Why do cats often put their hands in their pockets? What should I do if my cat resists having its nails trimmed?

We often see cats tucking their claws under their bellies and lying on the ground, which looks very cute. But when cats resist having their nails trimmed, they are not so cute. So why do cats do this? How can you trim your cat's nails?

Why do cats often put their hands in their pockets?

Comfortable

Not only cats, but tigers also put their hands in their pockets. Cats' joints are different from humans', and in this case, cats are very relaxed, indicating that they feel safe now.

Don't let me touch your paws

Cats are the most sensitive part of their body, so they don't like being touched. When you touch their paws, they will avoid you out of habit!

cold

Cats don't have many sweat glands, but their paw pads can sense temperature changes, and the pads have the function of dissipating heat and regulating body temperature. When the temperature is low, many cats will tuck their paws in to prevent the heat from radiating out.

Have a disease

For example, the cat rubbing its hands before would put its hands inside its thighs. This is actually a problem with the cat's internal organs, such as ascites, bladder inflammation, etc., which causes abdominal pain in the cat. Generally, cats curl up to keep warm.

What to do if your cat resists nail trimming

The first four months of a cat's life are the best time to train it to accept having its paws touched. If you want it to be obedient when you trim its nails, you should massage its paws more often. Sometimes, you can play with it in your hands to let it realize that this action will not cause any harm to it, so that it will not resist when you trim its nails.

It doesn't matter if your cat is over 4 months old, this method still applies, but it needs to be done gradually. At first, give it a little reward snack when you touch its paws, then hold it in your hand, and then hold it for a longer time, until it is willing to let you cut its nails. Use food as temptation, and almost no cat can refuse.

When cutting the nails, be sure not to cut the cat's blood line, otherwise the bleeding and pain will make them even more frightened, and it will be almost impossible to cut their nails next time.

The correct way to trim your cat's nails

Grab your cat and put him in "nail trimming position."

Its butt should be resting on your lap with its back facing you.

Scissors in one hand and a cat's claw in the other.

Gently squeeze the top and bottom of your cat's paw to stretch it.

Show your nails.

Before you try to cut your nails, make sure you know where to start.

When you first start, you should only cut the top of the nail, and as you get more skilled, you can cut deeper, but don't cut too deep. Otherwise you'll damage the cat's blood vessels and make the nail bleed.

Trim your nails with a trimmer.

Hold the cat as described above and cut each nail one by one. Try to orient the scissors to prevent the nail from splitting.

Your cat may resist, meow, and try to scratch you, but don't yell at your cat or rush the process. You may hurt him, scare him away, and make it more difficult to trim his nails later.

You may only be able to trim one or two nails at a time.

Check your cat's nails regularly

Each cat's nails grow at a different rate, and it is usually appropriate to trim their nails every two weeks or once a month so that their nails do not grow too long, split or break.

Although cats will sharpen their claws to keep them in good condition, you still have to keep an eye on their nails.

Older cats need special attention because their nails are thicker and can sometimes dig into the pads and pierce them. Check your older cat's nails weekly and trim the tips if necessary. Don't let the nails grow too long, as they can pierce the pads. If this happens, see your veterinarian.