How do people living alone trim their cat’s claws?

The user’s question, on Reddit, is about employing one person to hold down a cat with a towel while the other trims the claws. It needs two people. She has a particular problem because her cat is a domesticated stray/feral. They are less cooperative than normal and normal is often very uncooperative. 😎

Growing up we trimmed our cat’s claws by having one person wrap the cat in a towel and hold him still while the second person used the finger nail clippers to trim. But now I live alone and it is so much harder to use this method. I can get my cat wrapped up in the towel but then trying to free just one paw and get it to a position I can see what I’m doing while trying to hold the cat still within the towel one handed and get the nail clippers into place is a nightmare. 

Reddit user

First point: indoor/outdoor cats don’t need their claws trimmed as they are naturally worn down unless they are a senior cat in which case the claws are not worn down and sometimes, they can be in-growing claws. Constant checks are advisable.

Second point: “Cats should get used to having their paws handled and their nails trimmed while they are still kittens. Older cats who have not grown accustomed to the procedure might be difficult to manage.” (Veterinarian advice)

I’d back the suggestion that the following procedure might be employed if the cat is difficult – no guarantees.

The cat is in a sleepy frame of mind. Perhaps it is daytime and the cat is nocturnal! If the cat is sleepy, the caregiver might “gently squeeze one toe between your thumb and finger to extend the nail”. At which point, the nail is carefully but speedily trimmed.

That might be the extent of the first claw trimming session. If the cat is pliable and accepting, a second claw might be trimmed as well.

It think that once the person’s hand is on the paw and the nail exposed the trimming needs to be done very quickly and very precisely which is tricky to be frank.

I think it needs practice using an inanimate object. And handling the cat’s paws a lot over time to desensitise the cat to their forepaws being touched and handled.

Usually, cats don’t like their owner messing around with their paws – front or back. It is one of those no-nos. It gets easier with elderly cats as they normally know their caregiver well and are more accepting of handling by them.

..Or alternatively push up on the bottom of the toe to extend the nail. Identify the pink part of the nail (the quick) that contains nerves and blood vessels. Be sure to cut the clear part of the nail well beyond the pink part. If your cat’s nails are dark and you can’t see the quick, cut the nail beyond the point where it starts to curve downwards. BE QUICK AND MATTER-OF-FACT ABOUT IT. YOU MAY FIND IT’S EASIER TO JUST CUT ONE PAW, THEN RETURN FOR ANOTHER PAW LATER IN THE DAY.

Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook 3rd ed at page 123.

Speed is important – with precision – which implies that practising the task beforehand is important. If you are working alone, I feel that you have to sort of ambush your cat and do one claw at a time with gaps in between as cats have short time limits for accepting this kind of human behaviour.

Cats in veterinary clinics are more submissive because of fear which is why vets have a relatively easy time getting a cat to swallow a pill for instance.

If you accidentally cut into the quick the nail will bleed and the cat will feel pain. Hold a cotton ball over the bleed. The blood will clot in a few minutes. Although by this time your cat might have jumped off your lap or counter and run off!

Let’s not pretend, trimming claws is easier than giving a cat a pill but it is still at least potentially very tricky depending on the cat’s personality. Some are compliant. The default will be non-compliance.

Here is some more from Google Gemini which searches the internet for best answers.

How does a single person successfully trim their cat’s claws?

Trimming your cat’s claws can be a two-person job, but it is definitely possible to do it yourself. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need and how to approach it:

Preparation:

• Cat claw clippers: Get a good pair of clippers designed specifically for cat nails. Avoid human nail clippers or scissors, as they can damage the claw. https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Republique-Professional-Nail-Clippers/dp/B01GBSSKVU
• Treats: Have plenty of your cat’s favorite treats on hand to reward them for good behavior.
• Quiet space: Choose a calm and quiet space where your cat feels comfortable and there’s minimal chance of distractions or escape.
• Optional: A towel or blanket can be helpful to place your cat on for better grip.
• Styptic powder or cornstarch: In case of accidental nicks, having some styptic powder or cornstarch will help stop any bleeding.

The Trimming Process:

1. Get your cat comfortable: Make sure your cat is relaxed and receptive. Pet them gently and speak in a soothing voice.
2. Hold the paw: Gently but firmly take one of your cat’s paws and press down on the top pad to extend the claws.
3. Identify the quick: Look for the pink part of the claw, this is called the quick and contains blood vessels and nerves. You only want to trim the white tip of the claw, nowhere near the pink part.
4. Clip the tip: Using the clippers, carefully snip off a small portion of the sharp tip of the claw, avoiding the quick entirely.
5. Repeat: Once you’ve finished with one claw, reward your cat with a treat and praise. Then, proceed with the other claws, taking breaks as needed if your cat gets impatient.

Here are some additional tips:

• Start early: If you can get your cat used to having their paws handled from a young age, it will make the trimming process much easier in the long run.
• Take it slow: Don’t try to trim all the claws at once, especially if it’s your first time or your cat is fussy. Take your time and be patient.
• Stop if your cat gets stressed: If your cat gets too stressed or tries to scratch, take a break and come back to it later.
• Ask your vet for help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about trimming your cat’s claws, your vet can show you how to do it properly or recommend a professional groomer.

By following these steps and being patient, you can successfully trim your cat’s claws yourself and keep your furniture and yourself safe from scratches!

Note: I don’t trim my cat’s claws because he is an indoor/outdoor cat and they are worn down naturally. That’s the way it should be. When he is old and less active, I will need to check his forepaws and probably trim them.