A cat's claws that are too long can not only damage furniture and carpeting, but also injure the animal's paw. Sharp, untreated claws bother your pet and grow into the pads, causing an inflammatory process, so they must be regularly treated with nail clippers. They are safe and, thanks to well-thought-out limiters, do not touch the pads and blood vessels, and the cut claws do not delaminate.
What are they?
Claws are natural formations of skin-derived tissue at the tips of the outer phalanges of the fingers of many animals.
They are covered on the outside with a dense layer, inside they contain a network of blood vessels and nerve endings, which must be taken into account when cutting so as not to injure your pet. Cat claws are thin, sharp, retractable. This organ plays a big role in the life of pets: with the help of their claws, cats hunt, defend themselves, climb, maintain balance, play and do many other things. At rest, a cat's claws are always retracted, but if necessary, pets quickly release them. If your cat's claws are always extended or half retracted, you need to pay attention to the pet's health. It's a good idea to take him to the vet and the doctor can determine if there are any underlying conditions or if his nails just need trimming.
Under natural conditions, cat claws do not wear off, as they are protected by a fold of skin and are constantly renewed. They are dense and keratinized, but have a certain layered structure, which allows the outer cover to be regularly renewed. But in some pets they tend to grow back quickly, so it is important to always monitor their condition to prevent problems.
What not to trim your nails
Beginning cat owners often wonder whether it is possible to cut hair with regular scissors. This is highly undesirable, since the risk of damage to the pulp and blood vessels is very high. Unlike human nails, the claws of cats and other animals have tiny blood capillaries running inside them, and the “dead” tip is only a few millimeters.
In addition, it is very convex and strongly curved, so it is almost impossible to trim a cat’s claws carefully and painlessly with ordinary scissors or even manicure accessories.
In order not to harm the health of your pet, you should choose specialized tools for trimming cat claws. These are special nail clippers and pliers, whose shape and cutting edge line are specially designed for their rounded and convex shape. You can purchase them at any specialty store or online.
How to trim nails correctly
In order for the pet to undergo the nail trimming procedure with minimal discomfort, the owner should remember a few rules:
- Preliminary inspection of paws. The presence of cracks, wounds, damage to the pads or delamination of the nail indicate the need to visit a veterinarian to prescribe a course of treatment;
- Black claws are the most difficult option to trim. Light or beige ones allow you to see the pulp and make the procedure much easier. The pulp is a darkened area containing blood vessels;
- Place your pet's paw on the floor. The nail cutter should be positioned at an angle of 450 and not reach 1-1.5 mm to the beginning of the pulp. The maximum step for cutting is no more than 0.5 cm;
- For animals with black claws, the procedure will have to be performed very carefully and no more than 0.5 cm for each cut. If lighter areas of the claw appear, you should stop.
This is important: In some cases, a guideline for the approximate location of the pulp in an animal with black claws can be the hollow located on the lateral surface. Veterinarians recommend focusing on it and trimming carefully, leaving the claw somewhat longer.
What procedures apply?
To prevent your pet from scratching, damaging furniture, and to preserve your pet’s health, to prevent claws from growing into the crumbs, and also to prevent the introduction of pathogenic microflora, it is important to pay attention to the condition of your cat’s claws. Care is quite simple, but requires the use of some tools and the owner having the skills to carry out the appropriate manipulations.
As with dogs, in addition to trimming, grooming includes cleansing of dirt and secretions. Often, an unpleasant, thick brown-brown substance accumulates at the base of this organ, especially in older animals. This environment is a great place for harmful bacteria to grow.
It is necessary to regularly check the claws for cleanliness and length. Trim and clean if necessary. To do this, use tools and moistened cotton gauze pads.
Training to a scratching post
A cat sharpens its claws on a special scratching post
It is important to choose the right scratching post. Manufacturers offer different designs and colors, so this accessory will fit well into the interior and amuse your pet.
If there is not enough space in the room, it is better to get by with a board that is attached to the wall. This design is suitable for those cats that like to sharpen their claws on wallpaper.
