If you have a cat, you know that their claws can get pretty long if you don’t trim them regularly. But what happens if you don’t trim your cat’s nails?
Overgrown nails can cause a lot of problems for your feline friend. For one, they can make it difficult for your cat to walk and run properly.
Additionally, overgrown thick cat claws can get caught on things and tear, which can be painful for your cat.
If you’re unsure how to trim your cat’s nails, if you notice cat ingrown claws or cat claws growing into pads, you can always take them to a groomer or vet. They’ll be able to quickly and safely trim your cat’s nails so that they’re back to normal.
How Often You Should Trim Your Cat’s Nails
As a general rule of thumb, cat owners should trim their cat’s nails every two weeks or so. This will help keep them at a healthy length and prevent any problems associated with abnormally overgrown cat claws.
If you hear your cat’s claws clicking on the ground, or you notice your cat’s foot getting stuck in the carpet or blanket, you may consider it time to cut overgrown cat nails.
Scratching posts are a great way to keep your cat’s claws under control, without having to trim cat nails yourself. Trimming cat claws doesn’t have to occur as regularly if your cat is able to file them on scratching surfaces.
Additionally, outdoor cats claws may need to be trimmed less often because tree bark can provide an adequate scratching surface. Cats love to climb trees and explore, and the more your cat is able to do this, the duller their nails may become.
Older cats may be more susceptible to ingrown nails as they don’t move around as much. If your cat appears to limp or resist walking or running, make sure to do an inspection for overgrown cat nails!
Always keep an eye on your cat’s paw pad to make sure their nails aren’t becoming thick, overgrown, ingrown or yellowish-brown or if your cat’s claw growing in a circle.
Tips and Tricks for Cutting Your Cat’s Nails
If your cat’s nails are getting a little too long, it’s time for a trim! But if you’ve never done it before, the thought of cutting your cat’s nails may be a bit daunting.
Don’t worry – I’m here to help!
Here are a few tips and tricks for cutting your cat’s nails and avoiding paw pad trauma:
- Start by holding your cat in your lap or on a table. You’ll want to have them in a position where they’re comfortable but also not able to squirm away. Next, take a look at your cat’s nails and identify the pink part, called the quick. You’ll want to avoid cutting into the quick as it can be painful for your cat.\
- Push on the pad to bring the claw out. This will make it easier to see what you’re doing and avoid accidentally cutting into the quick.
- Swaddle your cat in a blanket or towel. This will help to keep them still and make them feel more secure.
- Distract them with treats. If your cat is food-motivated, try giving them some tasty treats while you trim their nails.
- Cut at a 45-degree angle. This will help to avoid the quick and reduce the risk of bleeding.
- Use sharp scissors or human nail clippers. Dull tools can crush the nail and be painful for your cat.
- Be careful! Take your time and be extra careful not to hurt your feline friend.
If you follow these tips, trimming your cat’s nails will be a breeze! Just remember to go slowly and be careful not to cut into the quick. If you do accidentally cut the quick, don’t worry – see our section on what to do below.
What to Do if You Cut the Quick
Once you’ve located the quick, use a nail trimmer (you can find these at any pet store) to carefully trim the tips of your cat’s nails. Don’t cut too much off at once – just do a little bit at a time until you reach the desired length.
If you accidentally cut the quick, don’t panic! Here’s what to do:
1. Apply pressure. Use a clean cloth or gauze pad to apply pressure to the bleeding nail.
2. Apply a styptic powder or pen (see below). This will help to stop the bleeding.
- If you want a nail-trimming hack – go to the pet store and purchase a product called QuikClot! This comes as a powder and is extremely useful to have on hand in case you do trim your cat’s nails too short and the quick starts to bleed. Simply dip your cat’s nail into this powder and it immediately stops the bleeding.
3. Give your cat a treat. This will help to distract them from the pain and make them forget about the incident altogether!
4. Have patience. It may take a few days for the quick to grow back out. In the meantime, be extra careful when trimming your cat’s nails.
And that’s it! By following these steps, you can quickly and easily trim your cat’s nails at home. Just be sure to go slowly and be careful not to cut into the quick. If you’re unsure, always err on the side of caution and take your cat to a groomer or vet for help.
Ingrown Cat Claws
Have you ever experienced the pain that comes with an ingrown finger or toenail? It can be pretty excruciating. The condition can sometimes get so bad that the nail needs to be completely removed!
An ingrown cat claw is when the nail grows into the paw pad. This can be extremely painful for your cat and can even lead to infection if not treated properly.
If you think your cat has an ingrown claw, the first thing you should do is take them to the vet. They’ll be able to properly diagnose and treat the problem. In some cases, they may need to trim the nail or even perform surgery.
Ingrown claws can be prevented by regularly trimming your cat’s nails and keeping them at a healthy length. If your cat’s claws are particularly thick or your cat is completely averse to having their nails trimmed – consider taking him to a groomer, or if they might need sedation, the vet!
Vet Costs for Nail Trim vs Ingrown Nail Treatment
The average cost of a cat nail trim is between $10 and $30. However, if your cat needs sedation or anesthesia for the procedure, the cost will be significantly higher – typically around $100 or more.
On the other hand, the average cost of ingrown claw treatment is also between $100 and $300. In some cases, surgery may even be necessary, which can cost upwards of $1,000!
As you can see, it’s much cheaper to regularly trim your cat’s nails than it is to treat an ingrown claw. Not to mention, it’s also much less painful for your feline friend!
Can Cats Get Nail Fungus?
Just like humans, cats can get nail fungus. This is a condition caused by a fungus that enters the nail through a cut or crack. The most common symptom of nail fungus is a yellow or brown discoloration of the nails. Other symptoms may include brittle nails, crumbling nails, and bad odor.
If you think your cat has nail fungus, the best thing to do is take them to the vet. They’ll be able to properly diagnose and treat the problem. In some cases, oral or topical antibiotics may be necessary.
To prevent nail fungus, it’s important to keep your cat’s nails clean and trimmed. If your cat’s toes have overgrown nails, this will lead to more surface area, and therefore more room for fungus to grow. Additionally, if your cat has any cuts or cracks in their nails, be sure to clean and disinfect them immediately.
This can be done by using a mild soap and water, hydrogen peroxide, or a veterinary disinfectant on cat nails. Be sure to rinse the nails thoroughly and dry them completely before applying any medication.
Conclusion
Pet owners know that if their cat’s nails grow quickly, this can be painful for your feline friend and can even lead to infection if not treated properly. Regularly trimming your cat’s nails and keeping them clean is the best way to prevent this problem. If you think your cat has an ingrown claw, take them to the vet immediately.
*image by gpointstudio/depositphotos