Cats! Everybody loves 'em… except for their owners, who must endure the trauma of trimming their cats' claws.
The hard truth is: no one really likes having their nails clipped. But when your cat is shaking in fear and hissing at you, it can be downright traumatic. But it doesn't have to be that way, says a group of cat behaviorists who say that every cat can be trained to enjoy having their claws trimmed.
Set the Mood
In a perfect world, you'd start training your cat to accept nail trimming as a kitten, when they are learning how the world works. Regardless of when you're starting, nail trimming should always take place in a calm, quiet location. Ideally, trim your cat's nails when they are sleepy, such as after a meal. Stay away from windows and other pets that may distract you or them. You may want to bring your cat somewhere you can comfortably sit with them in your lap.
Make Friends with the Paw
Some cats dislike having their feet played with more than they mind the trim itself. Taking the time to make them comfortable with having their paws touched will pay off in the long run.
Nail trimming should take place in a calm, quiet location. Ideally, you should do it after a meal when your cat is sleepy. It’s also helpful to have a few different people who can help hold your kitty for you—if you don’t have enough hands, use a towel and tie it around the cat’s waist to make sure the cat doesn’t run away.
Most cats dislike having their feet played with more than they mind the trims themselves. Make sure you spend some time getting your cat comfortable with having their paws touched before you try to trim their nails.
