| Cats naturally scratch at objects or chew to | | | | midpoint between the end of the quick and the tip |
| maintain their nails. If claws are not properly | | | | of the claw. Work quickly and don't forget to trim |
| maintained they can grow into the pad of the | | | | the dew claw located at the inner side of each |
| cat's paw causing severe pain or infection. | | | | front paw. |
| Overgrown claws are most often a problem in | | | | If you accidentally cut into the "quick" |
| non-active older cats or cats that don't groom | | | | don't panic. Although potentially painful this will not |
| their claws enough. To combat overgrown claws | | | | cause serious harm. Any bleeding will normally |
| many cat owners trim their cat's nails regularly. | | | | subside within a few minutes. If the bleeding |
| For other cat lovers trimming is also a means to | | | | continues dab the bleeding claw into styptic |
| protect household furniture. | | | | powder. If you don't have styptic powder |
| To trim your cat's claws you will first need some | | | | available you can also use baking powder, flour or |
| nail trimmers, styptic powder and a few cat | | | | a bar of soap to stem the bleeding. |
| treats. The best time to get in a trim is when | | | | If your cat won't sit still long enough to finish all |
| your cat is sleepy and relaxed. So gather your | | | | paws just clip a few nails at a time. Focus on the |
| cat into your lap and snuggle for a few | | | | front paws as these tend to grow unchecked |
| minutes.Grasp your cat's paw between your | | | | more often than the rear. After a successful |
| thumb and forefinger then press gently to expose | | | | session remember to reward your cat with |
| your cat's claw. Pay special attention to the pink | | | | special attention or a treat. |
| base of the claw. This is known as the | | | | If your pet is particularly uncooperative you can |
| "quick" and you should avoid trimming | | | | always have their claws trimmed at the vet or |
| into this area. Ideally you should clip at the | | | | groomer. |