Nail Clippers For Cats: What Are There, What To Look For When Choosing, Rules Of Use, Owner Reviews

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

How to choose the right nail clipper: an overview of models and expert advice

Pets do not have the opportunity to grind their claws on the asphalt or trees, as their relatives do in their natural environment, therefore they find alternative options: furniture, wallpaper, etc. To protect property from damage, and at the same time protect themselves from cuts and scratches, the owners they often resort to clipping. The keratinized nail plate is removed using a special tool - a nail clipper. A correctly selected accessory allows you to carry out a hygienic procedure as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Content

• 1 Features of cutting claws

  • 1.1 A bit of anatomy
  • 1.2 Disadvantages of the procedure
  • 1.3 When to trim claws

• 2 Varieties of cat nail clippers

  • 2.1 Clipper scissors
  • 2.2 Clipper pruner
  • 2.3 Guillotine claw
  • 2.4 Electric nail clipper
  • 2.5 Video: Varieties of cat clippers

• 3 Rules for choosing a nail clipper

  3.1 Video: how to choose the right nail clipper for a cat

• 4 How to use a nail clipper correctly

  • 4.1 Algorithm for cutting claws
  • 4.2 First aid for injuries
  • 4.3 Video: how to trim the claws of a cat

• 5 Best clippers for cats

  • 5.1 Hello Pet Clipper
  • 5.2 Clipper TRIOL 181AP
  • 5.3 Zolux Clipper
  • 5.4 Trixie-2370 guillotine claw
  • 5.5 Grinder Codos CP-3400
  • 5.6 Resco Deluxe Guillotine Clipper

• 6 Alternatives

  6.1 What can not be cut claws

• 7 Reviews of cat owners about claws

Features of claw cutting

Claw clipping is a controversial procedure that causes a lot of controversy and discussion among veterinarians and pet owners. Someone claims that this is necessary, someone believes that it is inhumane to subject a cat to such executions, and there is no point. In fact, each animal needs an individual approach. There are cases when claw trimming helps prevent the occurrence of pathologies and ensures full life.

A bit of anatomy

To understand the essence of the clipping procedure, you need to familiarize yourself with some anatomical features. A cat's toe has a specific structure: it consists of several phalanges (the latter ends with a claw), blood vessels, nerve endings, joints and muscles. The claw is tightened by a special tendon located at the top of each toe. In a calm and relaxed state, the claws hide in the folds of the paws, in an excited state they are outside. The crescent shape of the claw allows the animal to grasp prey tenaciously (literally "to hold on the hook"), to defend itself from enemies.

When the cat is in a relaxed state, its claw is hidden inside the folds.

The visible part of the claw consists of two parts: "live" (pulp located at the base) and keratinized (tip of the claw). The "live" area is replete with blood vessels and nerve endings, so any damage to it is accompanied by painful sensations for the cat. The stratum corneum is constantly renewed throughout life. Stitching claws on objects, the pet is freed from the dead old cover (the owners probably more than once noticed the claws left by the cat in the upholstered furniture or scratching post).

It is thanks to the tendon that the cat has the ability to retract and release its claws.

The essence of the hygiene procedure is to remove the stratum corneum without affecting the pulp. Otherwise, the animal will be injured and will need several days to recover. Also, do not forget that clipping the nails in any case gives the pet uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations, even if only dead areas are cut. This is due to the presence of nerve endings.

Only the top layer must be cut off, leaving at least 2 mm from the pulp

Personally, I have never clipped a cat, although he scratched the wallpaper and furniture. My sister initially tried to teach her adult pet to this procedure, but every time she was left with scratches and cuts. Then she made the decision to perform the operation "soft feet". For this, the whole phalanges of the fingers are removed to the animal, as a result of which it is made semi-disabled. Actually, this is what happened to her favorite. The cat recovered for a long time, then became inert, inactive, gained excess weight, and over the years, its paws began to deform. Honestly, I believe that if your personal property, such as an armchair or a sofa, is more dear to you, then it is better to give the animal into good hands. In general, if I had my way, I would have banned such an operation at the state level, as was done in Germany.

