The object of trimming a cat’s claws is not to shorten the claws as much as possible; the objective here is to blunt the sharp “hook” curve of the nail. This thin curved portion of the claw is the part that does the most damage to fabrics when cats scratch. Cutting only this curved portion is important; cutting too far can cause bleeding. The thick, pink section of a cat’s claw--the quick--contains both blood vessels and nerve endings; trimming too far into this area can cause the cat pain. Clip the nail a good distance away from the thick part of the claw and do not cut into any portion of the claw that is pink. If you are unsure, simply snip off the very end—the sharp tip of the claw—the removal of this portion will blunt the cat’s claws to some extent.
The Three Cs= Control, Calm, Comfort.
Cats, of course, are not generally thrilled with the prospect of having their claws trimmed. Keeping the cat comforted and under control is the key to a successful feline manicure. You can also plan ahead and start playing with your cat’s paws—touch the pads and expose random claws—before you make your first attempt. When you are ready, try to approach your cat when it is relaxed, preferably when he or she is napping or has just awakened from a nap. Playful, active cats are hard to control; trimming is hard enough without the cat trying to play with the clippers!
Make the cat comfortable on your lap and keep the cat’s front paws facing your dominant hand. Use the non-dominant arm and hand to keep control over the cat.
The crook of the elbow should cross the cat’s midsection, allowing the non-dominant hand to grasp the paw. This is how you keep control; the elbow and arm should hold the cat in place with GENTLE pressure. Please don’t squeeze the kitty.
Use the thumb to press down on a toe while using the index finger to press the toe’s pad and expose the claw.
Should the cat struggle, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Calm the cat without allowing it to leave its position. Hug your cat close to your chest and treat it affectionately.
When the cat is calm, expose the claw and hold the nail scissors in your dominant hand. Position the notch in the blade at the middle of the claw’s curve.
Clip the claw quickly and move on to the next. If the cat is disturbed by the noise of the scissors, stop again and soothe your pet.
Clip as many claws as you can in one sitting; however, if the cat becomes very annoyed, hisses, or attempts to bite, abandon the session and try again later. With a little patience, you will soon be able to clip all ten claws in one sitting.
Keeping the cat calm is imperative. NEVER attempt to trim the claws of a struggling, antagonized cat. Use this same process on each claw, including the dew claws on the lower part of the paw. Work confidently, because your pet will sense hesitation or indecision, and rapidly, but remain aware of the cat’s disposition at all times. Patience in the process is essential; a calm cat and a calm “manicurist” will make the experience bearable for everyone involved.