If space allows, you can choose various posts, houses and other various options. Some cats prefer to wear their claws off on the carpet or armrests. Horizontal, surface scratching posts - special rugs, shelves, etc. - are better suited for them.
Having brought a new thing into the house, you need to show it to the cat and praise your pet. Usually cats themselves are enthusiastic about such items. However, if your pet does not want to use the scratching post at all, you need to be patient. You can use special training sprays and powders, and be sure to encourage and motivate your pet. There is no need to wash or wipe the scratching post to retain the cat's scent. This will give your pet confidence and speed up the process of adaptation.
Other solutions
Cats have a natural instinct - they take care of their claws themselves. Starting from the age of one month, kittens sharpen them with their teeth, scratch the bedding, use a scratching post or other objects, removing the dead outer shell of the claw.
To preserve furniture and other interior items from damage, owners are looking for various options. A good method of training and protecting furniture is a scratching post. You can buy it at a pet store or make it yourself. A board or post with a rough hard covering is installed in a place accessible to the pet. If you teach your kitten to use the device from childhood, you can keep the sofa and wallpaper in the room.
Pet stores sell special silicone claw covers. Their advantage is that the cat can calmly play with small children and sharpen its claws on any surface without fear of leaving damage. However, it is not recommended to use them for a long time, and even more so, you should not put the pads on animals that are walking on their own: in case of danger, the cat will not be able to climb a tree or rise to a different height.
The most cruel decision of the owners is to remove the claws. In most countries of the world, this manipulation is strictly prohibited and is punished as cruelty to animals. During the operation, not just a claw is removed, but part of the phalanx - almost the same as cutting off a person’s fingers. This cripples the animal and makes it disabled.
After onychectomy, performed under anesthesia, which in itself is dangerous for the cat, the structure of the skeleton is disrupted, and this negatively affects the functioning of all body systems. The cat is not only exposed to stress and danger - its coordination and sense of balance are impaired, it can fall even from a small height and be seriously injured.
Animals' character changes, they become irritable and even aggressive. Therefore, it is much easier to teach a kitten to use a scratching post from an early age and regularly trim its sharp claws.
Training kittens
Cats are very willful pets; in their opinion, forcing them to do something unpleasant is unrealistic. And pets often don’t like cutting their claws very much . The sooner you start training, the easier and faster you can achieve results.
To begin with, it is important to show that the owner will never offend. If the kitten does not respond to the call, you can lure it with something tasty or intriguing, for example, a favorite toy. Having established contact, you need to assess his emotional state at the moment. If your pet is relaxed and in a good mood, you can begin training. If the cat is excited or out of sorts, it is better to postpone the procedure until a more appropriate time and just play or caress the pet. It is important that the owner’s actions are non-violent, but at the same time confident.
Once the kitten is relaxed, you can show him the tools. Having placed the pet on your lap, carefully and securely holding the pet, you need to let the nail clipper smell, perhaps the kitten will rub against it (this means that the cat has marked the object, since there are glands on the face that secrete a secretion with an odor that is elusive to humans, but noticeable to cats , and next time the pet will understand that the object is familiar to him and does not pose a threat).
Is it possible and how to rinse a cat’s nose with saline solution?
If the introduction was successful, you can move on. You need to release the claw from the fold of skin, lightly press the cat’s finger and hold the paw in this state. Be sure to reinforce the action with a treat. Next, manipulate all the pet’s fingers. It is important to talk gently and exaggeratedly praise your pet without ceasing.
Then the nail clipper is connected. First, the tool is simply touched to the claw. If the kitten behaves calmly, you can try trimming the claw. You definitely need to treat him with goodies in order to associate such an uncomfortable procedure with something pleasant. If the pet constantly breaks out and gets nervous, it is better to let it go, also giving a treat in parallel with touching it with a nail clipper. But you cannot allow your pet to get used to permissiveness.
