All owners of cats know what is ripped furniture, torn curtains and scratched hands. Of course, nobody likes this, and the owners are looking for ways how to avoid it. Special claws do not always solve the problem, complete removal of claws is considered a very difficult intervention, so many owners are wondering whether it is possible to trim the claws of the cat?
Of course, animals that move and walk a lot on the street are not required, because claws are naturally removed from climbing trees and walking on asphalt. But pets are deprived of this. From a sedentary lifestyle, the lack of the ability to climb and jump in cats, often very long claws grow. They cling to carpets and furniture, they break down, they can stop the animal from walking. In this case, many veterinarians have a positive answer to the question: do they trim their claws? But doing this is not always necessary.
When do I need to trim my claws?
- If a child has appeared in the house who can not control his communication with the animal. Long claws of the pet can cause the baby a pain.
- If the animal moves very little and claws grow so strongly that they cling to carpets and furniture and prevent the cat from walking.
- Cut must also be the fifth claw, which never stains. Growing up, he can grow into the skin, causing the cat suffering.
When cutting the claws, it is important to follow certain rules so as not to cause the cat pain and not cause inflammation. The claw of animals has a complex structure, inside it there are blood vessels and nerves. You need to know how to trim the cat's claws correctly so as not to cause bleeding so that they do not exfoliate and this does not cause the animal suffering. On the hind legs of the claws are shorter and do not need to cut them. It is necessary to regularly check the paws of your pet and, if necessary, do a "manicure."
How to cut the cat's claws?
- For this, it is necessary to use a special tool. Do not cut your claws with ordinary scissors - the nail plate will break up. You can use manicure nippers, but it is better to purchase a special claw, trimmer or guillotine cutter. After pruning, it is necessary to sharpen the claw with a nail file, so that it does not separate and do not cling to things.
- Be sure to accustom the animal to the procedure from a small age. The kitten is clipped when it is quiet, and not during the game. Your movements should be smooth, try not to frighten the animal and not hurt him.
- During clipping, it is important to fix the cat well so that it does not break out. If you do not manage alone, ask someone to help you. You can also swarm too active cat.
- Take the cat's paw in the left hand and press the finger a little to make the claw appear outward. If it's light, you can easily determine where to cut it. Blood vessels are usually seen well, and try to place the incision site a couple of millimeters below them. If you hit them, there may be bleeding or inflammation. If the claw is black, try to trim as little as possible, it is better to repeat the procedure after a while.
- Gently, but resolutely make a cut across the nail. If you do this obliquely, the claw can become exfoliated. You have to try to cut off the claw at a time. And if you still hurt the blood vessels - do not worry, apply cotton wool soaked with hydrogen peroxide.
After you have learned how to cut the cat's claws, do it regularly, every two weeks. It is not necessary to process all the paws at once. The procedure should not cause serious inconvenience to the cat. And keep in mind that after cutting your claws your pet will not be able to jump, climb and become clumsy.