Grooming

Whether they mean to or not, there may be times when your cat’s nails snag your skin, furniture, or blankets. Most of the time, your kitty will have precise control over their nails, but if those nails are allowed to grow too long, you could have some trouble. 

Not only can long nails snag, but they can also be painful for your cat and can even grow into the pads of the toe if you’re not careful. Rather than risk any of these issues, be sure to trim their nails with a reliable clipper. Here is a list of the best nail clippers for your cat and an informational buying guide to help you find the perfect product.  

Overall Best Product:  Boshel Cat Nail Clippers

Clipping cat nails is all about comfort for you and your cat. The Boshel Cat Nail Clippers are one of the best products for comfort. They have an ergonomically shaped, non-slip handle to make it easier to avoid accidental cuts, and they feature angled blades so that you can better see what and where you’re cutting. 

On top of that, these clipper blades are super sharp, making a clean-cut, and are made of stainless steel to ensure years of high-quality use. They are also small in size and not cumbersome so that you won’t be fumbling around with the nail clippers while trying to hold your cat’s feet still. These clippers also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can get your money back if you don’t care for them.

However, if you happen to have bigger hands or prefer a clipper with a little more bulk, these are not the clippers for you. Some people don’t care for the angled blade, opting for a straight blade cutter instead.

Pros

• Ergonomically shaped
• Non-slip
• Angled blades for better visualization

Cons

• Too small for some hands
• Won’t work for larger or tough-to-cut nails

Best Electric Nail Trimmer: Casfuy Professional Electric Pet Nail Trimmer

If clipping nails terrifies you or your kitty, an electric nail trimmer like the one from Casfuy, might be the way to go. This electric nail trimmer can quickly and easily grind nails down to a manageable length. It’s also quiet and produces a low vibration to reduce stress in anxious kitties. 

This electric nail trimmer is also very versatile, making it an excellent choice for multiple pets of various sizes. The adjustable two speeds allow you to work at a slow speed for smaller nails and a faster speed for larger nails. 

There are also three different ports to accommodate different sizes of nails. Another great benefit is that this nail trimmer features a rechargeable battery that lasts up to two hours per charge and an indicator light to let you know how much battery life is left. The unit is also small enough that it is easy to hold without being cumbersome.

However, electric nail trimmers can cause increased anxiety in some cats. This is usually because it is noisier than regular nail trimmers and does create some vibration that can be upsetting for kitties that aren’t used to it. Also, they can trim nails too short very quickly, so care needs to be taken to prevent that.

Pros

• Quiet motor, low vibration
• Quickly and easily trims nails
• Rechargeable battery

Cons

• Can trim nails too short
• Can be upset some cats
• More expensive than regular nail clippers

Best Guillotine Style Nail Clippers: Pettom Cat Nail Clippers

Some cat parents and professionals swear by guillotine-style nail clippers for cats. These nail clippers have one blade that slides across a hole where you put your cat’s nail through. They provide greater visualization and only one cutting surface to decrease the chance of trimming nails too short. These clippers from Pettom are a great choice if you prefer the guillotine style of nail trimmers.

Not only are they safer to use, but these clippers are also made from high-quality stainless steel to increase durability and sharpness. They are ergonomically shaped for greater comfort and efficiency when using them. The blade is also replaceable so that you never have to deal with or worry about a dull blade that won’t cut.

This is important because if guillotine clipper blades aren’t sharp, they can crush the nail instead of cutting it. 

This may make some cats and cat parents hesitant to use it. It’s also essential to ensure that all parts are in working order and replace any that are not. These clippers need to work in one smooth motion for the best results. Any hang-ups or chopping can hurt the nail.

Pros

• Only one blade to worry about
• Safer due to better visualization of the nail
• Easy to use

Cons

• Dull blades may crush rather than cut the nail
• May lock up if not working properly
• Not for larger pets (like dogs)

Best Value: Pet Republique Cat Nail Clippers

Pet Republique makes a scissor style nail trimmer that is small and convenient for clipping the nails of cats or even small dogs. It is made of durable stainless steel to stand up to multiple trims while retaining its sharpness for a clean cut every time. The size of these clippers allows them to easily fit into your hand without being overly large and hard to manage. They are also very affordable, making them a great choice if you’re trying to figure out what nail clippers will be the best for you and your cat.