Tools and their prices
In addition to maintaining the health of your four-legged friend, caring for your cat’s claws is also necessary to ensure that the cat does not damage furniture and other items in the house, as often happens. If a cat, living in a house or apartment, has access to the street, its claws should not be trimmed. Coming out of hiding unarmed is very dangerous. However, if the pet is a complete sofa dweller, the owner decides whether to shorten the claws or not. The main thing is to prevent excessive nail growth.
Necessary tools that the owner must have:
We trim the claws with special pliers
Hair clippers
You can also often hear the name “nippers”. This is a convenient and inexpensive tool, it comes in different sizes, but small ones are suitable for cats. It looks like a cross between small short scissors and curved wire cutters.
The working surface is semicircular and sharp, which allows you to grasp the claw, fix it and trim it. Prices vary - it all depends on the manufacturer, the materials from which the tool is made and the size of the nail clipper: from 50 to 550 rubles.
We use a nail cutter - a guillotine to trim claws
Nail clipper guillotine for trimming
It is also often used by professional groomers (people who tidy up the appearance of animals: bathe, cut, comb, treat eyes, ears, claws, etc.) and ordinary owners.
The design of a claw cutter - guillotine - is a solid ring where the tip of the claw is placed, and a small flat sharpened plate, which, in fact, chops off the excess. Operated by a spring handle. You can buy it at any pet store for about 100 – 600 rubles.
Specialized nail file
Files
Everyone knows the tools that people actively use. They have a rough flat surface made of metal, glass, plastic or cardboard, which removes and trims the excess edge of the claw. Well suited for combined work with nail clippers. You can buy it in pet stores, as well as in any stores that sell manicure products. It is better to choose fine or medium grain. Prices vary greatly: from approximately 40 to 350 rubles.
A special toy for grinding down cat claws
Scratching posts
In turn, they can be vertical (climbing posts, various designs, flat boards for mounting on the wall, wrapped in sisal or synthetic rope, or simply having a rough surface), horizontal (thick mats, wavy surfaces and similar devices) and in the form of small toys (balls, mice, rollers, also wrapped with a special rope or thread so that the surface is rough).
You definitely need to purchase at least one option for your pet, which will certainly please the cat and will be very beneficial for health. Toys are cheaper: from 25 rubles, rugs and small structures can be bought for about 170 - 900 rubles, large climbing areas with houses and transitions cost from 1,600 rubles to 45,000 rubles.
Toys, rugs, posts - scratching posts wear out over time, so it is important to monitor the condition of the item and periodically replace either the coating or the entire structure.
Tools Needed to Trim Dog Nails
If you have gained courage and calmness (and they are needed here most of all!), then you need to stock up on items to care for your dog’s claws. First of all, buy dog nail clippers. They come in two types - wire cutters and guillotines.
Dog nail clippers are similar to pruning shears—one blade is straight and the other is curved.
A guillotine for cutting dog nails is something similar to pliers with a hole for the nail and handles that you press on.
To properly trim a dog's nails with a nail clipper, you need to be extremely focused and attentive.
You also need to purchase a nail file to trim trimmed claws. There are also electric claw trimmers.
You will also need to put together a makeshift emergency first aid kit, which should include:
Buy all this in advance and put it in one box.
Feedback from cat owners
The cat is active: if you don’t trim your claws in time, you’ll get scratches. Trained to use a claw machine. Does not touch furniture or wallpaper. I suffered for a long time and cut it with scissors and forceps. I used several manicure sets for her. Then I saw a review about nail clippers on one of the forums. I ordered it online but couldn’t find it in our city. I've been using it for three years now. There is no limit to happiness. Karina, 33 years old
The cat materialized on our balcony out of thin air. They went around all the neighbors - no one recognizes him as one of their own. They left because of the children. Red has no manners at all. It doesn’t bother us, but the wallpaper in the hallway has been torn apart in a week. The reaction to the scratching post is still weak. I bought a nail clipper-secateurs with a limiter. Nice, comfortable in the hand. I practice claws, though, only I do - it doesn’t work for others. Victor, 42 years old
I got used to doing cat manicures with regular scissors. A friend saw it once and had to drink it with valerian. I bought and gave Murza a guillotine claw clipper. She said that she is not against cruelty to animals. It was difficult to use at first. The guillotine is unusual after scissors. There were some injuries. But now I understand that the option is better than ordinary scissors. Ira, 18 years old
Can I cut my hair with scissors?
