5 Tips To Make Cutting Your Cat's Nails Easier
If you're a cat owner, you'll know what we mean when we say that one of the most stressful experiences you may have is trying to cut your cat's nails. Cats tend to misbehave and move about a lot, making cutting their nails quite a challenge. That said, cat behaviorists say that cats can be trained to tolerate and, in fact, enjoy nail trims!
So, how do you ensure that your next nail-cutting session with your cat happens smoothly and stress-free? Here are some tips you can follow:
1. Set The Right Mood
Have a pair of slippers, a massage brush, a small toy, or a feather duster handy to make your cat more relaxed. You can also practice your slow-blowing technique on your cat. Make sure that you are breathing like you are blowing air through a straw while you're practicing. Your cat will soon get used to the feel of your breath on her body and will accept the sensation of having a part of her body, like her paws, massaged by the slow-blowing technique.
2. Have Everything Ready
Before you start trimming your cat's nails, make sure that you have everything you need in one place: your cat, a towel, a ramp, a good location/surface for trimming, some treats, and a pair of cat nails clippers. You don't want anything to get in the way of you finishing the trimming session easily and without a glitch.
3. Measure Twice, Cut Once
There's a reason why builder's mottos include "measure twice, cut once." Applying the same principle here, spend a few minutes measuring your cat's nails before you cut them. You don't want to be halfway through a nail trim session only to realize that your clippers are too small to reach the part of the nail you are trying to trim. And if you're using human nail clippers to cut your cat's nails, you can use the ruler you used for measuring to help gauge where the clippers need to be placed to make the cut.
4. Take It Slow
Don't rush through the nail trim session. Be patient, talk to your cat, use the slow blowing technique on her, and give her treats when she is good. The nail trimming process should be interactive and enjoyable for both you and your cat.
5. Become Friends With Your Cat's Paws
Most cats do not like having their paws touched. So, why not spend a few weeks getting your cat used to having her paws touched and examined before you start trying to trim her nails? Start by gently rubbing your cat's paws and massaging them. Let her paw you back to get her used to being mauled. When you feel she's willing to tolerate your paw-touching, try to look at the pads of her paws. Use the slow blowing technique to get her used to that sensation, too.
Conclusion
Remember, the most important thing about cutting your cat's nails is to be patient. With all the tips above, the experience can become easier, but sometimes, staying calm and adapting to how your cat reacts will be what you need to master to enjoy a better cat nail-cutting experience! That being said, the more you do it, the better you'll be, and the more your cat will get used to it, making it all the easier.
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