File :-(, x, )
nail/claw trimmayng Anonymous
Trimming cats claws.
Better than declawing, less intrusive.
I can handle my cat and push her claws out without her minding (now, with much 'training')

I thought it would be straight-foreward, but I've encountered enigmatic advice.

"Many people hold the clippers at right angles to the nail, thus cutting across the nail. This tends to make the nail more subject to splitting or fraying."

"It is better to hold the clippers in a vertical position--that is, up and down, so that the claw is trimmed from bottom to top instead of across the nail. This position help prevent splitting."

Parallel? Right angle? This doesn't make sense to simple Anon here.

(I understand cats and dogs have more dense/thick nail structures that can 'splinter', which is what I am trying to avoid)

Can someone 'splain these instructions more clearly?
>> Anonymous
Google, learn to use it.

You'll find professional answers.

Christ, whats wrong with people these days? So lonely they have to ask blatant questions in order to get some sort of communication.
>> Anonymous
ok you know how you can take your toenail clippers and just clip ur nail, basically making a square out of it? or you can hold it vertical (at a right angle to the line of your nail) and make a turn with the nail to follow the roundness of the finger/nail. i assume it means the same for the cat, basically giving it a little claw instead of its natural claw
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Ecksplaned.
>> Anonymous
OP here..
'kay.. still doesn't help.
NEED: trimming *to avoid splintering nails*.

googled to get quote from site with that pic I've seen trimming pics already, dont help.

Apparently, there are ways to trim nails that do and do not splinter animals nails (already know about quick, blunt tips, etc).

I think I understand nao through my own lurking: nail should be trimmed so first cut is through entirety of bottom or top of nail, not through side of nail. Is this rite?
>> Anonymous
>>180569
Cat's nails are not like human nails, they cannot just be cut and move on.

Cut like in that picture there, then gently file the rough edges.

Should help smooth it out and not snag/fray.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>180569

Humans have horizontal thin nails
Cats and dogs have vertical thick nails

Hold nail clippers vertically for theirs, you do not hold the clippers at same angle as for cutting your own

Correct.
>> Anonymous
Oh and as for splintering..

Human Nail clippers can lead to shattering and splintered claws, so buy a pair of special cat trimming clippers.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
Ok guys, I'm a pet nurse at a pet hospital and I'm gonna share the same advice that we share with all our clients:

DO *NOT* USE A HUMAN NAIL CUTTER!
Human nail cutters are intended for flat nails, cats nails are NOT flat! You risk splitting their nail down the middle with those!
DO NOT, DO NOT DO ********NOT******* USE HUMAN NAIL CUTTERS!

Go to walmart and buy a cheap $4 animal nail trimmer in the pet section. It'll last you a life-time, you'll use it often, it's worth it. So DO IT you cheap-ass!

Secondly, not all pets have clear nails where you can see the pink quick. Some (mostly dogs) have black nails and it's impossible to tell where the quick is.

I've drawn a little diagram to show you the technique that I've always used (and have NEVER in my entire career hit a quick)

Draw an imaginary line from the pad of the foot to the tip of the nail. (See picture if you're too dumb to imagine it.) It is there at that point that you should clip the nail by holding the let straight and at a comfortable position where the pet isn't straining and won't try to kick it's leg free.

Use the nail trims to cut the nail.

*IF* you're a jackass and ignore my advice to never cut any higher and accidentally cut the quick and is now bleeding, make sure you have a small container (Film canister, zip lock baggie, etc...) full of plain ol' white cooking flour. Dab the nail until the flour blocks the blood flow and allow it to heal naturally. (Won't hurt kitty/puppy if they lick the flour off their nail later)

Congrats! Now you're nail trimming like a pro!
>> Anonymous
so which part do i cut then..
>> Anonymous
>>180603
+1 Informative
>> Anonymous
>>180603
This is excellent advice.

It's also a good idea to be really really gentle (yet decisive) about the nail trimming thing. My half-sister once messed it up with her mini poodle, cutting into the vein in the nail -- ended up scarring the poor thing so that now trimming takes two hours because the dog becomes so agitated that she has to take a few minutes' break after each nail.
>> Anonymous
>>180603
thanks, but could you offer your take on cats that are not cooperative and resort to hissing, growling, swatting, and full-on biting whenever its paws are handled for claw maintenance?
>> Anonymous
>>181052
if you can get it in a carrier without much trouble, take it to a vet. I know mine really well, and he just does it for free.
>> Anonymous
>>181052

Ok, but this is going to take some work. Not for lazy people.

Step 1: Start off by at least once a day everyday stroking your cat's paws. Just lightly, don't attempt to move the paw or get the claws to come out, just light touching. When the cat begins to piss and moan, a loud "NO". When the cat is silent and permits it, give him/her a treat. A couple of days after you've managed to get the cat to a point where he/she will tolerate you touching their paws, move to step 2.

Step 2. Repeat procedure above except this time less delicately, lift paws, hold them, etc. A couple of days after you've managed this without complaint go to step 3.

Step 3. Repeat prodedure except this time making the claws come out. This one step should take less time than the first two.

Step 4. Clip nails!

Step 5. Profit!
>> tigerfeather !CrwtTbFNxQ
>>181247
I have a cat that complains and fights the whole time I clip her nails even though I've been working with her since she was about four weeks old. It usually involves either cursing up a storm while holding her firmly and clipping (I was a pet groomer for a few years, so it's not that difficult for me), or having my fiance scruff her while I clip. Some cats just never let you do it, although usually that's reserved for traditionally genetically weird cats (such as calicos...my bad cat is a fairly rare orange and white female).