A cat in the house is like a small child requiring attention and care. The owner of a furry friend has to regularly carry out procedures for caring for the animal's fur, cleaning the ears and trimming sharp claws. However, it is not necessary to cut them off, but if you exclude the need for such a procedure, property may be seriously damaged.
Cats have a well-developed natural instinct for sharpening their claws on different surfaces. If yard pets use tree bark for this purpose, then domestic cats will happily scratch their sharp claws on the upholstered furniture, carpet or wall with wallpaper.
To prevent damage to property in the house, you can purchase a special accessory for carefully cutting off cat claws - a nail clipper. In this article we will look at the types of nail clippers, how to use them and which one to choose for your pet.
What types of nail clippers are there?
Sometimes owners, due to ignorance and inexperience, try to trim their dog’s nails with simple scissors. You shouldn't do this. Scissors are simply not designed for this. This type of trimming may cause the nail to split. How to choose a nail clipper?
There is a large selection of nail clippers for sale for dogs of two main types:
- with a sickle-shaped blade;
- guillotine.
With a sickle-shaped blade, the tool is used for strong nails of large breed dogs. They have two curved blades and a stopper. A nail cutter with a limiter adjusts the opening of the blades to suit the thickness of the claw, which is very convenient.
The guillotine nail clipper is designed for medium and small sized dogs. Their design includes a ring into which the claw must first be inserted and then carefully trimmed.
The most convenient way to choose a nail clipper is directly at the pet store. Since, in addition to the difference in type, nail clippers also have different sizes, you should choose a convenient and reliable tool with your dog. To make the correct selection, you can trim the tip of the claw and see if it has split. The cut should be smooth and even. This is achieved by the quality of the steel from which the nail clipper is made and the sharpness of the sharpening
It is necessary to pay attention to the cutting edges of the blades. They should be free of burrs, and the blades themselves should not have noticeable play
It is very important to evaluate the strength and reliability of the nail clipper handles. It is better if they are metal with rubber gaskets to prevent slipping of fingers
Tips and tricks
- If your cat is restless, it is better to trim the ends with an assistant who will hold the pet directly while you hold the paw and use the nail clipper.
- Do not undertake the procedure if your pet is acting out or is clearly out of sorts - it is better to cut the ends when the animal is half asleep or calm.
- On average, the haircut needs to be repeated every 2-3 weeks, as the claws grow.
- You should start doing such procedures, if possible, from an early age - this way the pet will get used to unpleasant sessions and will take them for granted, inevitable and requiring patience.
- If you have injured the pink part of the claw and the bleeding does not stop for a long time, take your pet to the veterinarian.
A cat nail clipper is certainly a very useful tool that allows you to quickly and efficiently care for your furry pets. To ensure that the process of trimming claws does not cause inconvenience to either you or the cat, you need to choose a high-quality, sharp and easy-to-use tool for your pet that will serve you for many years.
How to use a nail clipper and accustom your dog to the procedure?
If the dog spins and twitches its paws, the risk of injury increases significantly. The right approach can help you avoid this.
- Start trimming nails during puppyhood, and gradually the procedure will become a habit for the animal.
- Give your dog a reward during and after trimming, such as a delicacy or treat.
- Teach the animal the command “Give me your paw!” and hold it securely while cutting.
- Show your pet the nail scissors not only on the day of trimming. Let him get used to the nail clipper and not be afraid of it.
Types of nail clippers
Ordinary scissors are not suitable for cutting dog nails, so you won’t be able to save money on tools. Otherwise you will injure your dog. Nail clippers can be purchased at pet stores.
The main selection criterion is the size of your pet. For large dogs, choose only wire cutters. For little ones, you can choose any model, but it is best to buy a guillotine. But cat nail clippers are not suitable for small dogs.
- Scissors are the simplest model in design, but not in use. Looks like regular scissors, but has rounded edges where the claw will go;
- Nippers are a large hinged type nail clipper with a sharp sickle-shaped blade that looks like pliers. It operates on the principle of scissors. There is a spring between the handles that automatically pushes them apart when the claw is cut. This way, you don't have to put in extra effort.
- A guillotine claw cutter is a small tool consisting of a movable and a fixed part. The working surface is a circle with a hole where the claw is placed. The cutting part moves along the perpendicular to the working plane of the surface. The blade that cuts the claw comes out when the handle is pressed. The guillotine is convenient to use due to the limiter - the claw will not lie further than necessary, which means that the dog will not be injured. These models are ideal for novice dog owners without much nail trimming experience.
