Toe Nail Clipping

Question
My question has to do with clipping my indoor kitty's toe nails.  I have taken him to a groomer in the past and have had them done.  I would very much like to do it myself, but am afraid of cutting too close to the quick and hurting him.  I have the clippers.  What is the best way to hold him and to procede.  I should mention that he is a Himalayan with a lot of long fur growing between his toes which makes it difficult to see what I'm doing.  I would be very grateful for any suggestions you can give me that would help me do this job.  He is a very good kitty and does not mind me touching his paws, rubbing, etc .

Answer
hello,
Thank you for your inquiry. Fortunately, kitty claws are relatively easy to clip.  Virtually all cat claws are clear, making it very easy to determine where the 'quick' of the nail, is.  As long as you stay a minimum of 1/16th of an inch from the pink part, you will be well in front of the quick.  The scissor type claw clippers are preferred, as they don't tend to split the nail as often as clippers designed primarily for dogs.  (Assuming you are right handed...), put the cat on a table or counter and hold him close to you.  With your left hand, take his left paw and squeeze his toes apart by squeezing between the big pad and the top of his foot.  This will extend his claws, and with your right hand, just 'scissor' off the sharp ends well infront of the quick.  The bottom blade of the clipper will rest against the bottom of the nail at a slight angle.  Be sure your cut is clean and brisk, to ensure no spintering or discomfort. Continue around for the right front, and back left.  The right back paw can be trick, but if everything has been calm at this point, you will be able to clip them in the same fashion.  Be sure and pet your cat and show your appreciation for his cooperation!  Make the procedure a pleasurable experience for him, and he will be ever more cooperative.  The fact that he has furry feet shouldn't matter.  The claws will extend beyond  the hair tufts.  If not, then just be sure and avoid it, altho sometimes the hair can get inadvertantly clipped a little bit, too.  It is very difficult to 'quick' a cat's claws, as they are so easy to see the quick line, but if you DO, don't panic.  He won't bleed to death!  you can put a little styptic powder on it, or flour or a bar of soap..anything you feel would stop the little bit of blood flow that might occur.  Just know that it is HIGHLY unlikely that you will injure him while doing his peticure.
After you become comfortable clipping his nails, this is something that should take, (literally) less than three minutes.  It really is that easy!  Good luck, and hope this has been helpful.
Thank you,
Tomay