If not taken care of properly, a cat's claw can cause many issues. That's why it's essential to invest in quality cat nail clippers.
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What are the best cat nail clippers in the UK?
Cat's claws are essential to many aspects of their daily life. That is why they must be well-cared for and clipped when they become too long. However, picking the best nail clipper for cats is not always easy!
Most indoor cats don't have the opportunity to go outside and use their nails in nature; that's why they tend to use furniture to sharpen their claws. Long claws might make it difficult for your cat to jump up and down and grab objects as they usually would. To help your cat feel more comfortable, you can buy special cat nail clippers to trim their claws.
This small, practical tool will make your life easier without hurting your pet. Make sure your pet's grooming kit has a suitable nail clipper. With this simple device that trims nails neatly and precisely without harming the nail pulp, grooming time will become almost effortless.
Please browse through our buying guide to compare models and choose the best cat claw clippers.
Summary
Why should I trim my cat's claws?
Generally speaking, cats do not need their claws trimmed. They are very independent animals that can take care of themselves. They use their claws when jumping or climbing, and they should not be too short.
However, indoor cats do not always have the opportunity to use their claws properly. Even if they have scratching posts at their disposal, they cannot take long walks outside where their nails would wear down naturally. In that case, some of them tend to attack the sofa and other furniture to sharpen their claws.
That is why it's essential to give your pet a helping hand by trimming their claws with special cat claw clippers or a small file.
Older or sick cats that don't get much exercise can't wear their claws down as well as they should. If you have an older animal, it's advisable to trim their nails from time to time to save them any discomfort as they go about their daily routine.
How do I trim my cat's claws?
To properly trim your cat's claws, make sure you have the right equipment. Otherwise, you could injure your pet! That's why it's essential to choose cat nail clippers that are easy to hold and use. These small scissors are adapted to the shape of a cat's claws. They allow you to cut the nail quickly and to the right length without breaking it.
Then choose a time when your cat is calm. Cats don't always like to have their claws trimmed! Put your pet in a comfortable position and hold them on your lap or a table. It's crucial that both of you feel comfortable.
Then take hold of your cat's paw and gently press the pad to retract the claw. Then cut off the tip of the translucent part with your clippers. If you cut off too much, you risk hurting the pulp, which is rather painful for the animal.
How do you calm a cat down before a claw clipping session?
Cats rarely enjoy being forced to do anything. Nail clipping is, therefore, no fun for most small felines!
If possible, start clipping your cat's claws at a young age. That way, they will get used to the procedure, and it will be less stressful later on.
During each session, comfort your cat by stroking them and talking to them gently. Your cat will sense that you are relaxed and loosen up, too. You can also try distracting the animal with some treats.
What is so special about cat claws?
Cat claws are retractable, which means they are visible only when extended. When the animal is not using them, they are well hidden into the paw pads. The claws come out as soon as the cat feels like grabbing something or holding on to something.
Cat claws consist of several layers of horny tissue and pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels and nerves, which is why the nails should not be cut too short.
Cat claws have several functions. They are crucial when the animal wants to climb or jump, hunt, and defend themselves. Cats also use them to mark their territory. As a result, your pet uses claws in nearly every area of their daily life. They must be well cared for.
Is it necessary to cut your cat's claws?
It all depends on your pet's lifestyle. If your cat is a homebody, lives in a flat, or doesn't get much activity, it's a good idea to clip their nails from time to time.
On the other hand, if your pet spends a lot of time running, jumping, and exploring its territory, their claws will naturally wear down. Trimming them, in this case, is unnecessary and will simply stress your cat out.
Is claw trimming painful for the cat?
No, it is not painful at all, as long as you don't cut them too short. Your kitty's claws are much like your fingernails. The white part is cut, just like the tip of the nails. It's just hard tissue with no nerves, so it doesn't hurt.
The pink part of human nails is very sensitive. If you cut it, it can bleed and hurt! The same applies to cat claws: you have to be careful not to cut the small blood vessel.