To process already trimmed nails, some dog owners use an electric nail clipper or grinder. With its help you can file down hard claws of any thickness. The main thing is that they are not too long, otherwise it is very inconvenient to operate such a claw clipper. This tool makes the cut line as round as possible.
How to use a nail clipper correctly
The main thing in using nail clippers without a claw length limiter is not to cut off too much of the animal. The excess is living tissue, which, if you expose a cat’s claws, is immediately visible - it has a soft pink color and is located at the base of the claw. In cats with black claws, this core is not visible and you just need to trim it 1–2 mm at a time so as not to touch the living tissue.
This photo clearly shows the pinkish core of the cat's claw, which is important not to touch when trimming it.
“Scissors”, “guillotine” and “secateurs” operate on the same principle - the claw is placed between the blades and is cut off by quickly gently pressing the tool. The aforementioned nail clippers work in exactly the same way. Some owners, after trimming the claws, treat the cut area with a file, but such a manicure is not necessary - most likely, the animal will immediately go to sharpen its claws, in the process of which it will polish them on its own.
When using a router, the claw seems to be undermined, losing the sharpest part. Milling cutters are supplied with attachments of different dispersion - choose one that causes minimal discomfort to the animal during processing. The procedure itself is similar - the claw is exposed by pressing the paw and carefully processed by the device.
It is important to remember that during the procedures you should not scare the animal. The most important thing is the first nail trimming - it is done before the age of 2 months, so that the kitten becomes familiar with the procedure and is not afraid of it in the future. Nails should be trimmed as needed, but not too often—once a week is usually sufficient.
How to trim a cat's claws (video)
The best mechanical nail clippers
Hello Pet 20112L
Rating: 4.9
The tool is included in our rating of the best nail clippers for having the largest number of positive reviews and ease of use. Its size is 4.70 x 16.50 cm. High-quality heat-resistant steel ensures Hello Pet 20112L long service life.
Users report no breakdowns even after several years of regular use. The Hello Pet nail clipper is considered the best option for trimming the nails of small dogs and puppies. It provides a quick and safe procedure, does not chew or crush claws. The price of the product is 469 rubles.
- quality steel;
- sharp blades;
- reliable spring mechanism;
- does not leave nicks;
- rubberized comfortable handles.
TRIOL 181AP
Rating: 4.8
Product size – 130 x 40 x 13 mm. The nail clipper is made of high quality metal and plastic. Stainless steel makes the product long lasting. The tool cuts the animal’s claws so quickly and efficiently that it often does not have time to begin to resist. The model is ideal for small stubborn dogs and puppies.
Rubberized handles with finger grooves make it easy and precise to hold the nail clipper. It was chosen by experts for our convenient blade design, which provides a good overview of the working area. The price for a universal model varies around 220-350 rubles.
- universal;
- does not hurt;
- small dimensions;
- convenient to use;
- opening protection;
- safe and easy.
- not suitable for cats;
- a tight spring interferes with compression;
- uncomfortable for small hands.
Zolux 481101
Rating: 4.7
The Zolux nail clipper is designed specifically for small cats, taking into account their anatomical features. The scissors are made from high-quality metal combined with thermoplastic rubber. Their blade remains sharp even with regular use and cuts nails comfortably at any angle.
The weight of the product is only 30 g, and the size is 53 * 3 * 120 mm. Buyers note that regular use of this model allows you to maintain optimal care for your cats’ claws without injuring them. It is capable of cutting off dense animal claws as accurately and accurately as possible. We chose this model in the rating of the best nail clippers for its combination of affordable price and good quality. Minimum price Zolux 481101– 385 rubles.
- cuts the claws to the end;
- safe;
- durable;
- durable plastic.
not suitable for dogs.
JW Grip Soft Deluxe Nail Trimmer
Rating: 4.6
Scissors from this company are perfect for cats of absolutely any breed. For their versatility, we included them in our rating of the best nail clippers. Rubberized textured handles provide a strong grip while cutting. The sharpness of the blades ensures maximum cutting speed, preventing the possibility of cuts and breaks.
Buyers like the optimal price-quality ratio of the product. They note its ideal functionality and durability of the design. The spring retains its properties for a long time and does not stretch. The minimum cost of this model is 718 rubles.
