Nail clipper for cats - special scissors for cutting claws: rules for choosing and using a nail clipper

A cat in the house is like a small child requiring attention and care. The owner of a furry friend has to regularly carry out procedures for caring for the animal's fur, cleaning the ears and trimming sharp claws. However, it is not necessary to cut them off, but if you exclude the need for such a procedure, property may be seriously damaged.

Cats have a well-developed natural instinct for sharpening their claws on different surfaces. If yard pets use tree bark for this purpose, then domestic cats will happily scratch their sharp claws on the upholstered furniture, carpet or wall with wallpaper.

To prevent damage to property in the house, you can purchase a special accessory for carefully cutting off cat claws - a nail clipper. In this article we will look at the types of nail clippers, how to use them and which one to choose for your pet.

What is a nail clipper

Strong and curved cat claws are extremely difficult to trim with regular or nail scissors. It is much more convenient to do this with a nail clipper. This is a special tool for cat manicure, made of high-strength materials. Its main purpose is to carry out this hygienic operation with minimal risk to the animal, quickly and painlessly.

Rather than taking your pet to a veterinary clinic or grooming salon at least twice a month, it is better to purchase a nail clipper and trim the cat’s claws yourself. Moreover, at home you can accustom the animal to the procedure gradually, cutting off a pair of claw tips at a time. Read about how to properly trim a cat's claws at home.

Some owners are so afraid of injuring their cat that they stop at filing their claws. Which procedure to choose is a personal choice for each owner. Although simply cutting off the tips of the claws is much faster and easier.

Clippers

Or in another way, these nail scissors are also called tweezers or nippers. These are the ones that are not used to cut hair, but to “bite off” the excess length. Most often they are used by men. As a rule, their nails are denser and harder; cutting them with simple scissors is problematic. By the way, some girls use clippers during pedicures. Indeed, using such scissors for toenails is a pleasure - the nail plates, or rather their free edge, can be removed quickly, easily and without any discomfort. The main thing is that the blades are well sharpened. Usually, high-quality steel takes a very, very long time to become dull, so you need to select clippers very carefully. The German company Zinger has succeeded in production, whose products are in great demand due to the high quality of their tools. The same applies to scissors for toenails and fingernails.

Types of nail clippers

There are many types of this tool for cat manicure, but most of them belong to one of five groups:

Scissors. In appearance and structure they really resemble a familiar instrument. Only the blades are very short, made of thick and durable steel and have special grooves for a tight grip on the claw.

Nippers or secateurs. The operating principle is similar to pliers or pruning shears. They have the same rubberized, widely spaced handles, usually connected by a spring. They end with the same blades with rounded notches. The knives of this accessory are locked using a lever, which makes them safe for storage, especially if there are small children in the house. Most models are also equipped with claw length limiters, which minimizes the risk of injury to the animal.

Guillotine type. The operating principle of this device is the same as that of the legendary execution weapon of the French Revolution. The tip of the cat's claw is secured in the device and a sharp knife is lowered, cutting off the dead part. This is one of the most popular types today. True, you need to use such a nail clipper very carefully, since the entire length of the clamped nail plate is not visible. In addition, reviews of devices of this type are often negative; people prefer scissors or pruning shears.

Electric grinders. Most often, this tool is used by professional groomers in pet salons. The tip of the claw grinds down on the rotating abrasive part of the device. Such a grinding machine usually has several different attachments and has limiters on the length of the nail plate.

With claw catchers. They can be of different types, for example, guillotine. Equipped with a device that absorbs the severed part of the claw.

Is it possible to trim a dog's nails?

The answer is simple, yes it is possible. First of all, regular hygiene of nails and paws is necessary to prevent infectious diseases . After walks, inspect your pet's paws; there should be no wounds or cuts on them.

It is important to trim your dog's nails because they can become embedded in the skin, causing pain. If a dog gets caught on something while walking and pulls out a nail protruding from a profitable toe, it will be very painful for him.

Strongly overgrown claws cause discomfort to the animal , the center of gravity shifts, joints are deformed, which leads to disease. And the clicking of dog’s claws around the apartment is a signal that it’s time to cut them. If you take your dog into your home as a small puppy, then slowly and gradually accustom the animal to this unpleasant procedure.

If you have absolutely no idea how to trim your pet’s claws, then go to the vet and let a professional show you how it’s done. After that, try it yourself.