Also, for every purchase made from the Pet Republique, a donation of 15% will be made to the American Animal Rescue Society to help rehome rescued and abandoned animals. So, if you’re looking for an easy to use and reliable nail trimmer from a company with a positive cause, these may be the trimmers for you.

These nail trimmers are for cats and small animals only. They won’t work well on larger dogs. So, if you have multiple pets of varying sizes and are looking for an all-around nail trimmer, these won’t do it for you. It’s also a must to check and retain the sharpness of these blades as dull blades can crush the nail or create a jagged cut that is rough and will catch on things.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Easy to use
• Durable

Cons

• Not for larger dogs
• Some blades may show some machining defects

Best Human-Style Nail Clippers: Jackson Galaxy Soft Grip Cat Nail Clippers

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If you’re more comfortable with human-style nail clippers for your cat’s nails, look into these from Jackson Galaxy. Even though these clippers may look like those in your bathroom cabinet, they are specifically designed for cats. They are the right size and shape to efficiently and comfortably trim any cat’s nails.

The handles feature a rubber pad for your comfort so that your fingers won’t slip or be pinched when using them. Like human nail clippers, the top handle swivels for more convenient storage and is mechanically designed to cut with less force than most other nail clippers. It is also inexpensive if you are questioning and want to give it a try.

These clippers look and work like human nail clippers. While the action and use of these nail clippers will be reminiscent of your own nail clipping, they provide less visualization of cat’s nails, so be sure to use them with caution to prevent cutting nails too short.

Pros

• Familiar design and action to human nail clippers
• Comfortable and easy to use

Cons

• Can easily clip nails too short
• Top handle swivel may be confusing if you’re not used to this style of clipper

Best Cat Nail Clippers Buying Guide

Whether you’re a new cat parent or seasoned owner, having a good set of nail clippers is a must for any cat-occupied household. Even though cats usually take care of grooming and nail care themselves, trimming their nails does carry many benefits. Having the right nail clipper is vital if you want to cut your cat’s nails and with less stress easily.

Why Do Cats Need Their Nails Trimmed?

You’ve no doubt experienced your cat clawing at furniture, the carpet, or even your leg. This is a cat’s natural way of sharpening their claws and removing the older, outer layer. It can also prevent nails from getting too long. However, most of the time, this behavior is discouraged as we would rather keep our couch and carpets in one piece. 

Trimming your cat’s nails will help decrease the destruction they do when performing this natural behavior. It can also help prevent the painful repercussions that come from having nails that are too long.

When cat’s nails are left to their own growing devices without proper access to a scratching post or other structure, they can grow to the point that they curl back into the pads of the foot, creating a painful and possibly infected area. Regular trimming will help prevent this from happening and give you a chance to notice any broken or split nails before they become a bother.

Clipping your cat’s nails can also decrease the chance of an errant nail scratching you or your furniture. Cat’s nails are retractable, meaning they are under cover most of the time, but when nails get too long, they become harder and harder to conceal, allowing for accidental scratching.

Shorter and blunter nails will also cause less damage to furniture and carpets when your cat gets the urge to scratch to remove the nail’s excess outer layers.

How Do You Trim a Cat’s Nails?

Trimming a cat’s nails can be a one or two-person job, depending on your kitty’s willingness. Before attempting a nail trim, gather all necessary tools, help, and your cat. For kitties that need a little encouragement, a large bath towel or cat sack may help. You’ll want a good set of clippers and even some corn starch on hand in case you get a little blood. 

Get a comfortable hold on your cat’s body and paw and push down on the footpads to extend the nails. Take notice of the pink triangular area of the nail as that is the blood supply and the area that you’ll want to avoid. 

A drop of baby or mineral oil on the nail can help make that spot more visible. Using your clippers, trim off the tip of the nail just beyond the pink area. It may take several clips, especially if you’re uncomfortable and only want to take small bites at a time. Repeat with all nails. 

If you happen to trim one too short and get a little blood, dabbing corn starch on the spot can help stop the bleeding. Be sure to reward your kitty for a job well done. Don’t hesitate to enlist the help of others if your cat is nervous.