Do you need a nail clipper?
The most well-mannered cat, descended from aristocrats with blue blood, sooner or later shows its claws. A scratching post does not at all guarantee the safety of furniture or the absence of scratches.
The cat is a predator. Even a small kitten can seriously injure a person by playing too much. To avoid misunderstandings and negativity in relationships, it is better to buy a nail clipper.
Ordinary scissors or nippers do not always cope with strong claws. With their help, a cat's manicure can turn into a challenge. A nail clipper will make the process quick and safe. Provided that you have selected a good professional tool.
TOP 7 leading models
A cat nail clipper is a useful thing in the home of every kitten owner. In order not to get confused by the abundance of offers, check out the rating of popular models. Their quality has been tested by thousands of buyers and experts. Different functional characteristics will help you choose the right option.
- Trixie (Germany). European quality is embodied in a metal guillotine for cutting cat claws. Strict design, decent sharpening and increased comfort due to anti-slip materials have made the brand a favorite among pet owners. Price: 350 rub.
- Papillon (Netherlands). Nippers or nippers made by a Dutch manufacturer. They gained popularity due to high-quality steel and a comfortable handle design. Manufacturers also took care of safety by including a blade blocker in the model. The limiter ensures that the nail plate is cut to the required length. Price: 380 rub.
- Zolux (France). Scissors in their classic design with round notches at the tips of the blades. Made in large and small sizes. Made of stainless steel, comfortable thermoplastic rubber handle, non-slip. When developing the mechanism, the anatomical features of cats were taken into account. There is no risk of injury. Minus - not suitable for kittens. Dimensions: 7 x 14 cm. Price: 360 rub.
- Dezzie (China). The guillotine-type nail clipper is made of plastic (handle) and stainless steel. It has a claw catcher that prevents clipped pieces from being scattered around the room. Dimensions: 15.8 x 8 x 2 cm. Price: 420 rub.
- Hello Pet (China). Universal guillotine (the tool is suitable for cats, dogs, rabbits, birds). Material: heat-resistant stainless steel. The very sharp blades allow you to safely cut even the thin nails of young cats. The animal does not feel discomfort when handled correctly (cutting off the very tip). Dimensions: 25 x 10 x 2 cm. Price: 230 rub.
- Hagen le salon (Germany). Miniature scissors are beginner-friendly. Due to the size, they are suitable for adult cats and kittens (but claws that are too rough may not be suitable for them). The handles are treated with anti-slip material, so you don’t have to worry about them breaking. Dimensions: 12.5 x 10 x 1.5 cm. Price: 300 rub.
- Codos "CP-3300" (China). Electric grinder for professional use, suitable for salon and home use. It is also used to grind down the teeth of rabbits. Has high power, 2 nozzles. Works both from the network and from a built-in battery with a capacity of 2.4V 450mAh (enough for 3 hours of continuous operation). It charges in 2 hours, has a “Russian” plug, and is light weight (114 g). Convenient to use. Price: 2350 rub.
So, to choose a nail clipper for cats and carry out the procedure correctly, follow simple recommendations
To make your choice easier, pay attention to the proposed list of quality products. Accustom your kitten to manicure “from a young age” so that he gets used to cutting his claws from childhood, and he does not associate the procedure with fear and torment.
How to choose a nail clipper for a cat
- Before you buy any nail clipper, you need to inspect your pet's nails and evaluate their thickness. Thin and transparent claws of kittens or cats of small breeds can be trimmed with nail clippers-scissors or forceps. But thick nails are best shortened using a guillotine nail cutter or an electric grinder. If you choose a nail clipper that is not suitable for the thickness of the nails, it will not only be ineffective, but it can also damage your pet’s nails.
- Before purchasing, be sure to hold the instrument in your hand - it should be comfortable for you.
- Pay attention to the blades, they should be sharp, made of high quality steel. Typically, such nail clippers cannot be cheap. Do not skimp, because you are investing in the health of your pet and your comfort for many years.
- the handles of the tool should be made of durable plastic, preferably rubberized and with special grooves for the fingers, to ensure maximum grip, comfort and safety of use.
Nail clipper-guillotine “Dezzie” – the best nail clipper for cats
Nail clippers with a guillotine mechanism are considered the best option for cats. The guillotine allows you to quickly and painlessly cut off an animal’s claw, and the claw catcher collects the cut off pieces, thereby preventing them from being scattered around the apartment. The model from Dezzie is made of pink plastic and stainless steel. Product dimensions: 15.8 x 8 x 2 cm.