Tips for using nail clippers

In order to carry out the “cat” manicure procedure quickly and painlessly, you need to follow a simple algorithm of actions:

Treat the instrument with alcohol-containing solutions or Chlorhexidine.
Prepare a place for the procedure, all the necessary tools, treats for the cat.
Don't forget about first aid equipment in case of accidental injury. It is better to choose drugs that do not contain alcohol, for example, hydrogen peroxide, Miramistin or Chlorhexidine. Also prepare bandages.
Wash your hands well and provide bright light.
Take the cat in your arms, talk to it tenderly, calm it down.
Hold your pet's paw with one hand and secure it well.
Using the fingers of your other hand, press on the paw pad, forcing the claws out.
Estimate the required length of the part of the nail plate that should be cut off.
Using a nail cutter, cut off the excess dead part of the claw, retreating a couple of millimeters from the edge of the pulp.
Repeat similar manipulations with the next claws.
Be sure to praise your pet and give him a treat.

If the animal tolerates trimming calmly, then you can trim all the claws at one time and even carefully file their tips with a file. In the same case, if the animal is worried and does not like this procedure, you can ask someone from the household for help and trim one or two claws a day.

You should not start trimming nails if the cat is playing around or has just eaten. It is better to carry out the procedure when the pet is relaxed or dozing.

It is better to teach a kitten to trim its claws from an early age so that an adult cat is not afraid of it. At the same time, you must constantly speak kindly to the baby, without raising your voice under any circumstances. The paws are carefully stroked, gently pressing on the pads and releasing the claws. If a claw is injured during clipping and bleeding cannot be stopped within 30 minutes, the pet should be taken to a veterinary clinic.

How to calm an animal during the procedure

It is important that you yourself are calm and not afraid of the haircut procedure. Otherwise, the pet will feel your fear and will be too excited and restless.

If the animal is afraid of a haircut, then perform 4-5 deceptive performances. You lay out the tools, let him sniff them, feed him treats, but don’t touch him. After a couple of times, try to shorten, for example, a pencil so that the animal understands the sound of the nail clipper.

Don't forget to talk kindly, socialize and feed your favorite foods. After this, do a trial trimming of one nail. If everything went well, praise your pet and give him treats. Next time try to trim all the claws. As a last resort, give your pet some natural sedative made from herbs .

Trimming dog nails is not a difficult procedure, but it requires concentration, accuracy and great patience. It is important to remember that you cannot cut claws with ordinary scissors , which spoil the structure of the claw, break and delaminate it.
The advantages of using nippers or guillotines are undeniable - you will not injure the animal, damage the nail structure and will not touch the pulp.

Mr. Cat recommends: criteria for choosing a nail clipper

To avoid injuring your cat when trimming its nails, it is important to choose the right nail clipper.

The selection criteria are as follows:

High quality blade material. They must be very sharp and cut off the tip of the claw in one movement, the cut must remain smooth and not torn.
The nail clipper should fit comfortably in a person’s hand, not slip, and have the optimal weight and size.
The thickness of your pet's claw is also important. For small animals and kittens, it is better to use tools such as scissors or pliers (secateurs). For adult cats with a hard nail plate, a guillotine-type device or electric grinders are better suited.
If you have no experience, it is better to first use nail clippers or forceps.
Preference should be given to models with restraints, in which case the risk of injury to the pet is minimized.

How to choose?

To use a nail clipper without problems and disappointments, choose a tool taking into account the individual characteristics of your cat:

The guillotine is considered the best option because it is equipped with a sharp and reliable blade. If the claws are not dense, similar to human nails, then nail clippers-scissors or pruning shears will do.
For inexperienced nail fighters or those lacking self-confidence, pruning shears are the best choice: they will help avoid injury. It is better for such owners to refuse the guillotine.
A cat nail clipper in the form of scissors is suitable for conservatives who are suspicious of unusual accessories.

It is not at all necessary that the most expensive nail clipper will be the best. You can buy a good option by spending an amount of money that is acceptable to you.

Pay attention to:

convenience. The handles should fit well in the palm and not slip;
blade quality. Material – stainless steel. Well sharpened and reliable.

Don't expect a good nail clipper to be cheap.

