How to make trimming your cat's nails a positive experience

If the thought of trimming your cat's nails sends both of you running in opposite directions, here are some tips that can help.

If your cat is a kitten, it will be much easier to get her accustomed to the procedure. If your cat is older, she may already associate the process with fear and restraint, so it may take longer to reverse those negative feelings.

Begin by choosing a time when the cat is sleepy - after a meal or after you have worn her out playing one of her favorite games. Then find a quiet, comfortable spot for both of you and hold her, facing away from you, in your lap.

The first step to fear-free nail trimming is getting your cat used to her paws being held and her nails being extended. Stroke the paw for a couple of seconds before pressing the top of her foot so her nail extends. Kittens may not mind at all, but should still be rewarded with a treat.

Take your time with an older cat to build trust. The goal at this point is just to hold her paw and extend her nails. Reward with a treat after you are successful with each paw. Take as much time as your cat needs so there is no resistance. You may have to do this every day for a week or more, and that is fine.

Next, get your cat used to the nail trimmers. (Be sure to purchase good-quality nail trimmers for cats.) Let her sniff the trimmers. If she seems afraid of it, try putting a treat or catnip on top of it to encourage her to explore it.

To trim nails, take one of her toes in your hand and press to extend the nail. Look for the quick. The quick is the pink area in the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves.

If you cut into this area, it will not only bleed but also will cause pain. (If you do accidentally cut into this area, stop the bleeding with styptic powder or by rubbing it on a bar of soap. And give your kitty extra treats.)

When in doubt, it is better to cut too little than too much. Give a treat after the first nail is cut. If your cat still seems relaxed, cut the next. And so on until one foot is trimmed. Pay attention to your cat's body language and follow her lead.

Kittens who have been used to their feet being touched may quickly let you trim all their nails from the very beginning. They may also lose patience with this "game," in which case it is better to break it up into shorter sessions.

You may only be able to trim one foot at a time with older cats (or maybe even just one or two nails) in the beginning. With time and patience, she will learn these sessions are not unpleasant and her tolerance should increase.

For a cat that is struggling, try wrapping her in a towel. It may calm her. If your cat seems scared of the trimmers or the sound they make when they cut, a nail grinder might be a better choice. But most cats will need to get used to the sound it makes before you will be able to use it on their nails.

Sometimes, having another person helps. One person can hold the cat while the other does the trimming.

Plan to trim your cat's nails every couple of weeks.

There are times, however, when your cat should see your veterinarian for help with nail trimming. If nails appear unusually thick or are deformed, it may signal a health issue. If nails are curling and growing into their pads, a vet is better trained to trim them.

And, of course, if you are uncomfortable trimming your cat's nails, your veterinarian's staff is happy to do it for you.

• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit redbarnpetvet.com, or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 422-1000 (Gilberts).