Disadvantages of the procedure

In addition to the unpleasant sensations, there is another strong argument against. The fact is that the claws are the main tool of the animal's life: with their help, the pet climbs a tree or cabinet, defends itself, and gets food. After a hygienic procedure, the animal, out of habit trying to climb to a height, may fall and be injured. Cats, which their owners let out on the street, are in a special risk group, since they cannot protect themselves in the event of an attack by other animals.

When to trim claws

A hygienic procedure is necessary in the following cases:

• before mating and exhibition. In the first option, a haircut is necessary so that the animal does not injure its partner; in the second, it is a mandatory requirement under the competition regulations;
• in case of excessive growth of the stratum corneum. Usually a similar problem occurs in Sphynxes and Persian cats. Due to the deficiency of vitamins D and B in the body, exfoliation of the horny part occurs. Untimely removal of the dead part leads to the fact that the pet clings to the pile of the carpet, sofas and, as a result, can either tear off the claw, damaging the "living" part, or accidentally dislocate the foot;
• when an animal, due to old age or illness, cannot sharpen its claws on its own. In this case, the procedure is necessary, since the claws can grow in different directions and painfully dig into the paw pads. An ingrown claw is a serious pathology when surgical intervention is inevitable. The animal cannot move on its own due to severe pain, and the wound often bleeds.

Cats have a fifth, rudimentary claw on their front legs. It is difficult for them to catch on to something, so the stratum corneum is much longer here than on the other paws. The owner needs to control and trim the dead part in time so that the claw does not sink into the pillow.

On the rudimentary claw (it is located separately from the other fingers), the stratum corneum grows faster

Varieties of cat clippers

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of nail clippers for every taste and wallet. Tools differ in design, shape, and usage patterns. Some are intended for beginners with little experience in these procedures, while others are suitable for advanced groomers. All accessories can be purchased at regular pet stores or online stores.

Clipper scissors

This is the simplest and most intuitive tool to use. Outwardly, it is no different from ordinary scissors: large handles with holes for fingers, 2 closed blades. However, there is one distinguishing feature: small holes can be seen at the end of the blades. They are designed to fix the cat's claw around the perimeter so that it does not slip out during the procedure. The result is an even and neat cut. The scheme of use is quite simple: you need to place the tip of the claw in the recess and just close the handles. Such a clipper is suitable for beginners, since the risk of injury to the animal is minimal.

The scissors nail clipper is practically no different from ordinary scissors.

Models vary in price, weight and size. The cheapest ones can be purchased on the Aliexpress website for only 50 rubles. Although the blades are made of stainless steel, they quickly dull and break. The cost of better quality products from well-known companies (for example, Zolux, Hagen Le Salon) varies between 200-400 rubles, but such tools will last much longer. When choosing, you should pay attention to the size: a model with a length of 14 cm is not suitable for kittens.

Clipper pruner

This tool is suitable for more advanced groomers and provides a better cut. It is very convenient to use thanks to the spring located under the blade between the handles. It is this feature that speeds up the clipping process. Externally, the accessory resembles garden shears or pliers, but its mechanism is somewhat more complicated.

The pruning clipper has the function of blocking the blade

The pruning clipper is equipped with a safety guard that locks the blades when the tool is not in use. This is a significant advantage if there are children in the family, since the child cannot get hurt by picking it up. To activate the claw cutter, just press the button on the side, at the base of the blade. In addition to the safety catch, there is also a stopper that allows you to cut only the desired length. Experienced groomers question this function, arguing that it easily jumps off during work.

The principle of using such a tool is similar to scissor claws: you need to place the claw in the hole and close the handles. Accessories come in flat or curved shapes. Manufacturers claim that the latter option allows for the treatment of hard-to-reach areas. The average cost of pruning shears is 350–500 rubles.

Guillotine claw

It is easy to assume that the name of the instrument was given by analogy with a medieval frightening device. The curved nail clipper has 2 rubberized handles and a metal ring at the base. You need to place a cat's claw in this hole and press the handle: at this moment a small sharp blade will appear, which will cut off the desired area.

The guillotine claw is useful if the cat has a thick nail plate

The tool is in great demand among breeders and professional groomers, but it is not recommended for beginners to purchase it. The fact is that, due to a specific mechanism, it is difficult to visually assess the length of the claw to be sheared, so there is a high risk of touching the pulp. To use the guillotine, you must have certain skills, experience, be able to "by eye" determine the keratinized area.