How to Choose the Best Cat Nail Clippers

The style of nail clippers you choose for your cat will depend on your cat’s temperament towards nail clipping and your preference. There are many styles to choose from, including:

1. Scissor Style Clippers: These are exactly as they sound. They feature two cutting blades that come together in a scissoring action to clip the nail. They may be spring-loaded to facilitate clipping larger nails or not have a spring for smaller nails. This style of clippers may require a little more experience as it can be hard to see where the lower blade is cutting, making it easier to clip nails too short.
2. Guillotine Style Clippers: These clippers have a single cutting blade that slides over a hole for your cat’s nail to go through. They provide great visualization but may crush the nail if not kept sharp enough.
3. Electric Nail Grinders: These are more popular for larger dogs with thick nails that are hard to clip. These grinders use an electric motor that operates a file that grinds nails down. They are quick but can be loud, scary, and grind the nail too short, especially in cats. These usually require more experience to prevent grinding the nails too short.
4. Human Style Clippers: These look like, or are, exactly what you would use to clip your fingernails. They feature two cutting blades that come together and cut the nail when you push down on the upper handle. They are usually inexpensive but provide little visualization of your cat’s nail as you are cutting it and may be better suited for experienced nail trimmers.

Most beginners prefer a guillotine-style clipper, while most pet parents with multiple pets of various sizes may prefer a scissor style or electric grinder. Whichever clipper you choose, make sure that the blades are as sharp as possible and that all parts are in working order before attempting a nail trim on your kitty.

Final Thoughts

Trimming your cat’s nails may be something you need to do regularly or for your feline friend. Either way, having the right nail clippers will significantly reduce the stress and increase the job’s efficiency. Then your kitty can enjoy their comfortable paws while your household can enjoy fewer tears and scratches.

We’ve all heard that cats hate water. While it’s true that most felines would avoid a plunge in a lake or running through the sprinkler, they can learn to tolerate an occasional bath. 

To get your kitty to enjoy baths more, it helps to have the right tools. Among the most important is using a proper shampoo. There are so many brands available on the market that knowing which one to choose can be challenging. To help you find the perfect product for your cat, here is a list of the best cat shampoos you can buy, along with a buyer’s guide with essential information.  

1. Best Overall Shampoo: Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Shampoo With Shea Butter and Honey

If you love Burt’s Bees products for yourself, chances are you’ll love their pet care line as well. This hypoallergenic shampoo is made from all-natural ingredients, like shea butter for moisturizing and honey to add a little extra shine to your cat’s haircoat. 

There are no harsh chemicals, including fragrances and dyes, that can be toxic or cause harm to your cat’s skin. The formula is pH balanced to be gentle yet cleansing for all skin types, even young kittens and older cats.

Even though Burt’s Bees Shampoo is made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, it can still get the job done, leaving your cat’s hair soft, shiny, and free from mats. It will also leave their skin moisturized without irritation. This product isn’t scented, so you won’t have to worry about being overwhelmed by a strong perfumey fragrance.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something with a fresh scent, you won’t get it with this product. It also doesn’t produce a lot of lather, making it easy to use too much. This also makes it harder to tell if you’ve completely rinsed the product out of your cat’s fur.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Includes shea butter to moisturize skin and hair
• Includes honey for some extra shine

Cons

• Doesn’t lather well
• No added fragrance 

2. Best Detangling Shampoo: Earth Bath Mango Tango 2-in-1 Pet Conditioning Shampoo

Another all-natural product from Earth Bath is their Mango Tango 2 in 1 Conditioning Shampoo. This is a good choice for long-haired cats or those prone to tangles and mats. The gentle cleansing and conditioning leaves hair shiny and smooth to prevent and help remove nasty snarls and knots. It’s also free from harsh chemicals, like parabens and sulfates, so that it won’t over-dry your kitty’s skin.

The combination of shampoo and conditioner in this product will cut down on a step in the bathing process, getting your kitty out of the tub sooner while still leaving their hair and skin soft and moisturized. When used regularly, this product can help reduce the number of mats and tangles in your cat’s haircoat, especially when combined with regular brushing.

The mango tango in this product’s name is due to the fragrance, so if you’re not into strong scents on your kitty, this product isn’t for you. Not only can that added fragrance be irritating to your nose, but it can also be irritating to cats with sensitive skin, causing rashes. Use with caution in kitties with previous skin sensitivities.