It is strictly forbidden to trim dogs' nails with any household tools. This is directly related to the special density and structure of the claw. You cannot use nail clippers that are intended for cats. Using the wrong tool can lead to injury, claw splitting, and bleeding.

Recommendations for choosing a nail clipper.

Guillotine nail clippers are suitable for cutting soft nails, usually found on small to medium breeds or puppies.
Secateurs are capable of cutting claws of any thickness. Great option for large dogs.
Scissors are uncomfortable to hold in your hand, which can inadvertently injure the dog or damage the nail itself. Best suited for emergency trimming of long but thin nails.
It is important to choose the optimal size. The nail clipper for large dogs should be 16–18 cm, for medium dogs – 14–16 cm, for small dogs – 8–11 cm.
An electric claw trimmer is suitable for filing claws of any thickness. It is better to accustom an animal from childhood, so as not to frighten it later with noise and smell. The tool allows you to round the cut line as much as possible, the dog will not scratch the owners or furniture.
A high-quality product leaves a smooth and even cut. The slightest imperfections indicate that the material of the nail clipper is of poor quality or the blades are not sharpened properly.
The best option is considered to be a tool with rubberized handles. This way you can control the situation as much as possible during the procedure.

Read more: 20 best types of smart kitchen appliances of the year

Review and rating of models

Pet stores today offer many models of nail clippers for cats with different operating principles. Groomers, breeders, and cat lovers have compiled an indicative list of the most popular, high-quality and easy-to-use devices. Some of them are given in this review.

Anti-scratch nail clipper-scissors

The cheapest option costs about 100 rubles. At the same time, it has quite a lot of positive reviews. Of the minuses, it is worth noting that the rings are quite small and are not suitable for men’s hands. Some write that scissors work, but they separate the claws and are more suitable for kittens. However, there are more good comments about the product and they all talk about the low price and good quality.

VIPet nail clippers and scissors

Suitable for cats, dogs, rabbits and birds. Double sharpened blades, comfortable handles. They cost less than 200 rubles. and have many positive reviews.

Guillotine nail clippers and Dezzie pruners

One of the most popular for home use. Plastic handles provide anti-slip effect and comfort, high quality steel blades. The length of the guillotine type product is 15.8 cm, the pruning shears are 12.3 cm. The latter is cheaper, costs 350-400 rubles, guillotines up to 500 rubles.

Guillotine pruner

Scissors, pruners and guillotines Hello Pet

Favorable price, large selection. Suitable not only for cats, but also dogs, rabbits and ferrets. Four scissor options. All have comfortable rubberized handles, a blade with double sharpening, the length of the nail clipper and blades are different, see the photos of the types. They cost up to 400 rubles.

Nail clipper length 12.5 cm, blades 1.2 cm. Up to 300 rub.

The length of the nail clipper is 8.5 cm, the blades are 3.5 mm. Up to 250 rub. Most of all positive reviews. The length of the nail clipper is 8 cm, the blades are 7 mm. Up to 300 rub. The length of the nail clipper is 8.5 cm, the blades are 3.5 mm. Up to 200 rub.

Suitable for cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits and chinchillas. Rubberized handles, stopper and handle lock for secure storage. There are three options: for small, medium and large animals.

Nail cutter length 8.5 cm, working surface size 4 cm x 3 cm. RUB 360. Nail cutter length 14 cm, working surface size 4 cm x 2.5 cm. 450 rub. Nail clipper length 16.5 cm, blades: 1.6 cm. 500 rub.

Guillotines have a spring mechanism, allow you to trim thin nails, and are suitable for cats and dogs, rabbits and birds. You can buy options with rubberized handles; it is best to give preference to number 1781, you can see it in the photo. All reviews for this nail clipper are positive, people talk about the convenience and sharpness. There are other options with rubberized handles, but the majority of comments about them are worse, often talking about breaking or crumbling claws.

We do not recommend buying an entirely stainless steel option. There are two types, made in China for 250 rubles. and Taiwan for almost 500 rubles. and both have extremely negative reviews, which boil down to the fact that the claws are not trimmed, but simply bend and break.

Trixie nail clipper-secateurs

Two options: 12.5 and 16 cm. Suitable for cats, small dogs, other small animals and birds. They cost 430 and 570 rubles. respectively. Reviews are good. They have rubberized handles and a limiter.

