nevertheless, our information presents tips about methods to make the expertise much less dramatic for each of you.

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Earlier than You Begin

One of the simplest ways to make this process simpler is to get your pet used to the method. Which means dealing with them and their paws steadily in order that they get used to it, ideally from a younger age. You can too use each pet proprietor’s secret weapon: treats. Meals has a outstanding method of constructing animals snug doing issues they wouldn’t usually do. We advise getting one thing particular for this process, resembling tuna, given the feline choice for it.

Cats are naturally cautious of latest issues of their surroundings. It’s useful to get them used to the belongings you’re going to make use of to clip their nails earlier than you begin. Allow them to discover the clippers on their very own time as an alternative of yours. Additionally, perceive that even essentially the most docile pet could chew. Felines don’t like being restrained and can typically combat it. Subsequently, chances are you’ll need to enlist a helper to assist maintain your cat or to run the clippers whilst you maintain.

man holdint cat nail trimmer
Picture Credit score: Tatiana Cunning, Shutterstock

The item of lots of the gadgets used for trimming a cat’s nails is to attenuate accidents to you and your pet. It’s in everybody’s greatest curiosity to get the job executed as rapidly and safely as potential. The supplies chances are you’ll want embody the next:

  • Massive towel
  • Pheromone spray (non-obligatory)
  • Nail clipper
  • Styptic powder
  • Treats

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The way to Restrain a Cat for Nail Clipping

1. Let Your Cat Sniff the Towel if Utilizing One

We equate curiosity with cats for a superb purpose. Breeds range in how outgoing or shy they’re. Nevertheless, familiarity brings a sure consolation. That’s why we propose letting your cat sniff the towel and clippers you’re going to make use of for a number of days earlier than you attempt to groom them. Novel objects could put an animal on the protection, so enable your pet to take their time and examine issues at their very own tempo.


2. Apply Pheromone Spray to the Gadgets

For some cats, pheromone sprays might be calming in nerve-racking conditions. Being restrained for nail clipping  can undoubtedly qualify as a kind of nerve-racking conditions. These merchandise simulate pheromones a cat releases in comforting instances, resembling snuggling with their mom and littermates. It’s an olfactory all-is-well sign that will make this process extra manageable and fewer nerve-racking. Spray the gadgets, space and your palms about quarter-hour earlier than trying nail trims.

cat getting nails trimmed
Picture Credit score: Vydrin, Shutterstock

3. Wrap Your Pet in a Towel

A thick towel will shield you from getting scratched. In any case, there’s a superb purpose you’ve determined to clip your pet’s nails. Fold the towel in half lengthwise and lay it out on the ground or desk. Beginning at one finish, wrap the towel snuggly round your cat’s physique burrito-style. The pinnacle needs to be protruding one finish and unobscured in order that your cat can breathe simply. This can hold their legs contained and offer you management of their head on the identical time. When you’re trimming their nails, maintain your kitty near your physique. This will consolation a frightened pet and assist issues get executed as rapidly and safely as potential.


4. Expose One Paw at a Time and Trim the Tip of the Nails

Carry out one paw at a time. Your cat will probably instinctively prolong their claws to know for one thing. Push every nail ahead to show the tip. Make certain to search for the fast (the purple line extending about half the size of the claw) beforehand and solely trim the tip the place there isn’t a fast. Trim small quantities till the nail is as quick as you need it. Have the styptic powder prepared if you happen to occur to go too quick and the nail begins to bleed.


5. Reward Your Cat

Reward your cat with a deal with for his or her cooperation after clipping their first paw. This motion builds a basis for a optimistic affiliation with this process. Your kitty nonetheless could object to being restrained the subsequent time you do it, nevertheless, you’ll probably discover there’s much less drama as soon as your pet realizes what lies on the finish of the proverbial tunnel.

woman positively training a cat with treats
Picture Credit score: Andriy Blokhin, Shutterstock

6. Converse Softly to Your Cat as You Swap Paws

Converse softly to your pet whereas clipping their nails. Analysis has proven that cats discover their homeowners’ presence comforting throughout nerve-racking instances. If somebody helps you, make sure you’re the one holding your kitty whereas the opposite particular person does the trimming.


7. Take away the Towel and End With a Deal with

Once you’re executed, ensure that to finish on a optimistic observe with one other deal with. Your cat probably has an escape on their thoughts. One thing yummy could distract your pet and put the main target again on a superb expertise. You may depart the supplies you used within the room in order that your cat can come again and examine them out once more if they need.

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Ultimate Ideas

Nail clipping doesn’t need to be an ordeal for you and your cat each time you do it. Letting them get snug and used to the gear you’re going to make use of nicely earlier than you begin could actually enable you to. Nurturing a optimistic affiliation between nail cutting and treats is important as it might probably assist spare each you and your cat from damage. Hopefully, they’ll quickly get used to the method and it gained’t be such a problem the subsequent time.


Featured Picture Credit score: Yimmyphotography, Shutterstock

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