Pros

• All-natural ingredients
• Helps to detangle and prevent mats and snarls
• Gentle and conditioning

Cons

• Scent can be overwhelming
• May cause irritation in cats with sensitive skin

3. Best for Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Pro Pet Works All Natural & Organic Oatmeal Shampoo + Conditioner-

This product, formulated for both dogs and cats, has everything you’ll need to clean your cat’s sensitive skin and haircoat without being over-drying or causing irritation. It is soap, alcohol, detergent, and sulfate-free.  

It does contain ingredients like aloe and almond oil to moisturize and prevent itchy skin. The addition of oatmeal also makes it soothing for kitties that already have a case of the itchies. Along with all of those ingredients, there are vitamins to help boost haircoat health as well.

This product is gentle enough to use frequently without causing excessive dryness, yet can remove dirt, extra oils, and loose hair. It’s 2-in-1 formulation provides a cleanser with a conditioner to cut down on the amount of tub time for your cat without skipping the all-important conditioning step that will leave hair soft, shiny, and tangle-free.

The natural cherry scent in this product can be overwhelming for some people and cat noses alike. It’s also essential to thoroughly rinse this product from the hair and skin as leaving it on can lead to dry skin and irritation.

Pros

• Gentle and chemical-free for sensitive skin
• Added conditioner to moisturize
• Soap, detergent, sulfate, paraben, & alcohol-free

Cons

• Scent can be overwhelming
• Thoroughly rinse to prevent over-drying

4. Best Shampoo for Shedding: Top Performance Shed Patrol De-Shedding Shampoo

To prevent shedding, a cat shampoo has to be deep conditioning. This prevents breakage and damage. Top Performance Shed Patrol De-Shedding Shampoo does just that, using omega fatty acids found in wheat germ and moisturizing with aloe vera. It also provides essential vitamins to make hair healthier and stronger so that your cat will shed less in between baths. Deep conditioning has the added benefit of leaving your cat’s hair soft, shiny, and smooth.

If your kitty is a heavy shedder, de-shedding shampoos like this one from Top Performance can cut down on the amount of hair left on your couch, carpets, and clothes. Providing deep conditioning will also help improve and moisturize your kitty’s skin, helping to decrease irritation. This product is also sold as a concentrate, meaning that one little bottle will make plenty of shampoo to keep your kitty clean and soft through many, many baths.

Any time you bathe your cat, they’re going to shed more right off the bat because you’re pulling those dead and loose hairs from their haircoat. A de-shedding shampoo is no different, so don’t be surprised if you see more shedding immediately following a bath. 

However, with regular use and grooming, the amount of hair that is shed should decrease over time. Deep conditioning shampoo also isn’t great for kitties that produce a lot of natural skin oils as the extra moisturizing can lead to a greasier haircoat.

Pros

• Can decrease the amount of shedding between baths
• Highly moisturizing and conditioning for optimal skin and haircoat health

Cons

• May cause a greasier haircoat in some cats
• Will increase shedding immediately following a bath

5. Best Waterless Shampoo: Wahl Pet-Friendly Shampoo

If your kitty just can’t be persuaded to take a traditional bath, or if you’re pressed for time, a waterless shampoo may be the way to go. Waterless shampoos are sprayed on and then patted dry to gently clean and condition without having to put your cat in the sink. 

Wahl Waterless Shampoo is an excellent choice because it is alcohol and paraben-free and pH balanced for all skin types. This gentle formula will clean, condition, detangle, and moisturize without getting your kitty overly wet.

Another bonus is the use of lavender and chamomile as natural, plant-derived calming ingredients. This may help keep those nervous kitties calm and comfortable during the entire bathing process, even though you aren’t immersing them in water like a traditional bath.

The lavender scent can be overpowering, especially since you don’t rinse it out. If you find it too strong, you can consider using less of the product more frequently to achieve the level of cleanliness without the overwhelming smell. Also, since this is a leave-in product, you don’t want to use too much to prevent your kitty from getting sick when self-grooming.

