Nail Trims: How We've Mastered This With Blue

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

We knew that if we wanted a cat who didn’t fight back or wince at the sight of clippers each time we brought them out, we had to establish a nail-trimming routine with Blue as early as possible. Since many of my pets growing up were cats, I knew how difficult and triggering this process could be for all parties and that we’d often come out with more than a few war wounds.

The cat-in-a-blanket method proved to be successful, which many cat owners can probably attest to, but we couldn’t help but feel we were causing more harm than good. More specifically, we felt it left our poor kitties traumatized and hindered the trust pet parents should have with their fur babies.

Things were going to be different this time around. We were determined to create a warm environment, shower her with affection and a few treats, and hopefully eliminate any chance of her associating nail trims negatively. What we hoped for Blue was that she’d do more than tolerate the process, she’d enjoy it.

From the moment we brought Blue home, I insisted nail trims were a weekly chore. In attempts to deviate from our clipping rituals, she would try to wriggle and claw her way out of our grip. Luckily, she was a tiny ball of fluff so keeping her lap bound was simple. The front paws were always a bit easier than her back. She was used to being handled so working our way through each pad felt like normal motions whereas us wanting her hind legs front and center felt foreign and unnatural.

Our Process

Although my knowledge of feline nail trims was slim, I was determined to find a solution that worked for us. I found the following tips to be extremely beneficial for both Blue and I.

1. Positioning

The position we held her in was always the same. An upward sitting pose. Her tail tucked under her butt with her back leaning against our tummy. Like a baby would sit on an adult.  This meant all four paws were out in front and her head faced away from us so we could quickly maneuver from one nail to another without having to make any major adjustments to positioning. This might not sound like the most comfortable sitting position for a cat, which is what leads me to our next tip.

2. Speed

Getting the job done as quickly as possible plays a major role. At this point, she knows a quick minute or two is all it takes. Blue is agreeable and sits still until we’ve worked through every paw and nail.  We may have had a few squabbles in the past; us countering sharp movements, consoling meows of protest, and a  few less-than-loving bites but with persistence and regularity, she has grown to accept the process and understands the more still she is, the faster she’s free! But like anything, speed does not trump my next tip.

3. Trimming Accuracy

Your trim agility is canceled out if you’ve managed to knick every nail along the way. Blue has clear nails across the board, so finding her quick and avoiding it is an easy feat. If you’re unfamiliar with feline nail anatomy and where you should be cutting, I suggest you do your research before getting down to business.

4. Using the Right Tools

Having a sharp set of clippers also prevents the nails from splitting and ensures quick and painless trims. Dull clippers may cause unnecessary stress to the joints from awkward pulling or excessive force and may result in uneven jagged cuts. So I’d recommend investing in a solid pair of clippers that you safely tote away from moisture between trims.

5. Rewards

Regardless of how successful your session was, reward your kitty for their efforts. If they associate finishing nail trims with a delicious treat, they may be more inclined to be more cooperative in the future.

Wrapping Up

Every cat will react differently to grooming sessions but how we interact with our pets during these high-stress times will speak volumes about the experience they have. Be calm, and consistent, and remind yourself that with a little persistence, the process will probably get much easier.

Have you ever witnessed your cat erratically try to unhook a single stuck claw, desperate to be free? Well, routine trims can prevent these so your cat can play unstuck and stress-free. Your furniture and carpets will more than likely reap the benefits too.