- Pro: easy to use.
- Disadvantage: risk of injury - not the entire claw is visible at the time of cutting off.
Price: 419 rub.
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.
Review of nail clippers
Some owners say that they are able to file their claws, but it is still much easier and more reliable to cut them off. And ordinary scissors or clippers are not very suitable for this purpose, since cat claws and human nails have completely different structures. The pet supply industry offers a large selection of devices under the general name “nail clippers” - with their help, your pet’s manicure can be done quickly and painlessly.
What are there
Nail clippers are very simple and effective tools that come in several main types:
- pliers;
- scissors;
- guillotine;
- grinder.
Despite significant design differences, all of these tools do an excellent job of their main task. All that remains is to choose exactly the device that will be most convenient in your particular case.
The best nail clipper is the one you and your cat like
The price of nail clippers is also comparable - any of them, on average, can be purchased for 200 rubles; It will cost you about the same to trim your nails at a veterinary clinic or grooming salon - but this will be the cost of only one procedure. The cheapest nail clippers are scissors, the most expensive are electric grinders.
Devices for trimming cat claws are made by many manufacturers - both well-known brands and not so well-known ones. Choose a brand whose quality you have reason to trust.
How to choose
You may need to try out different types of nail clippers before settling on one. But first, consider the capabilities, pros and cons of all the tools. And be sure to hold them in your hands before buying - you should feel comfortable.
Forceps
The principle of operation of this nail clipper, and its very appearance, is very similar to the most ordinary nippers. The claw is placed between the working surfaces, the handles are compressed - and that’s it, the sharp tip is already cut off! It will not be possible to cut off excess, because the required length is fixed, and the blades of the pliers are blocked when necessary - a special lever is provided for this.
This nail cutter is also called a pruner - it really looks like
Scissors
At first glance, cat scissors are not much different from human ones - but this is only the first impression. Nail cutter scissors are designed specifically for a hard and convex cat’s claw - they cut it in such a way as not to delaminate or injure it; For this purpose, a special round cutout is provided between the blades. Choose scissors made of good steel and with rings that are comfortable for your fingers.
Nail clipper-scissors - it's simple and convenient
Guillotine
The guillotine is perhaps the most popular device for cat manicure. This tool is easy to use; with it, the procedure goes very quickly, which is important - especially if the cat actively objects to trimming its claws. But in order to use the guillotine, you need to have certain skills in working with it. The fact is that the entire claw is not visible through the “window” at the moment of cutting it, and therefore there is a risk of causing injury to the animal.
The guillotine nail clipper requires caution when working
Grinder
An electric nail grinder is designed not for cutting, but for grinding down the sharp tips of claws - the role of a polishing “file” here is played by a quickly rotating wheel. Effective use of such a machine requires experience and skill, so the grinder is not recommended for beginners. This nail clipper is still more suitable for professional use.
Electric grinder professionally polishes cat claws
Choosing a nail clipper
It is necessary to choose a nail clipper based on the physical characteristics of your pet, because there are very small products, for example, suitable exclusively for kittens. And if you have an adult Maine Coon, cutting his nails with such a tool will be inconvenient.
It is better to accustom cats to trim their claws from a very early age, then an adult animal will not have problems with this.
Device size
There are three main sizes - extra small, medium and large. Very small ones made for kittens. Medium ones are suitable for almost all cats, except for the largest specimens. Large ones are, as a rule, nail clippers for dogs, which, however, can also be used for cats.
There is an opinion that it is necessary to evaluate the thickness of an animal’s claw, but you will not find an indicator of the maximum thickness or anything similar on any product. So you need to focus on ease of use.
The choice of nail clipper size is purely individual. Some owners find it more convenient to use large products, while others find it more convenient to use small ones. However, a universal option are medium-sized nail clippers, which are usually labeled “cat-shaped.”
Tool material
The material of the spring mechanisms and the blades themselves are metals, mainly steel and stainless steel.
The handle material is plastic, sometimes with rubberized inserts for better grip in the hand.
When choosing a nail clipper, it is better to focus on its mechanism, ease of use and dimensions than on the materials, which are mostly the same in all products, at least in their names.
