It is possible to cut your cat’s nails yourself. However, it is sometimes wiser to have this done by a veterinarian.
The cost of having cat nails clipped at the vet often varies. This is due to, among other things:
- Location of the veterinarian
- Veterinarian experience
- Type of cat
On average, it costs between €10 and €20 to have your cat’s nails clipped at the vet. Usually it is also possible to purchase additional services, such as washing and drying the cats paws after treatment.
It is also possible at some veterinarians to take a strippenkaart, which allows you to pay even less than € 10 per time. So the cost of this is fortunately not high, but it is convenient to schedule a vet consultation for this first.
Having a cat’s nails clipped are not covered by most pet insurance policies. However, while clipping the nails, the veterinarian sometimes comes across other things during this cat treatment. So still take out cat insurance for the unexpected medical expenses, preventive care & long-term care.
What are the benefits of having nails trimmed by a veterinarian?
Having your cat’s nails clipped by a veterinarian has several advantages over doing it yourself. Here are the biggest advantages:
1. Safety
Clipping a cat’s nails can be a challenging task, especially if the cat is not used to this procedure. Cats can be unpredictable, and if they are stressed or anxious, they may try to bite or scratch, which can lead to injury. A veterinarian is trained in handling animals and knows how to safely handle the cat.
2. Proper technique
Cutting nails too short can cause bleeding and pain for the cat. A veterinarian has the proper training and experience to cut nails to the proper length without causing injury.
3. Preventing problems
Improper nail trimming can lead to several problems, such as ingrown nails or splitting of the nail. This can cause pain and even infection. A veterinarian can recognize and prevent these problems by properly trimming the nails and treating any problems in a timely manner.
4. Professional advice
In addition, veterinarians can provide tips on how to help your cat get used to nail clipping treatments, such as introducing positive associations by giving rewards or rewarding the cat after the procedure.
They can also offer advice on how to use proper nail clippers and techniques to prevent injury. By seeking professional advice regularly, you can ensure that your cat’s nails are properly cared for and any problems are noticed and addressed in a timely manner.
Cutting your cat’s nails yourself
If you choose to trim your cat’s nails yourself, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
First, it is essential to learn proper technique to avoid injury. Always use sharp nail clippers specifically for cats and avoid cutting the blood vessels and nerves in the nail, which can cause pain and bleeding.
Here is a link of the nail clippers for cats that we recommend:
In addition, it is important to be patient and get the cat used to the procedure by creating positive associations and trimming the nails regularly in small sessions. If you are unsure or your cat reacts fearfully, it is advisable to still consult a professional veterinarian for cat nail trimming.
