Although our cats do a good job of keeping their nails or claws sharp when scratching on posts, trees, or even our furniture, you should also trim their nails regularly so they don’t grow too long. And as with everything related to cats, the younger you get him used to something, the easier it will be for both of you.

If your cat is not used to handling the paws it can be very stressful. Feet are incredibly important to all of us, especially cats who need them to catch prey and defend themselves. In the wild, a cat with an injured paw would be unable to hunt, climb, or defend itself. And a part of the domestic cat’s memory remembers this, which makes it very sensitive to its paws being touched or handled. I make a point of gently rubbing Cassie’s paws and holding them while she is relaxed in my lap. This makes it much easier when I need to examine them.

If your cat is not used to having its nails trimmed, I suggest you ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer to do the work for you. Remember, these claws are incredibly sharp and can do a lot of damage. You don’t want to destroy the bond you have with your cat by doing something she finds unpleasant or scary. Cats have amazing memories and your cat may be afraid of you. And remember that your cat will be angry if he knows that he has hurt you.

While your kitten is still young, get her used to having her nails trimmed by beginning to gently touch her paws, one paw at a time. This is something you can do when your kitty is on your lap and relaxed. You only need to start with a short tap and stop if your kitty starts to object. Reward your kitten with a treat and petting when you stop. After a week or so, your kitty will be used to this, so he begins to expose the nails or claws by massaging the pads of his feet. By gently pressing there, the nails will come out automatically. To begin with, just look at the nails so that you become familiar with them. If they are white, the tips should appear almost transparent. When the time comes, this is the part that will be cut out. You should never cut to the ‘quick’ which should be visible with a vein and look pink. On black nails, you need to judge where it is. The quick usually starts about 1/16th of an inch (about 2mm) from the tip of the nail. You can buy specialized cat nail clippers at most pet stores. Never use nail clippers that you would use on yourself or your family.

You’ll want your kitty to get used to having her nails exposed and touched, and then having the tip of the clipper attached. Each step of this should be done slowly and you should keep an eye on your cat and stop if he gets upset. Remember to praise your cat and give her treats after each session. When you feel your kitty is ready, start by trimming just one or two nails. If you’re not sure, trim less rather than more. You know how it feels for him to get a nail chipped all the way down. You don’t want this to happen to your kitty. He’ll need practice to develop his skill and confidence, so it’s best to start with just one or two nails. When you’re both ready, he can move on to clipping one leg at a time, then all four legs. Make sure you appear confident to your kitty, as he will pick up on your body language. If you hesitate, your kitty will pick up on this and become wary. Remember to trim only the absolute tip of the nail, nothing else.

By getting your kitty’s nails trimmed, you’ll help save your furniture and the chance of your cat’s nails curling into the pads if they get too long. If you’re not sure or if your kitty objects, hire a professional to do this job. This way, you won’t break the bond you’re trying to create, and you’ll still be a trustworthy person to your kitty.