猫の爪切りは必要なのか?そのやり方や頻度をお伝え! - MOFUCAT

Do you need your cat's nails clipped? Let us know how and how often!

When you look at your beloved cat, you find time to sharpen its claws, such as after waking up or after eating. For this reason, many pet owners wonder if they need nail clipping. As a matter of fact, indoor cats need nail trimming. In this article, we will tell you how often and how to cut your nails. We also tell you how to deal with difficult cases and bleeding, so if you are a cat owner who wants to know more about nail clipping, please check it out.

I need my cat's nails clipped!

For indoor cats, nail trimming is required. In the case of cats that live outdoors, their claws will naturally sharpen as they climb trees and fences, and they will use their sharpened claws to catch prey, so there is no need to cut their claws. On the other hand, domestic cats do not have such behavior, so if their nails are not trimmed, they will grow (thicken). Extended nails can get caught in curtains and carpets, and not only will the furniture crumble, but the nails may come off or cause injury. Also, thickened nails can pierce the pads, causing bleeding and inflammation. In the case of multiple dogs, each other may get hurt during a fight. In the case of senior cats, the frequency of nail sharpening is also reduced, so there are many opportunities for claws to curl, making it difficult to walk, and causing injuries.

What is the structure of a cat's claw?

Unlike human nails, cat nails have a layered structure similar to that of an onion. The nail sharpening removes the old outer nail and exposes the new inner nail. If you have a cat, you'll often see thin, transparent objects in your room, and that's the old outer claws. Normally, the claws are stored between the paws, but when the dog grabs something or climbs a tree, the claws are protruded by applying force to the paws.

How often should you cut your cat's nails?

Generally, you should trim your cat's nails about once a month. However, the way the nails grow differs depending on the child's behavior and how often they sharpen their nails, so it's okay if you cut your cat's nails when you think they've grown. Also, it may be difficult to cut all the nails at once, so you can do it on separate days, such as "Today only the front leg!" "Today only the left side!"

How to cut a cat's nails?

A cat's claws are easier to cut than a dog's. This is because you can see through the blood vessels that run through the nail. If you don't cut this part, it won't hurt and you won't bleed. However, when actually clipping the nails of a cat, many owners say, "It's hard because it goes wild...". Therefore, the key to nail sharpening for cats is speed and tricks. First of all, when cutting nails, it is easier with two people. One person hugs and holds it, and the other cuts it. If you want to retain the cat, hold the joints firmly so that the cat does not pull its legs back. If you want to cut it, push the paw pad and the nail will come out, so you can quickly cut the transparent part. However, if you push the paws too hard, they won't like it, so try to push them lightly. If you do it alone, gently hug him from behind. If you do it while eating churu or snacks, your interest will go there and it will be easier to do. Nail clipping can be done relatively easily when the cat is as relaxed and sleepy as possible. By the way, cats have 10 claws, 5 on each front foot, and 8 claws, 4 on each back foot. It's easy to forget about the dewclaws on the front paws, which are the parts that touch your thumbs, and they grow easily, so be sure to check them out. It's easier to use a guillotine type nail clipper for cats than a human nail clipper, so it's a good idea to have one. Also, by doing it from a kitten, there are many things that will let you get used to it.

nail clipper type

There are two types of nail clippers for cats: the guillotine type and the scissors type. The characteristic of the guillotine type is that it applies force evenly and cuts smoothly. This type is commonly used in veterinary clinics. On the other hand, the scissors type has the same shape as the so-called scissors, so it has the advantage of being easy to handle even for beginners. The nails of kittens and young cats are soft, so they tend to be easier to cut with this type of scissors. Also, the scissors type can cut thick nails that have bitten into the paws better.

If it is difficult, use a bath towel etc.

If your cat wiggles or is intimidating, you can use a bath towel or laundry net to wrap it around its body and clip its nails. At this time, the point is to wrap the whole body from the head. If your dog bites, you can use an Elizabethan collar.

Compression hemostasis if bleeding occurs

If you cut your nail too deep and it bleeds, apply pressure to stop the bleeding and strongly press the bleeding point. It would be nice to use a towel, gauze, cotton, etc. Bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure for about 5 minutes. I don't need disinfection in particular. If it still doesn't stop, check with your veterinarian.

In difficult cases, at a veterinary hospital

However, clipping a cat's nails can be difficult. I hate nail clipping because I hold it down at home! It's not just going to be, but the trust with the owner is also going to be bad. Also, it can cause panic. If it's too difficult to do, or if it gets violent, don't hesitate to get it done at a veterinary hospital or trimming salon. It depends on the veterinary hospital, but most of them will charge around 1,000 yen for nail clipping and examination fee.

[Summary] Is it necessary to clip a cat's nails? Let us know how and how often!

Cats are animals that sharpen their claws, but they also need to be clipped. When doing it with two people, it is easier to do it when one person holds it and the other person cuts the nail, and when doing it alone, it is easier to wrap it in a bath towel. Many cats don't like clipping their nails, so if you don't like it, don't force yourself to do it.
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