The cost of the instrument varies between 200-550 rubles.

Electric nail clipper

An electric clipper is also called a grinder. This is a tool for professional groomers and is therefore often used in pet salons. The mechanism of action is that the claw is grinded against a rapidly rotating wheel. Additional attachments and limiters are included with the device. The grinder is not suitable for beginners, as an inexperienced owner can easily damage the “live” part of the claw.

In an electric clipper, a claw is grinded against a rotating wheel with an abrasive coating

Some models operate on mains power, some simply on batteries or accumulator. The cost varies between 800-4000 rubles.

Video: Varieties of cat clippers

Rules for choosing a nail clipper

When choosing a tool, the following points should be considered:

• Quality. It is necessary to give preference to models with very sharp stainless steel blades, since the tool should precisely cut, and not break off the claw plate. It is recommended to inspect the product for defects before purchasing.
• Convenience. The item must be selected in such a way that it is comfortable to hold it in your hand. It should not be too heavy or, conversely, weightless, as this creates additional discomfort for the owner during the procedure and can result in injury for the pet. The handles should be rubberized so that the object does not slip out of the hands during the procedure.
• Density of the nail plate. Before going to the store, you need to evaluate the appearance of the cat's claws. If they are light and transparent, with well-visible blood vessels, then you can safely buy a clipper such as scissors or pruners. Black opaque claws are harder, so you need powerful tools for processing: a grinder or a guillotine claw.

In any case, beginners are advised to purchase scissors to practice and gain experience. If the claw plate is very dense, and there are no skills in working with a grinder or guillotine, it is better to seek help from specialists. The cost of such a procedure in the animal salon starts from 220 rubles. By prior arrangement, the groomer can go home.

Video: how to choose the right nail clipper for a cat

How to use a nail clipper correctly

Before clipping the nails, it is imperative to treat the instruments with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine, alcohol), so as not to accidentally introduce an infection during the procedure. Be sure to check the health of the claw cutter. After that, you can put it in the line of sight of the cat so that she can sniff and investigate a new object.

In addition to the main tool, you need to have at hand:

• a nail file or emery bar;
• hydrogen peroxide or iodine;
• cotton sponges;
• children's talcum powder.

If for the first time it's scary to cut your claws yourself, I recommend calling a friend or someone from your household for help. One person will hold the cat, the other will perform the necessary manipulations. You can wrap your pet in a towel or blanket and take out one foot at a time for processing. This way, you can protect yourself from serious cuts and scratches. If the cat is categorically not given and resists, it is better to postpone the procedure for another time.

Claw cutting algorithm

The procedure is recommended to be carried out during daylight hours so that the claws can be clearly seen. The pet should feel good, be full and be half asleep or relaxed. Then he can be taken on his knees, caressed and stroked. Actually, this is the beginning of the procedure. Further algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Massage the pads of the paws, pressing lightly with your fingers until the claws appear.

2. Examine the claw in the light. The red stripe inside the transparent plate is the pulp, which should never be touched.

   

   In the light, 2 parts of the claw are clearly visible: keratinized (to the left of the yellow line) and "live" (pinkish, closer to the base of the paw)

3. Having stepped back from the blood vessel 2–4 mm, place the claw in the groove of the nail clipper so that it is perpendicular to the blade. Cut off the keratinized area.

   

   The clipper must be kept strictly perpendicular to the claw

4. Do the same manipulations with the rest of the claws on the front and hind legs.
5. Grind all nails with a nail file or a bar (so that they do not subsequently cling to the upholstery or carpet), wipe with a sponge dipped in hydrogen peroxide.

After the procedure, be sure to praise and encourage the pet with a treat.

Cut off the tips of the claws look more aesthetically pleasing and neat

You need to teach a cat to trim claws from early childhood - then it will be too late. An adult animal already has its own habits and behavior patterns, so it will be extremely difficult to retrain it. The added stress can also negatively affect the pet's health. From my friend's experience, I know that after an unsuccessful haircut, her docile and good-natured cat turned into a real aggressor. It is good that the owners drew conclusions in time and did not subject the animal to such executions any more. Over time, he calmed down and began to behave as before. I believe that a scratching post is the most humane and easy solution to the problem of property damage. True, for this it is necessary to seriously engage in the upbringing of a fluffy, starting from the early months of his life.

