Last Updated: 4 months ago

Do you know the right way to trim your cat’s claws?

We know that nail clipping is not an easy task, but it’s a necessary evil in some situations.

For example, you might want to protect your furniture from damage or avoid getting deep scratches.

Not to mention that older cats are not able to maintain their claws as efficiently as before and might develop infections.

So, today we’re going to teach you how to trim angry cat claws by yourself.

How to trim Angry Cat Claws Yourself

How to Trim Angry Cat Claws Like a Pro: 5 Easy Steps

Some cats do not mind claw clipping, and you can do it without getting scratched or bitten.

However, if you’re reading this article, your cat is probably one of those who don’t submit quietly to this necessary procedure.

First, keep something in mind. Do not call the cat or try to lure her with a treat when you’re about to do something unpleasant.

Go and get her. Otherwise, Kitty will start associating your calling with bad things and will hide promptly.

The second thing is that you should try to get your cat used to nail clipping when she is young. In this way, you’re going to avoid future problems.

Unfortunately, a cat that has had an unpleasant experience with claw clipping will probably continue to give you a hard time.

But these tips on how to trim a cat’s nails by yourself will come in handy, so keep on reading.

1. Know The Basics

One of the reasons why your cat is acting aggressively while you’re trimming her claws might be because you’re doing it all wrong.

If she is in pain, Kitty is not going to stay calm, but she will bite, screech, and scratch.

Trimming a cat’s claws should be as painless as cutting your nails.

  • You have to be careful not to cut the quick, which contains the blood vessels and the nerves.
  • Look for a pink or red tinge at the base of the claw, and ensure that you do not cut too close to it.
  • If you do, it’s going to bleed a little, and your cat will probably be in pain for a while.

2. Handle The Paws Every Day

cat sitting showing paws

Do you know why your cat runs away every time you try to trim her claws? Because she is not used to you touching her fluffy paws!

To remedy that, massage the paws every day for a couple of seconds.

  • Do not squeeze, pinch, or try to hold the paw if Kitty is not comfortable with it.
  • Take it easy and give your cat time to get used to the touch.

When the cat seems fine with the contact, you can press gently to extend the claw. Do not cut it. Release it, and give her a treat.

You want to build a positive link between your handling the paw and the food she is getting.

In time, your cat won’t pay attention to what you’re doing and won’t pull back her paw.

3. Get The Cat Familiar With The Sound of The Clipper

The other thing that freaks cats out is the sound of the clipper. So, you want Kitty to get used to its sound before attempting to cut the nails.

You can do that by using a piece of uncooked spaghetti. Here’s how to do it:

  • Get the cat comfortable.
  • Massage one of the toes and press to extend the nail.
  • Do not clip the nail; instead, cut the spaghetti with the clipper.
  • Give the cat a treat and repeat.

4. Start Trimming

process of trimming cat nails

The best way to trim a cat’s claws is by placing her in your lap and waiting until she is comfortable. Then take the paw, gently press the toe, and clip the claws one at a time.

Of course, if you have an aggressive cat, you might try to wrap her in a blanket.

However, speaking from experience, wrapping the cat will make Kitty more agitated and less likely to comply. Instead, try to do the procedure while she is sleeping.

  • Wait until your feline is sprawled comfortably on the sofa, the bed, or your lap.
  • Then gently massage the paw until the claw appears, and quickly cut it off.
  • Provide a treat and move on to the next one.
  • Remember that it’s okay to take a break. No one has said that you should do everything in one go.

We know what some of you are thinking. There is no way my cat will stay calm after you start cutting her nails.

Well, if you’ve already made sure that she doesn’t mind you holding her paw or the sound of the clipper, there is no reason for your cat to be afraid.

Some cat owners also mention that you can dab some mayonnaise on the cat’s nose to distract it while trimming the nails.

5. Things You Shouldn’t Do

Here are a couple of things you should avoid when trimming a cat’s nails:

  • Do not start the clipping if your cat is upset, excited, or moody. Wait for a better opportunity.
  • Make sure that you’re not using dull clippers.
  • Do not punish the cat or force her.
  • Don’t declaw. That’s a painful procedure that will leave your cat maimed for life and will probably lead to behavior problems.

Scratching posts are an excellent way to distract your cat from the sofa and the armchairs. However, keep in mind that cats scratch to mark their territory.

So, even if you train her to use the scratching post, she might still prefer your furniture. You just have to accept it and trim her nails every couple of weeks.

Wrap-Up

In mastering the steps on how to trim angry cat claws, you’ve not only conquered a challenging task but also fostered trust and cooperation with your feline friend.

Remember, patience, gentle techniques, and positive reinforcement go a long way in turning what was once a stressful experience into a bonding moment.

Your cat’s well-being and your own peace of mind are the ultimate rewards for navigating the delicate process of claw trimming with skill and care.

What do you think about these tips on how to trim the claws of an aggressive cat? Share your advice in the comment section.

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Need to know how to trim the claws on an aggressive cat? We've got your back! Learn what to do, & what not to do, to make it easier on both of you!
Olfa T
Olfa T

Olfa knows how to get things done and has a keen business sense that others admire. She’s always on the go, coming up with new ideas! Her ability to anticipate the needs of her readers and deliver information that they want is what makes CatVills such a success. She loves cuddling her cat Picaciu. He is her inspiration.