Some owners try to improvise and cut their cats' claws with regular nail scissors. But the shape and structure of a human nail is very different from a cat's claw. Such manipulations often lead to problems such as crooked edges that scratch just as much as untrimmed claws, separation of the stratum corneum and various injuries.
The shape and design of any scissors is not suitable for removing excess parts of the nail, but this tool is also important for caring for your pet’s paws. Scissors are very convenient for trimming the hair between the toes of fluffy cats; if necessary, they can also trim the thin layer of the claw that has peeled off. But no scissors are suitable specifically for trimming claws.
Haircutting tools
First of all, to successfully perform a cat manicure, you need to acquire a tool. In specialized pet stores and veterinary pharmacies you can find all the equipment necessary for the procedure:
Nail clipper-scissors. In appearance it resembles ordinary nail scissors, but with notches on the blade. It is in these grooves that it is convenient to insert a cat's claw so that it does not slip. The device allows you to quickly and evenly shorten claws.
Trimmer in the form of a guillotine. The tool resembles pliers with a ring instead of blades. The trimmer is easy to use and very popular among experienced owners. Beginning cat breeders may have difficulty determining the length of the claw to cut.
Nail clipper. The device is safe to use, as it has a locking system that prevents the blades from closing.
Veterinary clinics and animal care salons use electric nail clippers, which are classified as professional tools.
Tools for cutting claws With a wide selection of cutting devices, the owner is often at a loss as to how to trim a cat’s claws. If you have little experience in this procedure, then you should choose a nail clipper or scissors. The choice of tool also depends on the condition of your pet’s claws. If they are thin and transparent, then scissors or pliers will do the job, but if the claws are dense and thick, then a guillotine trimmer will be the best option.
At home, you can also use nail scissors or clippers to perform the procedure. In addition to the cutting tool, you will also need a hard nail file or emery block for correction after trimming. Just in case, you need to arm yourself with cotton swabs and 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Types of nail clippers
The stores offer a wide selection of nail clippers: scissors, pruners and others. They all differ in shape and size.
- Claw cutter - guillotine. Made in the shape of a guillotine, which was used to carry out executions during the Inquisition. The principle of operation of the tool: insert the claw plate into the hole and, by pressing the handle, cut off part of the claw. It has a disadvantage: when the mechanism is pressed, the claw being trimmed is not visible. As a result, there is a risk of injury to the animal.
- Nail cutter - scissors. Has holes for fingers. They differ from ordinary scissors in the shape of the blade - they have a cutout into which the claw plate is inserted. It is safe due to the low level of injury risk.
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Nail clipper - secateurs. The shape resembles a pruning shear. The handles of the tool have a rubberized structure, which allows you to trim claws efficiently and painlessly. This tool has an advantage - it has a limiter that prevents damage to the claw plate. - Electric nail clipper. It is a professional cat care tool. The device has a wheel on which the claw plate is ground. This type of nail clipper should only be used by experienced pet owners.
- Nail clipper with claw catcher . A type of nail clipper is a guillotine. It has a device that can fix the cut off part of the claw.
Before purchasing, you need to inspect the animal's paws. For kittens and miniature breeds, scissors are suitable, and for cats with thick nail plates, it is best to choose a guillotine.
The nail clipper should be comfortable to use. Before you make a purchase, you need to hold the nail clipper in your hand. If your hand is comfortable, then you can make a purchase.
The blades of the nail clipper must be sharp and made of durable steel. Handles must be made of durable plastic and have holes for fingers.
How to choose the right nail clipper
To use a nail clipper without problems and disappointments, choose a tool taking into account the individual characteristics of your cat:
- The guillotine is considered the best option because it is equipped with a sharp and reliable blade. If the claws are not dense, similar to human nails, then nail clippers-scissors or pruning shears will do.