First aid for injuries

If a blood vessel was accidentally touched, in no case should you panic. It is necessary to immediately treat the claw with an antiseptic, sprinkle with talcum powder. If caked blood appears the next day, repeat the same manipulations. For several days, until the wound heals, do not let the pet out into the street.

Video: how to trim the claws of a cat

The best clippers for cats

Good quality instruments are not cheap, but they ensure that the procedure is painless and quick for the pet. Unlike budget counterparts, they will last much longer, so it's better to spend once than buying a new item every month.

Of course, it is difficult to compile a certain rating of clippers, since each model has its own advantages and disadvantages: someone prefers exclusively the guillotine, and someone is content with scissors. However, from a wide range of goods, one can single out those that have long established themselves from the most positive side.

Hello Pet Scissor Clipper

The Taiwanese manufacturer's tool has received many positive reviews due to its ease of use and wide range of products. The most expensive scissors, 14 cm long, with rubberized black and red handles, cost 454 rubles. Models with handles made of plastic are cheaper. A small nail clipper (for kittens) can be purchased for 220–290 rubles, a large one - for 310 rubles. The blades in all products are made of high quality heat-resistant steel, which ensures a long product life.

Hello Pet clipper scissors suitable for beginners

Clipper-pruner TRIOL 181AP

The side clipper, although it has small dimensions (40x120 mm), is very convenient to use. The retainer locks the blade, so it is impossible to get injured by the tool when it is not working. It is light in weight, fits well in the hand. The blade is also made of stainless steel. The product can be purchased for 220–350 rubles.

The TRIOL 181AP clipper-pruner has small dimensions, but very convenient to use

Scissors nail clipper Zolux

The French manufacturer's tool is suitable for adult pets and large breed cats (eg Maine Coons). The handle is white and purple, made of thermoplastic rubber, with holes of different sizes (for one and several fingers). The sharp blades are made of stainless steel. Product size - 7x14 cm, cost - 360 rubles.

The stylish design of the Zolux scissors engages customers

Guillotine claw Trixie-2370

This stylish instrument from the Chinese manufacturer is famous for its long service life and ease of use. The optimal weight of the product (300 g) does not make the hand heavier, the stopper does not make it possible to cut off excess. The claw cutter is 11.5 cm long. The entire instrument is made of metal, so it can be disinfected in an autoclave.

Trixie-2370 guillotine claw is made of metal

Grinder Codos CP-3400

The Chinese manufacturer's electric nail clipper is one of the best of its kind. It has a high power, works both from the network (wire length 2 m) and from the battery (its charge lasts for 3 hours, recharges in 2 hours). The product is quite light, only 114 g, so it is comfortable to hold in your hand. The cost is 2000 rubles. This is an indispensable device for professional groomers.

Electric clipper suitable for professional groomers

Guillotine clipper Resco Deluxe

The product of the American manufacturer is equipped with comfortable rubberized embossed handles, which allows you to hold the object firmly during the procedure. The rest is made of metal. The tool can be purchased for 450 rubles.

The Resco deluxe guillotine clipper is renowned for its durability

Alternative options

If you do not have the right tool at hand, it is allowed to use nail clippers or ordinary scissors with sharp blades. Before the procedure, the instruments must be disinfected with alcohol or chlorhexidine.

In the future, it is still recommended to purchase special tools for removing the stratum corneum, since the haircut will need to be carried out regularly and repeatedly.

Than you can not cut claws

You can not trim the nails with nail scissors intended for humans. In humans, the nail plate is much thinner than that of a cat, so this tool is ineffective here. At best, it will simply break; at worst, it will damage the claw, which will lead to further delamination.

Reviews of cat owners about claws

A cat nail clipper is a necessary and convenient thing, with the help of which the hygienic procedure is quick and painless for both the pet and the owner. When choosing a tool, you must definitely pay attention to quality and ease of use. In the absence of the necessary skills for a haircut, it is better not to purchase professional and powerful devices like a grinder. If in doubt about the success of the procedure, it is recommended that you seek help and advice from experienced groomers.