How to get cats used to nail trimmings
Indoor cats need regular nail trimmings every two to three weeks to prevent health issues (such as broken claws or nails that grow into paw pads). Nail trimming also helps keep your furniture safe from inappropriate scratching. Not all cats are immediately ok with manicures however… so how do we get them there?
How to Trim Cat Nails
In the video above, I demonstrate some techniques with a recent feral rescue cat who has never had a nail trim before. Steps to follow (start with a relaxed and sleepy cat):
Get your cat used to the feel of your hand on their paw pad. Sometimes this is the hardest/biggest step for your cat and they will not be accustomed to this unusual sensation. Gently touch their paw, and stop any time your cat becomes uncomfortable or upset. Continue with step 1 until your cat is now ok with paw touching (this could take days!).
Move from simply touching the paw to gently squeezing it, to extend the nails. This will be another unusual feeling for your feline and be ready for a reaction on their end. You may want to have treats handy to reward your cat when they do NOT respond negatively to this sensation. Always praise a good response, and stop trials when the cat gives a negative response until they have calmed down.
Now that your cat is used to paw touching and manipulation, you can introduce them to the nail clippers. Simply place the item in front of your cat and let them sniff and even play with the clippers! We want these to be familiar, recognizable objects that are non-threatening.
Gently touch the nail clippers to your cat’s paw (you are NOT clipping nails yet, you are just letting your cat know the clippers will be in contact with their paw and that it’s ok). Do this several times until you have no reaction from your cat.
Now you are ready to attempt a trim! Gently pick up a paw and extend the claws. Clip ONE nail and watch your cat closely for a reaction. If there is any reaction (including a startled reaction), put the paw and clippers down and give your cat praise and pats (and/or treats). You may start again once your cat is back in a relaxed and calm body position. It may take days or weeks of this work to fully acclimate your cat to nail clipping, but the end result will be a cat that doesn’t require toweling or wrestling for nail trims, and that isn’t traumatized by the experience. :)
Now, if you are curious about nail grinders, you can read about my experience using the Catsizor cat nail grinder here.