- For inexperienced nail fighters or those lacking self-confidence, pruning shears are the best choice: they will help avoid injury. It is better for such owners to refuse the guillotine.
- A cat nail clipper in the form of scissors is suitable for conservatives who are suspicious of unusual accessories.
It is not at all necessary that the most expensive nail clipper will be the best. You can buy a good option by spending an amount of money that is acceptable to you.
Pay attention to:
- convenience. The handles should fit well in the palm and not slip;
- blade quality. Material – stainless steel. Well sharpened and reliable.
Don't expect a good nail clipper to be cheap.
What products should you prepare before the procedure, just in case?
If the claw is cut too short, you need to stop the bleeding with a cotton pad.
It is important to consider the likelihood of undesirable consequences during the process of trimming nails. Sometimes an accidental shaking of a hand or a sharp twitch of a paw leads to injury.
In mild cases, the matter is limited to mild short-term bleeding, in rare cases - serious damage to the claw or finger. To provide first aid, before the procedure you need to prepare:
- scissors;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- iodine;
- cotton pads;
- sterile gauze bandage.
If the scratch is minor, limit yourself to treating the wound yourself. Stop the bleeding by pressing a cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide tightly to the wound. If the bleeding does not stop for a long time, the cat develops lameness and other dangerous symptoms - you should definitely seek help from a veterinary clinic and not waste time.
Nail clippers for dogs: varieties, features of selection and use
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Every conscious owner should monitor the condition of a dog’s claws. Some people prefer to go to a veterinary clinic or groomer, however, this is not always convenient. The procedure must be carried out regularly, starting from the first appearance of the pet in the house. On average, nails need to be trimmed once every 2-3 weeks. Choosing the right tool will allow you to perform the procedure quickly and safely.
A nail clipper is necessary to remove overgrown claws. The tools differ from each other in design.
Guillotine
The working surface is presented in the form of a circle, a hole into which the claw is placed. When you press the handles, a blade comes out, which makes the cut. The cutting blade must always be sharpened. Otherwise, the claw will not be cut, but will be compressed.
Secateurs
The tool is more convenient thanks to the limiter on the working part. Pressure (compression) control is provided by a spring system. There is a lock on the handles for safe storage.
Scissors
Visually similar to the usual office scissors, but one blade has a recess for a claw. Not the most ergonomic version of the handles makes this type of nail clippers less attractive.
Grinders (trimmers)
They resemble a grinding machine with a round attachment. The claws are ground down carefully, which minimizes the risk of damage. The best models are those with a drum-shaped limiter that allows you to protect the skin on your paw. Among the disadvantages of the trimmer are noise, formation of dust and a specific odor. The machine is powered from the mains, so it cannot be used on the road.
How is the haircut procedure performed?
First you need to assess the condition of your pet. If the cat is tense, it is better to postpone trimming its claws. If the pet is calm, you can begin the procedure. The cat is picked up and placed with its back to itself. You can also place your pet on the table. It is important to find a position from which it will be convenient for the owner to reach and hold the pet’s front paws, and the cat, in turn, will be comfortable and stable.
Carefully taking the front paw in your left hand (for right-handers and, accordingly, in the right hand for left-handers), you need to lightly press the cat’s finger from top to bottom with your index fingers and thumb. Thanks to this, the claw will automatically be released, and it will need to be fixed in this position, controlling the pressure on the cat's finger. Holding a nail cutter (of any type chosen by the owner) in the other hand, cut off the sharp edge of the claw with a quick and precise movement.
It is imperative to take into account the boundaries of the stratum corneum and the pulp (the sensitive part with blood vessels and nerves). To determine these zones, it is enough to examine the claw in the light - the inner delicate part will immediately become noticeable; This is the pulp that needs to be protected.
We trim the cat's claws using special pliers
They retreat about a millimeter from the pulp (depending on the length of the claw itself), place the claw on the cutting surface of the instrument and quickly remove the excess. The cutting line should continue the natural growth line, and not go across.
Be sure to ensure that the nail clipper does not come off and damage your finger, otherwise the cat will experience pain and bleeding may begin.