Nail clipper scissors are easy to use due to their form factor and are relatively inexpensive
Manufacturer
Among the manufacturers producing mass budget products, you can pay attention to the brands Trixie, Ferplast, Pedi Paws, CaniAMici - they produce a wide variety of products for pets at a good level. Brands such as Andis, Wahl, Oster - they specialize specifically in haircutting devices, so their products belong to a more premium segment, cost 3-4 times more, however, the sensations when using will be somewhat different - smoother operation of the device, sharper blades, more tactile materials
Brands such as Andis, Wahl, Oster - they specialize specifically in haircutting devices, so their products belong to a more premium segment, cost 3-4 times more, however, the sensations when using will be somewhat different - smoother operation of the device, sharper blades, more tactilely pleasant materials.
What to choose?
Cat accessory stores sell many types of nail clippers: scissors, pruners, guillotines. In addition, each of them will be presented not only in a different shape, but also in size and material. Where should you choose and buy truly suitable scissors for trimming cat claws?
The following recommendations will help with this:
- inspect your pet's claws - for kittens and representatives of miniature breeds, pruners or scissors are best suited to carefully remove the thin edge of the claw. If the claw plate is thick and rough, then a guillotine will do the job perfectly;
- the device should be comfortable for the person who will perform the procedure of shortening the claws - hold the nail clipper in your hand and make sure that it is comfortable to hold and that it will not slip out of your palm at the most crucial moment;
- The blades of a quality tool will always be made of durable steel. Of course, you won’t have to pay the lowest price for such a cat nail clipper, but it will serve you and your pet for a very long time.
Types of nail clippers
What can you see on store shelves with cat accessories? And the choice is as follows:
- Nail clipper-scissors - like regular scissors, it has holes for fingers on the handles. The difference is the shape of the blades - on the inside of each of them there is a rounded cutout into which the claw is inserted. Cat claw scissors can come in different sizes, and both the length of the blade and the handle of the device will vary. The most popular among owners are the nail clippers-scissors “Hello Pet” and “VIPet”, among which you can choose an option for both young pets and adult animals.
- Claw-cutter-guillotine - made in the form of the very guillotine with which executions were carried out in the Middle Ages. The principle of operation of this cat accessory is the same as that of its terrible predecessor - you need to insert your pet's claw into the hole and cut off the excess part by pressing the handles. Most owners prefer this type of nail clippers, and in particular products from the Hello Pet and Triol brands. In the line of tools you can find a simple guillotine, made entirely of stainless steel, with a plastic coating, and a more convenient option with rubberized handles.
- Nail clipper-secateurs - in appearance, this tool resembles pliers. Its handles will be rubberized, which allows you to trim claws efficiently and safely even in a damp environment. In addition, such models are equipped with a limiter that prevents the risk of damage to the claw plate. Secateurs from “Hello Pet” and “Profur” are considered convenient and high-quality.
Main types of nail clippers
Our store catalog contains different types of nail clippers. They differ in shape, size and functionality. Before purchasing, we recommend studying the features of each type, which will allow you to choose the right accessory.
Guillotine type nail clipper
A fairly popular tool for cutting cat claws is the guillotine claw cutter, based on the principle of operation of a medieval execution weapon. The owner carefully places the pet's claw in a special space, presses the trigger, which launches the blade to instantly cut off the claw. This accessory is best used for trimming nails on adult pets.
Disadvantage: When you press the trigger, the visibility of the claw is limited. If used carelessly, you can accidentally injure the animal's paw. Requires attention during operation and special skills.
Nail clipper-scissors
This accessory resembles ordinary nail scissors, which have a sharp blade with a special curve for quickly and safely cutting the nail. Practical to use. The risks of injury are minimal.
Nail clipper-secateurs
The shape of this accessory resembles a regular pruner. Rubberized handles ensure comfortable use of the tool. It is equipped with a special limiter that allows you to measure and fix the part of the claw to be cut off, which makes the cutting process as safe as possible. There is also a safety lock to block the cutting part of the tool when it is not working.
The nail clipper pruner is very easy to use. Suitable for trimming nails on adult cats and small kittens.
Why trim your cat's or dog's nails?
Many people notice that purring pets often scratch the scratching post with their claws, and sometimes any furniture that comes under their paw. The reason is simple: animals need to sharpen their claws, and they simply don’t know any other way. Free-roaming cats do not have this problem, because they have trees and more at their disposal. But pets simply have no choice. Therefore, in addition to scratching posts, they need to regularly do a cat “manicure”. After shortening their claws, animals damage the furniture much less, and they scratch noticeably less.