Pros

• Waterless formula-no bathtubs required!
• Gentle and effective
• Can be calming for nervous kitties

Cons

• The scent may be overwhelming
• Can make cats sick if they lick it off immediately

Best Cat Shampoos Buying Guide

The grooming supplies market for cats has recently exploded, which may seem weird since cats tend to do most of it themselves. However, even the most fastidious self-groomers can use a little assistance sometimes. For those kitties, having a great shampoo on hand can really help you out.

Why Do Cats Need Baths?

Before we get into shampoos, it’s important to understand why cats need baths in the first place. After all, most cats spend 90% of their time awake bathing themselves, so why do they need your help? The truth is, the cat tongue is a great bath and comb all in one, but the occasional bath with shampoo can boost your cat’s skin and hair health. Baths are especially important for several reasons.

1. Detangling: Long-haired cats are especially prone to mats and tangles. Regular baths with a moisturizing shampoo can help prevent and remove tangles and mats. They work by leaving hair slick and smooth, making it harder to form knots.
2. Shedding: Shedding is a natural process where old hair is replaced with new hair. However, some cats may shed more than others because their hair is dry and brittle, leading to increased breakage and damage. Deep conditioning cat shampoos provide extra moisture to hair to decrease the amount they lose on your clothes and carpet.
3. Degreasing: The skin produces natural oils that help to moisture the hair to keep it healthy and shiny. Some kitties produce more oils than others, causing a greasy haircoat. Shampooing can gently remove some of that excess oil to promote a shiny coat without the greasy feel.
4. Cleansing: While it’s less likely than dogs, cats are capable of getting into “stuff.” Sometimes things can leave your cat’s haircoat so dirty that they can’t clean it off themselves. They may even contact things that could be harmful for them to clean off, making a bath from you an important step.
5. Fleas or Other Parasites: Some flea and other parasite treatments come in the form of a shampoo. These products will help remove the adult fleas and eggs to treat the infestation and prevent it from spreading to other animals.

How to Choose the Best Cat Shampoo

Once you’ve decided to undertake bathing your cat, it’s important to have a shampoo that will work with you. Understanding your cat’s needs from a shampoo product will help you choose the one that’s right for you.

Safety: First and foremost, you want a product that is safe to use on your kitty. This means a shampoo that is free from parabens, alcohol, and phosphates. You’ll also want to find something free from fragrances and dyes if your cat has sensitive skin or a sensitive respiratory tract. Always try the product on a small patch of skin before covering your entire cat to ensure it won’t cause irritation.

1. Conditioning: Each cat shampoo product offers different degrees of conditioning. Depending on your cat’s skin and haircoat type, you should choose one that will provide more or less conditioning. Dry skin and hair should have more conditioning, while greasy hair and skin should have less. 
2. Skin Sensitivity: Some kitties will get irritation seemingly from the sight of shampoo, so it’s vital to use hypoallergenic or a sensitive skin formulation for them. These products are usually free from fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals. They may also contain skin soothers, like oatmeal and aloe vera, to keep your cat’s skin healthy. Again, always try a new shampoo on a small area of skin to test for irritation before using it all over their body.
3. Hair Type:   Long-haired kitties have different needs than short-haired kitties. The same goes for thick versus thin haircoats. Be sure to use a shampoo with plenty of moisturizers for long-hair to prevent tangles in long or thick-coated critters. You may also want to look for a shampoo that helps cut down on shedding if your feline friend is especially prone. 
4. Your Preference: Most kitties aren’t going to care what scent their shampoo is, as long as it’s not irritating. They also aren’t going to care if it lathers well or not. Those preferences are up to you. You may also have a preference over using a concentrated formula versus one that’s ready-to-use. And, of course, pricing is also part of it. You’ll want to find a product that is safe, effective, and affordable.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a cat bathing veteran or this is your first go, it’s crucial to have the right tools. Not only does it make a possibly complicated process more manageable, but it’s also imperative that you have a product that is safe and effective for your kitty. 

Hopefully, this list of the best cat shampoos will help you find a product that will leave your cat clean, soft, shiny, and content without a lot of fuss or grumpiness.

 

You’ve probably noticed that your cat spends the better part of their day grooming themselves. The constant licking, primping, and nibbling is for a good reason – they are trying to rid themselves of tangles, snarls, and filth so that they look their best at all times.

