Why does cat bites when trimming nails? If you’re worried that your cat’s claws might be getting too big, it’s essential to cut them every month to keep their tip-top shape. Doing so can protect both you and your pet, and it can also save your furniture, such as your couches and curtains.
While it’s not an ideal alternative to declawing, nail-trimming can be a fast and effective way to remove unwanted hair.
If you’re worried that your nails are getting bitten by a cat’s claws, don’t be afraid to try it out. It only takes a couple of trial sessions to improve your skills.
Is It Normal for Cats to Bite While Trimming Their Nails?
Generally, cats do not care when you touch their nails, but they do. There are some instances. Some cats are sensitive to certain sensations and go into what I refer to as sensory overload. For example, getting its nails trimmed is a sign of being held against its will.
If your cat is getting agitated when you’re playing or petting him, watch for these signs: His tail will start twitching, his ears will start turning back, his body posture will gradually deteriorate, and his pupils will start twitching. Stop and walk away from him.
What Happens if You Don’t Trim Your Cat’s Nails?
Although it’s a requirement for cats to have their nails trimmed, cats do not like regular nail trims. Most people don’t feel comfortable with their cats getting their nails done. She also states that training cats could reduce their stress levels.
Getting your cat’s nails trimmed is very important, as it can prevent them from growing into a foot pad and causing severe pain. It can also pose a threat to furniture and people.
How Can I Clip an Aggressive Cat’s Nails?
One of the most typical reasons cats bite when you cut their nails is their memory of their pain. If you don’t know how to cut their nails properly, you could cause them to hurt themselves or even cause them to get injured.
Start With a Single Claw
After your cat has calmed down enough to allow you to handle their paws, it’s time to start cutting their nails. You can start with just one claw, and if they do well, try to clip another one.
If your cat tries to get away, just let it go. It’s better to have your furry friends know that they can leave when they want to, as cats might bite you if they feel threatened.
If your cat attacks, bites or makes growling noises, then it’s essential to let them know that it’s OK to have their nails cut. The goal is to make the experience as positive as possible so that they associate it with good things.
Read also: Do Cat Claws Grow Back?
Caress Your Feline’s Feet
Don’t cut your cat’s claws just yet. Instead, use your hands to gently pet and extend their claws.
If your cat shows signs of aggression or fear, stop and give them time to calm down before trying again. It will allow them to handle their feet and reward them with treats and praise. Also, this is a great time to introduce yourself to their new claws.
You should also learn how to extend your cat’s claws so they can handle them more easily. Also, try to avoid touching their feet before they get upset. It will allow you to end their experience on a positive note.
Extend Claws
To avoid damaging the cat’s claws, try extending its natural length before cutting it. It will allow you to see where you’re going to trim nails.
To do this, hold the cat’s paw in your hand and extend its claws. You can also do this by having one toe between one’s thumb and index finger and squeezing the knuckle.
It’s essential to allow the cat’s claws to extend without too much pressure. Hold it in the desired position once you can see the whole nail.
Identify the Nails to Cut
The quick part of the nail is responsible for the nerve and blood flow to the cat’s body. It can also cause pain if you cut it.
The structure of the cat’s nails is also responsible for identifying its nails. For instance, if you look at a retracted cat claw, its pink part is near its paw pads. It’s also noteworthy that the black cat’s nails have a different structure.
While it’s OK to trim a cat’s nails, doing so too profoundly can cause painful wounds. The quick can split into two parts if you’re not careful when cutting a cat’s claws. It can happen if you use a dull or too short cutter. Having the correct location of the fast will allow you to avoid it while you’re cutting.
Utilize a Sharp Tool
If your cat’s nails start to splinter, it’s time to replace their tool.
When cutting your cat’s nails, it’s essential to use a sharp tool. A dull pair of cutters can splinter the nail too close to the quick, which can cause it to get painful—making each cut can also be more challenging as it requires more effort.
A pair of sharp nail trimmers will allow you to trim each nail in under a second, especially if your cat gets impatient or doesn’t behave appropriately during the process.
Read also: Top 5 Best Clippers for Cats with Mats and a Buying Guide
Only Cut the Tip of the Claws
Before you start cutting your cat’s nails, it’s essential to trim the tip of its claws. Doing so will prevent it from getting injured. If you’re going to cut them too long, you might want to go back later to make a better cut.
It’s also essential to avoid cutting too soon as this can cause the cat to get injured. Also, while you’re learning how to cut, it’s best to leave plenty of space around the animal to prevent it from getting damaged.
You should also make sure that you cut the claw from the proper angle. It should be straight across, not pointed. You should also avoid missing it from side to side.
Never Forget the Dew Claws
The claw dew is one of the most problematic nails to cut. It’s also the most crucial part of your cat’s paw pads. It gets worn down when your cat scratches, making it more likely to grow long and get stuck in their paw pads.
If you don’t know the dew claw, it’s your cat’s fifth claw, located somewhere on their thumb.
Your pet will react to your actions by taking cues from you. For instance, if you’re trimming their nails, you will use their energy to feed off of that.
You should avoid getting carried away by the situation. Instead, approach it with calm and confidence. It will help you and your cat go through the process smoothly.
If you’re afraid that your cat will bite you again, try to make it so that they can’t attack you by having someone else restrain them. It will help you feel safer and help your cat feel less fearful.
How to Stop Your Cat Biting When You Trim Their Nails?
It can be hard to teach a cat to accept nail trimming, especially since it involves patience. However, it’s best to start the process when a kitten is young.
Sometimes, it’s possible to have your cat’s natural claws handled. However, it can be challenging due to various factors, such as cutting their claws too short and adopting a rescue that doesn’t accept its own hands.
Show your cat the tools you’re holding, and let them interact by sniffing them. They might even try to bite you.
Reward good behavior by giving your cat treats or even sniffing the clippers. Also, keep in mind that your cat will likely stay calm while the clippers are in place.
If your cat gets aggressive, or shows aggression, move them away from the tools so that they can calm down.
Don’t punish or discipline your cat for reacting to the clippers. It will only make them more fearful.