Nail sharpening is completely normal for cats / safebee.com
Dogs have a similar problem. Even daily walks do not always help to shorten the claws, especially when it comes to the dewclaws (fifths) that do not touch the road when walking.
In addition, overgrown claws pose a danger to the animals themselves. While walking around the apartment or playing, a cat or dog can get caught on something and injure its paw. And ingrown claws cause great discomfort.
Manicure for a cat
Trimming claws is an important and necessary procedure for a cat, especially if he lives in an apartment and does not have the opportunity to grind his claws down in natural conditions. Or rather, the cat will sharpen its “weapon” in any case, another question: about what? The scratching posts and special toys you bought may well not please the cat, and then he will begin to scratch furniture and wallpaper, clothes and bags... It is doubtful that this will please you.
Cat manicure is a simple way to solve many complex problems.
Scratching is a natural process, not pampering or harmful. In this way, animals clean and renew their claws, and at the same time mark the territory that they consider their own. How to respect both the cat's and the owner's interests - without casualties and destruction. The simplest and most humane way out is to cut the claws. Different cats' claws grow at different rates, but usually one manicure session lasts for two weeks.
The procedure for trimming nails in a veterinary clinic is inexpensive, but you can easily handle it yourself - why create additional stressful situations for your pet? At home, you can cut not all the claws at the same time, but at least one or two at a time - only those that have become too long and sharp. This approach is easier for even the most impatient pet to handle.
Trim your nails on time - this will make life easier for you and your pet.
Types of devices
There are variations of nail clippers of different types, models, shapes and designs. There are some that are very easy to use - they are suitable for novice cat owners, and there are special ones designed for professional breeders and groomers.
Before going to the store, it is better to find out what the differences are between the main types of nail clippers, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Guillotine
This type of tool consists of two working parts: movable and fixed. Trimming is performed by a moving part, which is installed perpendicular to the claw placed in a special hole. The use of guillotine claw clippers requires certain skills, since when fixing the nail plate it is not visible. However, despite this disadvantage, guillotine-type tools are very popular - especially among owners of large cats with hard claws.
Scissor nail clipper
Scissors are the simplest solution. Outwardly, they resemble human manicures, only with rounded blades and a hole in the middle. It is intended for laying the claw and fixing it during the procedure.
The tool is very easy to use: you place a cat's claw in the notch, the handles close together, and the result is a neat, smooth cut. Suitable for small cats and kittens.
Nail clipper-secateurs
Resembles regular wire cutters or needle nose pliers. The handles have rubber linings, fit comfortably in the hand and do not slip. The spring included in the mechanism also makes working with the accessory easier. The cut is better than that of scissors.
Most models are equipped with a special limiter that sets a certain length and protects against cutting off excess. A special safety lock blocks the cutting surfaces when the pliers are not in use. There are straight and curved models on the pet products market.
Electric nail clipper or grinder
This is a power tool, so it is the most functional and expensive. During operation, the grinder head with an abrasive coating rotates and grinds down the claw plate like a nail file. The device comes with various attachments and limiters.
A beginner without the skill of working with an electric grinder can easily injure a pet by affecting the living part of the claw. Such devices are more often used in professional grooming salons. In stores you can find models that operate on mains power, batteries, and rechargeable batteries.
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.
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.
- 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.
Nail clipper: types and cost
A nail clipper is a specialized tool for trimming the nails of cats, dogs and other pets. There are 4 main types of nail clippers:
- "scissors";
- “nippers” or “secateurs”;
- "guillotine";
- electric milling grinder.
Appearance of nail clippers (gallery)
It looks like the usual small scissors with only one difference - on each blade of the tool there are special rounded cutouts into which a claw is inserted during the cutting process
They resemble pliers with thick rubberized handles.
One of the most popular nail care tools Most often used in professional grooming salons or by very experienced cat owners at home
Each type of nail clipper has its own advantages. Thus, “scissors” are most convenient to use, thanks to the familiar rounded shape of the handles and the special shape of the cutting ends themselves. “Nippers” have a special claw stopper, which prevents excessive trimming, and child protection - a special blade lock. The electric router is quite convenient; it also has a claw limiter, allowing you to sharpen the claws rather than trim them. Well, the “guillotine” is the most popular among other tools for cutting cat’s claws due to an interesting fact.