12.5 cm 16 cm

Nail clippers-scissors DeLight

Like Hello Pet, there are a lot of options. Small and medium, curved, straight, and also with emphasis. They cost from 1500 to 300 rubles. Double sharpened blades, comfortable handles.

Small straight Small curved Small with stop Medium

The manufacturer also has guillotines and pruners, but there are almost no reviews on them; some pruners say that they are not very convenient, but they have a reasonable price.

Zolux nail clippers and scissors

Available in two modifications and different sizes - designed for small and large pets, for example, Maine Coons. Also suitable for rodents and birds. The larger version has rubberized handles. This French nail clipper has no restrictions. The price is about 300 rubles.

5*3*12 cm 9*5*16 cm

Nail clippers-secateurs Hagen le salon

The blades have a special shape and are made of high-quality stainless steel, the handles are made of anti-slip material. The cost is about 400 rubles or a little cheaper. Size 12.5*10*1.5 cm.

Nail clipper-secateur TRIOL 181AP

This device is manufactured in Taiwan. It is distinguished by ease of use, high-quality material of steel blades and rubberized handles, and a budget price (about 250 rubles). There is a limiter. Suitable for any small animals. Dimensions 130*40*13 mm.

Electric grinder Codos CP-3200

A popular professional device for treating the claws of both cats and dogs, and even for trimming the teeth of rabbits. Can be used from a 100-240V network or in wireless mode for up to 4 hours of continuous operation. Fully charges in 1 hour. The sharpening stone is metal, diamond-coated, and has 2 speeds. Costs from 3000 to 3500 rubles.

Grinder Ziver 219, 20.ZV.066

For 2000 rubles. cheaper than the previous one, costs about 1100 rubles. But it has good reviews. Operates on two AA batteries. Diamond-coated metal grinding shaft. There are no batteries included and the device is often purchased for dogs, although reviews say that it is also suitable for cats.

Dog Nail Trimmer

Trimmers (grinders) for dog nails are expensive, but easy to use - you don’t need to cut anything. The main thing is to file the dog’s claws once every 2-3 weeks.

They have different grinding stone attachments. They are convenient to use if the dog is categorically against nippers. Their only drawback is that they heat up quickly . So the trimming procedure may take a long time.

If the animal constantly runs along paved roads during walks, then grinding or trimming is not necessary, it happens naturally.

Why trim your cat's claws?

Any cat, even a domestic one, is, first of all, a predator. At the same time, it can only be called a domesticated animal conditionally. This beast always “walks on its own.” Therefore, sooner or later it will show a person its claws. Scratching posts solve this problem only partly, and therefore an important attribute of caring for a pet is trimming its nails. Although, undoubtedly, the process of trimming claws itself causes a lot of controversy among veterinarians and breeders. Some consider it inhumane, but advocates of cutting are sure that it is just a panacea. By the way, read how to make a scratching post for a cat with your own hands, as well as how to train it.

It’s not without reason that a cat scratches and sharpens its claws on furniture or wallpaper. This is a natural process during which the animal removes the stratum corneum from its natural defense mechanism, while marking the territory and leaving its scent. The rate at which claws grow is individual for each cat, but on average they have to be trimmed several times a month. It is simply not practical to go to a veterinary clinic or groomer for this every time. This is not economical and, in addition, such trips cause stress for the cat.

Structure of a cat's claw

A cat's paw pad has toes, each of which ends in a sharp, curved claw. There are five of them on the forelimbs, and four on the hind limbs.

Each cat's finger consists of several phalanges and is powerfully entangled with blood vessels, nerve endings, and there are also muscles and joints. When a cat pulls up its claw, a special tendon located in the upper phalanx of the finger works. When the animal is relaxed, the claw is hidden in the soft pads of the paws. When there is potential danger, aggression or excitement, the claws are shown outward.

Their shape resembles a hook, with the help of which the cat is able to tenaciously capture and firmly hold its prey. If you carefully examine the claw, then under the transparent keratinized plate you can see the pulp, penetrated by blood vessels and nerves. That is why it is necessary to trim a cat’s claws very carefully, without touching the “living” part, so as not to injure the animal and prevent bleeding. Actually, this is the essence of the most hygienic procedure for trimming cat claws - removing the dead keratinized part and keeping the pulp intact. If it is damaged, you can even leave your pet disabled. This is exactly the fate that awaits those animals whose “caring” owners completely remove their claws, performing an inhumanly cruel onychectomy operation.

