{"id":46449,"date":"2015-04-09T20:38:49","date_gmt":"2015-04-10T00:38:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/miserybay.usanethosting.com\/wordpress\/?p=46449"},"modified":"2015-04-09T20:38:49","modified_gmt":"2015-04-10T00:38:49","slug":"pets-163","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/archive1\/pets-163\/","title":{"rendered":"Maralyn's Pet Corner"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nail Trimming 101
\nCat Grooming Tools<\/strong>
\nMake manicures enjoyable and easy for both you and your cat.
\nDoes your kitty disappear when the clippers come out? Do you have to wrap her in a towel to give her a manicure? According to our behavior experts, calm, enjoyable nail-trimming sessions are not only possible\u2014that\u2019s how they should always be! Check out the following tips for getting kitty to relax while you trim, turning nail-clipping sessions into enjoyable together time.
\nSetting the Mood<\/strong>
\nIdeally you should introduce your cat to nail clipping when she\u2019s a kitten. Choose a chair in a quiet room where you can comfortably sit your cat on your lap. Get her when she\u2019s relaxed and even sleepy, like in her groggy, after-meal state. Take care that she isn\u2019t able to spy any birds, wild animals or action outside nearby windows\u2014and make sure no other pets are around.
\nMake Friends with the Paw<\/strong>
\nGently take one of your cat\u2019s paws between your fingers and massage for no longer than the count of three. If your cat pulls her paw away, don\u2019t squeeze or pinch, just follow her gesture, keeping in gentle contact. When she\u2019s still again, give her pad a little press so that the nail extends out, then release her paw and immediately give her a treat. Do this every other day on a different toe until you\u2019ve gotten to know all ten.
\nGet Acquainted with the Clipper<\/strong>
\nYour cat should be at ease with the sound of the clippers before you attempt to trim her nails. Sit her on your lap, put a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the clippers and hold them near your cat. (If she sniffs the clippers, set a treat on top of them for her to eat.) Next, while massaging one of your cat\u2019s toes, gently press her toe pad. When the nail extends, clip the spaghetti with the clippers while still holding your cat\u2019s paw gently. Now release her toe and quickly give her a treat.
\nNever Cut to the Quick<\/strong>
\nThe pink part of a cat\u2019s nail, called the quick, is where the nerves and blood vessels are. Do NOT cut this sensitive area. Snip only the white part of the claw. It\u2019s better to be cautious and cut less of the nail rather than risk cutting this area. If you do accidentally cut the quick, any bleeding can be stopped with a styptic powder or stick. It\u2019s a good idea to keep it nearby while you trim.
\nTime to Clip<\/strong>
\nWith your cat in your lap facing away from you, take one of her toes in your hand, massage and press the pad until the nail extends. Check to see how much of a trim her nails need and notice where the quick begins. Now trim only the sharp tip of one nail, release your cat\u2019s toe and quickly give her a treat. If your cat didn\u2019t notice, clip another nail, but don\u2019t trim more than two claws in one sitting until your cat is comfortable. Be sure to reward her with a special treat afterward. Please note, you may want to do just one paw at a time for the first couple of sessions.
\nClipping Schedule<\/strong>
\nA nail-trimming every ten days to two weeks is a nice routine to settle into. If your cat refuses to let you clip her claws, ask your vet or a groomer for help.
\nWhat Not to Do<\/strong>
\nIf your cat resists, don\u2019t raise your voice or punish her.
\n– Never attempt a clipping when your cat is agitated or you\u2019re upset. And don\u2019t rush\u2014you may cut into the quick.
\n– Don\u2019t try to trim all of your cat\u2019s claws at one time.
\n– Do not<\/strong> declaw. This surgery involves amputating the end of a cat\u2019s toes and is highly discouraged by the ASPCA. Instead, trim regularly, provide your cat with appropriate scratching posts and ask your veterinarian about soft plastic covers for your cat\u2019s claws.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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