The manipulation is done with all the claws on the front paws. Next, the cat, if it sits in the owner’s arms, is placed on its back and, releasing the claws of the hind paws from the skin fold, the same is done. If the pet is on the table, simply stretch the hind limb a little.
After trimming, check the cut edges and, if necessary, trim them with a nail file. The cat should be praised by petting it and treating it to its favorite treat. The frequency of the procedure depends on the growth rate of the claw and is individual. On average, nails are trimmed once every one to two weeks.
Dog Nail Trimmer
Trimmers (grinders) for dog nails are expensive, but easy to use - you don’t need to cut anything. The main thing is to file the dog’s claws once every 2-3 weeks.
They have different grinding stone attachments. They are convenient to use if the dog is categorically against nippers. Their only drawback is that they heat up quickly. So the trimming procedure may take a long time.
If the animal constantly runs along paved roads during walks, then grinding or trimming is not necessary, it happens naturally.
Selection rules
The owner decides how to cut his animal's claws. For pruning, you can use any specialized devices, the main thing is to choose them so that they are ideally convenient.
A good nail clipper should fit your hand so that you can use it without any extra effort. If the cat owner has small hands, there is no need to take a large and difficult-to-use tool, but for large hands, miniature accessories will be inconvenient.
A very important condition is the sharpness of the blades. It depends on the quality of the metal used, so a good nail clipper cannot be very cheap. The investment will be justified by the long service life of the device and the high quality of nail trimming. Good metal holds an edge for a long time, and the cutting edge becomes razor-quality. This device cuts the claws evenly and accurately, without leaving chips or snags, so after trimming there is no need to carefully file the cut part. This saves time and causes less injury to the animal.
A quality nail clipper should have comfortable handles with a rubberized coating that prevents slipping. During the trimming process, such a tool will not slip out of your hands at the most crucial moment and will not cause damage to the capillary in the cat's claw.
Many owners are interested in which device is best for their cat. It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally, since they all cope with their purpose perfectly. Each owner of furry happiness chooses the best option for himself based on his own preferences.
Tools for trimming nails: nippers, nippers, nail clippers for dogs
Pets require special care. They have to be constantly bathed, their hair brushed, and even their nails cut. The problem of trimming dog nails is particularly relevant. Only the right nail clipper for dogs can save the pet and its owner from unnecessary hassle. It is worth finding out which nail clipper is best to buy for dogs and how much good models can cost. Moreover, it is better to do this while still preparing to buy a puppy.
Procedure for trimming nails using clippers
Features of working with kittens
Babies have very small and sharp claws, which often causes injury to the eyes of both their own and their littermates. Therefore, it is useful to trim the tips of the claws at an early age. However, if the owner does not have experience in such matters, it is better to leave the claws as is or consult with professionals. Due to its small size, the claw is easy to damage.
The smallest nail clippers are used for kittens. There is no need to use a file. Kittens' claws are quickly renewed at an early age, so it is important to monitor their condition all the time. Otherwise, the principle of the procedure is no different from trimming the nails of an adult animal.
Features of use
Before the procedure, the owner must calm down, otherwise the pet will feel fear and behave nervously. If the animal is still afraid, then carry out the procedure several times as accurately as possible, however, do not cut the claws. Such preparation is necessary so that the dog understands the procedure and feels more confident. Over time, use the nail clipper on a pencil or other object to demonstrate a special sound to your pet. Trim 1 claw after 5-7 preparatory procedures.
Accompany the preparation process with rewards and treats. The goal is for the dog to understand the procedure and its safety in as much detail as possible.
At this time, it is especially important not to offend the animal or cause pain. Trimming nails is not difficult, but you need to be patient and careful.
Rules for using guillotine and pruning tools.
You cannot cut the claw straight to the pulp in one movement. The risk of injury is too great. If you touch living tissue, it will hurt the animal. If the dog twitches at this moment, then there is a risk of completely tearing out the claw.
You don’t have to complete the procedure, but postpone it for a while if the dog becomes nervous.