How to trim the nails of a French bulldog, dachshund, or poodle?

The French Bulldog's nails are hard. They are light in color, so the living part of the claw is clearly visible and has a pink color. Veterinarians recommend trimming the tip of the nail. Pruning should be done every ten days. If the claws are jagged, they can be easily filed. Puppies have their nails trimmed three weeks after birth.
The most important procedure in caring for a dachshund is trimming its nails. This ensures the prevention of infectious diseases. When you hear your dachshund start tapping his claws on the floor, it’s time for a haircut. A dachshund's first nail trimming should take place at an early age. During summer walks, the dachshund wears down its nails, but in winter this is impossible, so nail trimming should be done every two weeks.
The poodle has very sensitive nails. They should be trimmed regularly. The cut should be no more than 2 mm.

The Pros and Cons of Trimming Domestic Cats' Nails

This procedure helps protect small children in the house from scratches, when an overly naughty pet can get carried away and accidentally harm the child. In addition, wallpaper, expensive furniture and other household items and clothing will not be damaged. If there are several cats in the house, this will also protect them from injuring each other during quarrels. The main argument animal advocates make against nail trimming is valid. This is the only vital “tool” of an animal, with the help of which it can climb up a tree trunk or building, defend itself from enemies, and get food for itself. Therefore, you should not trim the claws of cats that often walk outside; they are automatically at risk.

Many domestic cats that are well behaved and healthy do not need nail trimming either. They have perfectly learned to get rid of the keratinized part of the plate themselves and will never harm people or the environment in the apartment.

For young and active, exclusively domestic pets, this procedure is acceptable if performed correctly and with an excellent tool.

Nail trimming is a must:

If you plan to take your pet to a breeding, exhibition or show. In a stressful environment, a cat may accidentally injure a partner or person.
When the claw grows too quickly. This is typical of the Persians and Sphinxes. With a lack of vitamins D and B, the stratum corneum often peels off and breaks, and the animal may accidentally pull out a claw.
When the pet is very old, when it is not able to grind its claws on its own. Trimming this often prevents the nail plate from growing into the paw pad.

Manicure for a cat

Trimming claws is an important and necessary procedure for a cat, especially if he lives in an apartment and does not have the opportunity to grind his claws down in natural conditions. Or rather, the cat will sharpen its “weapon” in any case, another question: about what? The scratching posts and special toys you bought may well not please the cat, and then he will begin to scratch furniture and wallpaper, clothes and bags... It is doubtful that this will please you.

Cat manicure is a simple way to solve many complex problems.

Scratching is a natural process, not pampering or harmful. In this way, animals clean and renew their claws, and at the same time mark the territory that they consider their own. How to respect both the cat's and the owner's interests - without casualties and destruction. The simplest and most humane way out is to cut the claws. Different cats' claws grow at different rates, but usually one manicure session lasts for two weeks.

The procedure for trimming nails in a veterinary clinic is inexpensive, but you can easily handle it yourself - why create additional stressful situations for your pet? At home, you can cut not all the claws at the same time, but at least one or two at a time - only those that have become too long and sharp. This approach is easier for even the most impatient pet to handle.

Trim your nails on time - this will make life easier for you and your pet.

What not to use for trimming cats' claws

When you first decide to trim your pet’s nails, you need to remember once and for all that you cannot use regular or manicure scissors or nail files. Of course, one time won't do much harm. But it is worth keeping in mind that a cat’s claw is much stronger and “human” tools are ineffective; they will most likely simply delaminate and break. To properly care for your pet’s paws, you need to purchase a special nail clipper, especially since the choice of models is very wide and the prices are quite affordable.

Cutters or clippers for artificial nails

Girls who do nail extensions know about this tool. In fact, these are almost nail clippers. Nail scissors (artificial) are also made of very durable metal, which easily “bites off” plastic, gel or acrylic. Most often, a tool is used to remove the free edge of a modeled nail. Or at the initial stage, if extensions are meant using tips (plastic plates). In any case, in order not to spoil the structure of the natural nail, it is better not to use cutters. This is too rough a tool. It works on the principle of a guillotine. A loose edge is placed into the cutter (just like on a chopping block) and then a handle is pressed, which lowers the sharp blade onto it, causing it to be cut off. Some masters even call their tool the guillotine.