While your cat may be a professional at grooming, they sometimes need a little help. That’s where you come in, along with some handy tools, of course. No idea where to start? Let us help you.

How to Groom Your Cat

Cats possess the ultimate all-in-one grooming tool- their tongue. We’re not going to ask you to whip out yours to get this process started. Instead, let’s look at how you can groom your cat go over some of the tools that might help you along your way.

 

1.  Brushing

Let’s start with the grooming activity that you’ll spend the most time on and will do most frequently – brushing. Depending on your cat’s hair length and shedding style, you may need to do a thorough brushing every day. Brushing is that important.

Brushing your cat’s hair helps remove dirt and dander, untangle snarls to prevent mats, and distributes natural skin oils to give their coat a healthy shine. It also allows you to collect some shed hair that would otherwise wind up on your couch, carpet, and clothes. For your cat, brushing is like a massage that stimulates blood flow to the skin and further deepens that human-animal bond.

For short-haired cats, once a week brushing will usually suffice, especially if they’re doing a good job of grooming themselves. Long-haired or thick-coated cats, like Persians and Himalayans, may benefit from more frequent brushing. Your cat’s brushing schedule will depend a lot on their hair coat type and their temperament.

 

Brushing Short-Haired Cats

1. Use a metal comb or rake. Start at the head and gently brush or comb your way down the neck and back.
2. Continue down the sides, ending with the chest and belly, brushing in the direction of your cat’s hair growth. This will help remove tangles and large pieces of debris.
3. You can then follow the same pattern using a bristle or rubber brush to remove smaller debris and loose hairs.
4. Brush their legs and tail last, since most kitties aren’t huge fans of these areas being brushed.

For heavy shedders, nothing works better than a Furminator. This tool has a fine comb with very closely spaced teeth that grab onto that loose hair and gently pull it away and hold it so that you can dispose of it in the trash later on.

 

Brushing Long-Haired Cats

1. Start with a metal comb or rake and comb the tangles out, starting at the abdomen and combing the hair upwards towards their head. This will help ensure that you get tangles out of the undercoat.
2. Comb their legs and tail by making a part down the middle and combing through each side.
3. Follow up with a bristle or slicker brush in the same pattern to get smaller debris and snarls and to spread those skin oils.

Furminator makes a long-haired version as well to help decrease shed hair around your home.

Take your time and make brushing a fun and pleasant experience. Detangle their hair gently, being careful not to pull at their hair. Also, don’t try to rush and go faster than your cat is comfortable with. While you brush, be sure to look at your cat’s skin for any irritation, discoloration, or pests. This also gives you a chance to look for new lumps or bumps that might need veterinary attention.

 

2.  Bathing

The majority of kitties are only going to need a bath every couple of months as they get extra greasy or any time they get something sticky or overly dirty on their fur. If this is your first time bathing your cat, it never hurts to have an extra pair (or two!) of hands to help out.

1. Brush your cat first to remove excess debris and hair. This will make the bathing process a whole lot easier.
2. Gather your supplies. You’ll want to have everything within arm’s reach once you get the water going, so have your shampoo and a towel ready. If using a bathtub, a bathmat works well to provide traction.
3. Fill the tub or sink with 3-4 inches of warm water. Gently place your kitty inside. Using a spray hose or cup, wet your cat down while trying to avoid spraying them directly in the face.
4. Massage a gentle shampoo into the hair. Human shampoo can be too drying, so stick with a pet labeled product for the best results. Shampoo from head to tail, avoiding the face and ears as best you can. Work the shampoo down to the skin.
5. Thoroughly rinse the shampoo from your cat’s hair using the spray hose or cup. Make sure you have every last bubble gone, or else it can severely dry your cat’s skin out.
6. Use a washcloth to wipe the face and ears.
7. Dry with a towel.

Bathing can be extremely stressful to a cat, so be sure to take it slow and only do what they will tolerate. Having another person help you hold the cat will allow for better control and ensure that everyone stays safe.

 

3.  Nail Trimming

Even though a cat’s toenails are retractable and you rarely see them, they can still get too long. Trimming your cat’s nails can prevent pain or problems caused by nails that are too long. It can also keep you safe by blunting the ends should you get caught by an errant nail.