Types of nail clippers (review video)
The vast majority of cat owners, like the author of this article, use ordinary nail clippers, which in general are a “guillotine,” to trim their claws. Due to the use of a familiar mechanism, many cat owners choose a guillotine nail clipper in pet stores.
Price range
The price of various accessories greatly depends on the manufacturer and place of purchase, however, “guillotines” and “scissors” are the cheapest tools - their price starts from 150 rubles. “Tongs” will cost you no less than 200 rubles, and large branded products can cost 1,500–2,000 rubles. Milling cutters also vary greatly in cost - the simplest products cost 200–300 rubles, but in private stores you can find large branded milling cutters for 3,000–4,000 rubles.
Recommendations if your dog is bleeding
If you accidentally cut off part of the pulp, the animal twitched and was injured, or worse, the claw was completely torn out, then act quickly. Do not panic yourself, try to calm the howling dog - give it the most delicious treat.
After this, immediately take out dry potassium permanganate or talc, put it on gauze and apply to the wound for a minute to stop the bleeding. Afterwards, apply ice wrapped in cotton cloth for a short time. If there are severe tears, fill the wound with novocaine.
Do not let the animal run and hide - immediately disinfect the wound!
If the wound is serious and the animal is crying, then immediately go to the veterinary clinic or call a doctor at home.
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.
Features of nail trimming
Claw trimming is a controversial procedure that causes a lot of controversy and debate among veterinarians and pet owners. Some argue that this is necessary, others believe that subjecting a cat to such executions is inhumane and makes no sense. In reality, each animal requires an individual approach. There are cases when trimming nails helps prevent the occurrence of pathologies and ensures full functioning.
A little anatomy
To understand the essence of the nail trimming procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with some anatomical features. The cat's toe has a specific structure: it consists of several phalanges (the last one ends in a claw), blood vessels, nerve endings, joints and muscles. The claw is tightened by a special tendon, which is located in the upper part of each finger. In a calm and relaxed state, the claws are hidden in the folds of the paws; in an excited state, they appear outside. The crescent shape of the claw allows the animal to tenaciously grab prey (literally “keep it on the hook”) and defend itself from enemies.
When a cat is in a relaxed state, its claw is hidden inside the folds
The visible part of the claw consists of two parts: “living” (the pulp, located at the base) and keratinized (the tip of the claw). The “living” area is replete with blood vessels and nerve endings, so any damage to it is accompanied by painful sensations for the cat. The stratum corneum is constantly renewed throughout life. By grinding its claws off on objects, the pet frees itself from the dead old cover (the owners have probably noticed more than once the claws left by the cat in the upholstery of upholstered furniture or a scratching post).
It is thanks to the tendon that the cat is able to retract and extend its claws
The essence of the hygienic procedure is to remove the stratum corneum without affecting the pulp. Otherwise, the animal will be injured and will need several days to recover. Also, we should not forget that trimming nails in any case gives the pet discomfort and unpleasant sensations, even if only dead areas are trimmed. This is due to the presence of nerve endings.
It is necessary to cut off only the top layer, departing from the pulp at least 2 mm
Disadvantages of the procedure
In addition to the unpleasant sensations, there is another compelling argument against. The fact is that claws are the main tool of the animal’s life: with their help, the pet climbs a tree or cabinet, defends itself, and gets food. After the hygiene procedure, the animal, out of habit, trying to climb to a height, may fall and get injured. Cats that are allowed outside by their owners are at particular risk because they cannot defend themselves if attacked by other animals.
When to trim nails
A hygienic procedure is necessary in the following cases:
- before mating and exhibition. In the first option, cutting is necessary so that the animal does not injure its partner; in the second, it is a mandatory requirement according to the competition regulations;
- in case of excessive growth of the stratum corneum. Typically, a similar problem occurs in Sphynx cats and Persian breeds. Due to a deficiency of vitamins D and B in the body, the horny part peels off. Untimely removal of the dead part leads to the fact that the pet clings to the pile of the carpet, sofas and, as a result, can either tear off a claw, damaging the “living” part, or accidentally dislocate its paw;
- when an animal, due to old age or illness, cannot sharpen its claws on its own. In this case, the procedure is necessary, since the claws can grow in different directions and painfully dig into the pads of the paws. An ingrown claw is a serious pathology when surgical intervention is inevitable. The animal cannot move independently due to severe pain, and the wound often bleeds.