The principle of using a trimmer is slightly different from cutting tools. There is no need to trim the claws, they are simply filed. Grinders have several attachments in a set, which are made from grinding stone.
Power tools take longer because they get hot and need to be turned off. It’s even better for the dog, because it’s not so scary.
Popular models of cat nail clippers
- Claw-guillotine “Hello Pet”;
- Trixie guillotine cutters;
- Large Zolux nail clipper-scissors;
- Hagen Le Salon nail clipper-nail scissors;
- Papillon nail clippers;
- Nail clipper-secateurs “Dezzie”;
- Grinder for dogs and cats Codos “CP-3300”,
- Nippers-scissors from Aliexpress are the most budget option.
Guillotine nail clipper “Hello Pet”
The universal claw guillotine made in Taiwan is suitable for both cats, dogs, birds, and rabbits. The accessory is made of high-quality heat-resistant stainless steel. The blades of the guillotine mechanism are particularly sharp, which allows you to trim even the thinnest claws of young cats. It works absolutely painlessly if you carefully cut off the very tip of the claw.
Dimensions: 25 x 10 x 2 cm.
- Plus: versatility.
- Cons: risk of injury.
Trixie guillotine cutters
A nail clipper with a guillotine mechanism from the German manufacturer Trixie is made of steel. The handles of the product are covered with rubberized anti-slip material, which makes using the product convenient and safe. The design is strict. European quality.
- Pro: Suitable for all pets.
- Disadvantage: the animal may be injured.
Large nail clipper-scissors Zolux
Scissors for trimming cat claws from the French manufacturer Zolux are available in two sizes: large and small. Comfortable handles are made of thermoplastic rubber - they do not slip in your hand. The mechanism is designed taking into account the anatomical features of the cat. The blades have a sharp edge and are made of stainless steel.
Size: 7 x 14 cm.
- Plus: no risk of injury.
- Minus: not suitable for kittens.
Hagen Le Salon Nail clipper for small cats
The small cat nail clipper from the manufacturer Hagen is convenient and easy to use. Nail clippers provide safe trimming. The handle is made of non-slip material, which makes the cutting process quick and painless. Dimensions: 12.5 x 10 x 1.5 cm.
- Plus: ensures neat cutting.
- Disadvantage: not suitable for everyone due to small size.
Papillon nail clippers
A nail clipper in the form of forceps (nippers) from the Dutch manufacturer Papillon is made of high quality steel. The manufacturer made the handles of the product from a material that is best held in the hand - thermoplastic rubber. Equipped with a blade locking mechanism, which increases their safety. The blade with a limiter allows you to quickly and safely cut only the required length of the claw.
- Plus: safe storage and use.
- Minus: not suitable for kittens.
Nail clipper-secateurs “Dezzie”
Dezzie pliers are similar to pruning shears and have thick, textured handles made of non-slip plastic. The relief on the outer surface of the handles fits exactly under the fingers, which allows you to hold the tool steadily while trimming nails. The model is made in white and pink colors. The mechanism of the accessory is equipped with a limiter, which helps to cut off only the necessary part of the claw. Nail clipper size: 12.3 x 4 x 1.2 cm.
- Plus: there is a lock for folding after work and safe storage.
- Cons: Not suitable for cats with thin claws.
Grinder for dogs and cats Codos “CP-3300”
The professional electric grinder has great power, is simple and easy to use. It can operate both from the electrical network and from the built-in battery - up to 3 hours continuously. Full charging time is 2 hours. Wire length – 2 meters. The charger has a “Russian” plug. The design is ergonomic, the product is lightweight (114 g) - comfortable to hold in your hand.
- Pro: Can be used to grind down rabbit teeth
- Cons: high price.
Budget nail clippers
The cheapest cat claw clippers are offered by Aliexpress. This is a small nail clipper, the size of which is only 8 cm. The handles and mechanism of the scissors-nippers are made of stainless steel.
- Plus: low price.
- Disadvantage: they quickly become dull and break.
What tools can you use?
There are special nail clippers for trimming cat claws. It is not recommended to use nail scissors. They are designed for thin and flat nail plates of people. Such cutting tools lead to delamination.
