There are cats out there that don’t mind having their nails trimmed, however there are many more that simply do not! These are a few tricks I have learned over the years on how to safely and quickly trim toe nails!

Good quality nail trimmers

I prefer the safari cat nail trimmers.  If you have larger hands and find the safari clippers to be too small, the “Buster” small nail trimmers work well. 

Don’t squeeze those paws

Many Cats don’t like their paws touched. Gently apply pressure to access the nail tip but do not squeeze hard. Cats will immediately react negatively to this and you may get bit.

Good lighting

It’s hard to see their claws without good lighting. Trimming their toe nails in a well lit room will make the job much quicker. 

Positioning 

Positioning is one of the most important things to do when trimming kitty claws.  

1. Between the knees (1 person)

This is the preferred method with my own cats. With nail trimmers in hand, I kneel down and wedge my cats bum between my thighs. I apply pressure with my legs, but not an uncomfortable amount. I lean forward and take the paw from the front. I only lift the paw up enough where I can apply a bit of pressure to the centre pad to extend the nails and start clipping. The back claws are always harder to do with one person…I sometimes cannot get them all done in one try. Repeat the same steps for the back nails only rest your elbows on the ground so you can apply a bit of pressure to your cat with your chest while you access the back paws. 

2. Counter kitty (2 people)

The kitty lays/stands on the end of the counter with one person hugging the cat snug to their body. The other person will clip the nails from the front or the side of the cat making sure to not pull on the leg. 

Treats or positive reinforcement

Have treats/food ready for when you are done! Some cats will respond to treats, others may want to run away. If your cat is a runner, let him/her get settled after the nail trim is done and then deliver the treats to wherever the hiding place may be. Put the treats down so your cat can eat once the realization hits that everything is ok! 

If you are struggling to find a method that works for you and your cat, you can call your veterinarian and they may be able to demonstrate how it is done. I can also show you my techniques if I visit your cats in your home.