Depending on your kitty, you may need to trim nails once a month, while others might only need it a couple of times a year.

 

You’ll Know It’s Time to Trim Your Cat’s Nails If:

• They start getting their claws hooked in blankets or the carpet.
• You hear that tell-tale click as they walk across a hard floor.

Older cats may need more frequent trimmings.

This is another project where having another person will help, but it isn’t always necessary.

 

How to Trim Your Cats Nails

Only attempt a nail trim when your kitty is at their calmest. Times that might work well are when your cat just wakes up from a nap or right after dinner. Let them warm up to the idea by first playing with their feet.

1. With a firm grip on your kitty’s paw, extend the nail by pushing on the toe pad.
2. Make a note of where the quick is so that you can avoid cutting the nail too short. The quick is the nail’s blood supply and will appear as a pink triangle that protrudes into the clear nail.
3. Using a comfortable and easy to use pair of nail trimmers, trim off as much of the clear nail as you can without cutting the quick. Do as much as you’re comfortable with. For some, that might mean only taking the sharp tip off, and that’s okay. Whatever you can trim will make a difference.
4. Continue through with the rest of the toes, rewarding your kitty when you finish. Repeat the process with the remaining paws.

*Note:  Not every cat appreciates their feet being handled. If this sounds familiar, you’ll want to start by working with their feet before introducing the nail trimmers. While brushing, petting, or playing, be sure to touch their feet. You can even gently hold onto them so that they get used to the idea. Make sure your cat is comfortable with this before you try to trim toenails.

 

Grooming Your Cat’s Ears, Eyes, Teeth, & Anal Glands

Grooming your cat doesn’t end there. You’ll want to clean their ears, eyes, and even teeth periodically.

 

1.  Ears

Cats get ear infections, ear mites, and hair in their ears. All of these can lead to scratching, head shaking, and general discomfort. Cleaning their ears can help prevent these issues and also give you a chance to notice other problems. Cleaning ears can be done as part of a bath, or anytime you have notice discharge, odor, scratching, or head shaking.

1. To clean your kitty’s ears, use a gentle cleanser, such as Epi Otic.
2. Pour the cleaner into the ear until it fills the ear canal. Watch out for head shaking as you do this; kitties tend not to like their ears filled with fluid.
3. Then massage the base of the ear to loosen debris and hair.
4. Using a paper towel over your finger, gentle dry out the ear as well as you can. Cotton swabs usually aren’t necessary and can cause some damage if you’re not careful.
5. Repeat for both ears.

If your cat has a lot of dark-colored discharge or is extremely itchy, see your veterinarian as they may have an infection or ear mite infestation brewing.

 

2.  Eyes

Your kitty’s eyes aren’t going to take a lot of cleaning, usually. However, some cats have a touch of allergies or even an illness that may cause occasional discharge. If that’s the case, wiping them with a wet, warm washcloth will typically take care of it.

 

3.  Teeth

Believe it or not, there are vets out there that will tell you to brush your cat’s teeth. And, believe it or not, some cats will let you! If your cat is one of these, great, do it! Using a tiny toothbrush or a finger brush, apply a good flavored toothpaste, and brush those teeth at least once a week.

While brushing their teeth is the best way to avoid dental disease and loose teeth in your cat, it’s not always possible. What you can do instead is provide hard kibble or treats to clean those teeth mechanically. But above all, monitor your feline friend’s smile for bad breath, dirty teeth, or red gums. Then see your vet for a dental cleaning as needed. A quick lift of the lip during brushings or baths is all that it takes to check.

 

4.  Anal Glands

Most cat parents will want to leave this to a professional, but it’s worth mentioning. While anal gland issues are more commonly a dog problem, they can become impacted in kitties. Signs of an impaction include excessively licking their hind end, difficulty defecating, and a strong odor. Cats don’t often scoot the way that dogs do; it’s too indecent for their tastes. Having your vet manually express those anal glands will clear this issue up right away.

When grooming your cat, fun should be had by all. Don’t look at it as a chore and make sure your cat doesn’t view it as a punishment. Grooming keeps your cat’s hair coat clean, healthy, and shiny. It also gives the two of you a chance to bond and is the perfect time to check for abnormalities that could be detrimental.