There are several types of nail clippers:
- Blisters - resemble nail scissors, but have blades curved at the ends, designed for cat claws.
- Secateurs are equipped with a spring, which is located between the handles. As a rule, such models have a limiter. It allows you to cut only the desired length.
- Guillotines are similar to cigar scissors. The nail is placed in the hole at the end. When the handles are closed, the blade lowers and cuts the claw. The tool is suitable for cats with thick nail plates.
Each owner chooses the model that is convenient for him to use. The main thing is that it is made of high-quality materials and sharpened.
Additionally, you can buy an electric trimmer that allows you to quickly trim your nails. However, not all cats react calmly to it - the buzzing device scares the animals.
Alternative Methods
Modern developments involve the use of adhesive silicone caps. If the owner is afraid to trim his pet’s nails, and for some reason does not want to contact a professional groomer or veterinarian, he can use this method.
The idea is this: glue is applied to each claw, which comes with the attachments, and a cap is put on it. The claws remain intact, but at the same time, thanks to the soft material, the cat cannot scratch or damage the wallpaper and furniture. Over time, the glue wears off and the caps fall off. Many owners are also attracted by the fact that the nozzles are sold in different colors and it looks stylish.
However, there are some points that call into question the safety of this method. For example, due to a rather thick layer of the nozzle, the cat cannot retract its claws correctly. This sometimes affects the position of the limbs and gait. Another unpleasant sensation for a cat is the inability to scratch properly with such soft claws. Some pets tolerate this method of nail care well, while others get nervous, try to remove the caps, and may choke.
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There are owners who decide to undergo the “soft paw” operation. At first glance, everything is fine - sharp claws are removed once and for all, which eliminates many problems. However, it is rare that a conscientious veterinarian will agree to do something like this without instructions. Onychectomy (as the operation is scientifically called) is a serious surgical intervention, as a result of which part of the distal phalanx of each finger is removed along with the claw, nerves, and blood vessels.
Inspecting the condition of the cat's claws
After this, the cat is unable to scratch - there is simply nothing with which to scratch. However, such a pet will never be able to become full-fledged.
Due to the amputation of a fragment of a finger, gait is often disturbed, the pet loses the ability to climb, sometimes balance decreases, the cat cannot play well, since there is nothing to catch toys with, and cannot itch.
Separately, it is worth considering the recovery period after surgery, when the cat experiences pain and discomfort.
Usually such an operation is indicated for pathological reasons - injuries, malignant neoplasms, etc., but there are owners who consciously take this step in order to make caring for their pet easier.
Necessary equipment for treating claws
A suitable tool is sold in the store along with food, litter and other small items that help make caring for your dog easier.
Scissors
The cheapest option is to buy nail trimming scissors. Their design is reminiscent of simple scissors that people use to cut their own nails, but upon closer inspection, the dog owner will see that the nail scissors have rounded ends. They pry the claw off.
The tool is simple, but not the most convenient. It can be used for its intended purpose only if the dog has a lot of patience and an easy-going character.
Wire cutters
Dog nail clippers may also be called pet pliers. Selected according to the size of the dog. Sickle blades cut the claw at the root. Pliers are used in the same way as scissors for cutting dog nails, but are much more convenient. After cutting the claw, their handles, thanks to the spring built-in between them, move apart.
Claw clippers
Most often, dog owners purchase an electronic version of the tool - a grinder. This tool acts as a dog nail file. With its help, it is possible to sharpen even very thick claws.
But a nail clipper can only be used on already shortened claws; in this case, a beautiful semicircular cut is obtained, which relieves the dog owner from the risk of becoming the owner of furniture scratched by incompletely trimmed dog claws.
Guillotine for trimming nail plates
Guillotines
The guillotine is also known as the guillotine claw. The tool is small in size and consists of two parts - movable and static. The claw is placed in a round hole with cutting parts inside. The claw cutting blade extends when you press the handle.
The design allows the guillotine to be used even by dog breeders who are carrying out the procedure for the first time and are afraid of harming the animal.