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Courtesy
of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Most cats do not like having their toenails trimmed. Start
trimming toenails in young animals so that they get used
to the process. You may also want to give them a treat every
time you cut their nails so that they associate it with
something pleasant. Some cats will happily sit in your lap
or on a table while you trim their nails but many require
some form of restraint.
To restrain
a cat in your lap, use your forearms draped over the cat's
neck and hind-end to keep the cat in your lap. The clipper
is held in the right. The scissors-type and human nail clipper
are good one to use.
Most
cats have light colored toenails, making it easy to see
the blood vessels and nerves that supply the toenail as
a pink stripe at the base of the nail, which is called a
quick. You want to cut the toenail to within approximately
2 millimeters of the quick.
Be careful
not to cut too high. If you cut into the quick, the toenail
will bleed and the cat will experience pain.
Any
grooming business, including Petco, will cut your cat's
claws. Many veterinarians will clip your cat's claws for a nominal
fee. You can always call your local vet to find out if they
do it and what they charge. Paws Inn Chelsea at 145 West
24th Street (near 6th Avenue) charges just $10 and you can
usually get an appointment for the same day, but you should
call first. The phone number is (212) 645-7297.
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