Nail Trimming Or File? 9 Week Old Kitten

[kunoichi9280]

I've read mixed things on whether or not it's ok to trim a young kitten's nails. I personally would rather not do it this soon, but something needs to be done. His nails extend a little even when he isn't stretching them, and when he tries to play they get snagged on things. I'm scared one of them is going to get ripped off.

I have a tiny pair of scissors- about newborn baby size- designed for cats. If I'm careful, is that ok to use, or should I just file for the time being?

 

[FeebysOwner]

See if anything in this previous TCS thread might help you decide what to do/how to do it.

What age is safe to start trimming kittens' claws?

One of the members on this thread, @GoldyCat is still an active member, so maybe she will see this post and offer some additional tips for you?

 

[1 bruce 1]

I would, with a few suggestions.
Don't go for short, just go for getting that little hook off. Starting them now will hopefully create an adult cat that doesn't care about having their paws handled or nails trimmed, it's easier to convince a kid than change an adults mind who is set in their ways
I'd also attempt this when he's been playing so hard that he can barely stay awake. He'll accept it more than if he's full of it and wants to play.

 

[lutece]

It's totally fine to trim kitten claws, and actually it's a good idea to get them used to it early. I start trimming my kittens' claws as soon as they start bothering me (when they start to climb all over me and dig in those little hooks, ouch!) Just trim off the little pointy bit at the end, and if the kitten is super wiggly, just do a couple of claws at a time.

I use a human nail clipper and turn it sideways.

 

[vince]

I always finish up by giving my cats a couple of treats. Hopefully, they think they're getting something positive out of their pedicure sessions. It seems to work and they're all pretty good about getting their nails cut.

 

[tabbytom]

I've read mixed things on whether or not it's ok to trim a young kitten's nails.

Kitten's nails are thin and very sharp. Yes, they get tangled up when they play and either they are stuck to things or things get stuck onto their claws.

It's good to trim them at this age so that they can get used to having their paws held and nails trimmed.

I trimmed my boy's claws every one week or so and I use a hooman's nail clipper to do it.

Just follow the tips of the above posters if your kitten is weary or wriggly when cutting their claws. It is easier to clip claws that are not black as you can see the veins (which is called the Quick) and you do not want to clip on those else it'll be painful for the kitten/cat and on top of that, bleeding. If it bleeds, use plain flour to cover/stop the bleeding.

For kittens, clip off the tips of the claws will do where the sharpest point is. Later, when they are older and gotten used to nail clipping, then you can clip them a little further in.

Hold the kitten's paw and gently press to expose the claw.

 

[kunoichi9280]

All front paws trimmed, no yowls, no catastrophe. Going for the back next.

 

[tabbytom]

All front paws trimmed, no yowls, no catastrophe. Going for the back next.

 

[daftcat75]

I'm so glad you didn't try to file your kitten's claws. I can only see wrong with that. Claws can crack if not cut cleanly which may be as uncomfortable (or more!) as a human hangnail.