Clipping claws

Panther (the one year old black cat I just adopted from an animal shelter) had very long claws that seemed to always be getting stuck in my carpet when she is playing or kneading. I haven't owned a cat in quite a while so I am not really sure if I followed the correct process when trimming them. I just wanted to clip off the very sharp tips so I used a normal human pair of clippers. She was great about the whole thing she just layed in my lap and purred the whole time allowing me to trim her nails without a fuss. However I did notice before I tried clipping that one of her nails looks split down the middle. Obviously I didn't clip that one and it didn't seem like she was in any pain (she didn't pull away at all when I messed with it). Any idea if that could be a problem? Also any nail care tips would be great.
Thanks

Unlike our fingernails, cat's claws grow from the inside and are sharpened by shedding the outermost layer. I hope what you saw was just that outer layer coming off.

Regular nail clipping once a week - check and clip as needed is a good idea to follow. Try just taking off a little on the split nail. She could have had it caught in something and it split; but you can't wait for it to grow back.

Clipping a little at a time is the best thing.

How wonderful that Panther let you trim her nails with no fuss!


Instead of using a human nail clipper though, I would get a clipper specifically designed for cats. See here: http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...ductId=2752768

When we use a human nail clipper it can cause their nails to split or crack.

I agree, I would get a clipper made for cats' claws.

I'm jealous that you can do it so easily. It's always a struggle with Chloe.

I occasionally find little pieces of nails sheaths around the house so the cracked one sounds normal, trim it slightly.

You're lucky that you have such a good cat, I have one that doesn't mind being trimmed and one who must be scruffed to be trimmed.

Leslie

Since clipping with a human nail clipper worked so well, I'd stick with that. (Although the one Shanynne linked looks very nice; I've used and hated the guillotine style ones.) Maybe when you dull it you might want to buy another, but a good cut comes from something you can hold comfortably that makes a clean cut. It doesn't matter what species or nail shape the clipper is designed for; it matters if it works!

Originally Posted by Enuja

Since clipping with a human nail clipper worked so well, I'd stick with that. (Although the one Shanynne linked looks very nice; I've used and hated the guillotine style ones.) Maybe when you dull it you might want to buy another, but a good cut comes from something you can hold comfortably that makes a clean cut. It doesn't matter what species or nail shape the clipper is designed for; it matters if it works!

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I have to say I also prefer the human nail clipper and clip from the side rather than top to bottom. They work very well and I've never had a problem. I tried the cat nail clippers at shelter and wasn't very comfortable with them as I couldn't see the nail as well.

Sounds like you have a real lovey of a kitty there. The split you say you see may just be the side part that comes off naturally anyway.