Cats have a fifth, vestigial claw on their front paws. It is difficult for them to cling to something, so the stratum corneum here is much longer than on the other paws. The owner needs to control and trim the dead part in a timely manner so that the claw does not penetrate into the pad.
On a rudimentary claw (it is located separately from other fingers), the stratum corneum grows faster
How to use nail clippers
The claws should not be cut too short - inside each horny “dagger” there is a pulp riddled with blood vessels, which occupies approximately two-thirds of the claw. Injury to this area causes severe pain to the animal and is fraught with infection. Don’t forget about the dewy, fifth toe on the front paws - a long claw also grows on it, which must be cut off, otherwise it may get hurt.
It's easy to trim your cat's claws correctly.
If your pet has light, transparent claws, then the border of the pulp is clearly visible through them - trimming them is quite simple. When doing a manicure on dark or too hard nails, you need to exercise maximum care and caution.
Do not cut the claws at an obtuse or, conversely, too sharp angle - it should be approximately 70-90 degrees. As for the optimal length of trimmed claws, let it remain at the level of the paw pads - not shorter, but not longer.
Manicure - from a young age!
And one more important point. Accustom your kitten to the hygiene procedure “from a young age” - the sooner you start giving him a manicure, the faster the animal will get used to it and begin to perceive the manipulation as something completely natural, ordinary and absolutely not scary.
How to choose a nail clipper for a dog or cat
#advice-from-the-vet-point
Trimming the nails of your beloved dog or cat can be a simple everyday procedure to maintain the health of your dog or to protect yourself, your loved one and your apartment from sharp cat claws, or it can become torture for both the pet and its owner.
This largely depends on the choice of a convenient nail clipper.
High-quality tool - convenient nail trimming procedure
Considerable confidence in the good outcome of the manipulation is given to the owner by the understanding that he has a convenient and high-quality tool in his hands - an excellent, comfortable and sharp nail clipper. It is this that makes you dexterous and the procedure easy and painless.
Nail clippers are sold in pet stores.
Scissors and human nail clippers are not suitable for this role at all - the shape of a predator's claws and human nails is very different. "Human" tools crush a dog's or cat's claw, causing pain in the pet and dehiscence of its claw.
Types of nail clippers
Nail clippers come in articulated (like scissors) and guillotine types.
Articulated-type nail clippers or scissor-type nail clippers are not quite similar to the tools we are used to, but the principle of operation of such nail clippers is completely similar to the principle of operation of scissors. I prefer to trim nails, especially those of cats and small dogs, with just such a nail clipper.
Pay attention to the spring between the jaws of the nail clipper. She spreads the jaws after cutting off the next claw, and you don’t have to do it yourself
As a rule, very small nail clippers do not have such a spring, and this is not very convenient.
In guillotine-type nail clippers, one part is stationary and the other is moving (working). The cutting part extends along a plane perpendicular to the plane of the claw, which is fixed in a special hole.
Which nail clipper to choose is a decision for each owner. I found the following criterion for myself: the larger the animal, the more the choice shifts towards the guillotine type of nail clipper, i.e. A thick, dense claw is easier to gradually cut off along a plane than to squeeze and cut on both sides.
How to choose a nail clipper at a pet store
There are many manufacturers of nail clippers; the difference is not only in appearance, but also in the quality of the metal. For some, the cutting part becomes dull quickly, while others serve faithfully for many years. Some rust quickly, others retain their shine and quality for a long time.
Professional tools are more expensive, and they are not always needed. For everyday use, you can take a tool from a well-known company from the middle price category, which will be recommended by a store salesperson with a wide selection of nail clippers. Ask the seller which brand is most often purchased and why.
Pay attention to how the spring is secured between the jaws of the hinge-type nail clipper. If it falls out easily, the risk of rapid loss increases.
And without such a spring, the nail clipper loses most of its convenience.
Select the size of the nail clipper taking into account the size of your pet’s claws and your own hand. Do not take a very small nail clipper - it may simply be uncomfortable for your hands.
The smallest claws are used for kittens and puppies, as well as for trimming the beaks of parrots. If your pet is not the smallest, then such a nail clipper is not even worth considering. She's quite uncomfortable.
