Cat nail trimming cost is more or less $10 to $20 when you go to a pet groomer while vets may charge more. While the best option for many is to trim your cat’s nails yourself, you may opt to seek the help of a pet groomer or your vet if your cat is too difficult to handle.
How much does cat nail trimming cost?
Trimming your cat’s nails can be an unsettling task. Some cats resent having their nails trimmed and they may become aggressive and may attempt to scratch you. The good news is, you do not have to go through all the trouble since you can have her nails trimmed by a pet groomer or your veterinarian.
Pet groomers usually charge an average of $10 to $20 for a cat’s nail trim. Veterinarians may also trim your cat’s nails for an average cost of $20+. If you trim your cat’s nails by yourself, you may have to set aside a small amount to buy nail trimming materials.
Importance of regular cat nail trimming
Your cat’s nails should be trimmed regularly, at least every ten days to two weeks, to prevent them from becoming overgrown. Nails that overgrow become curved and do not retract completely. It is also painful for your cat since it may grow into the footpads. Your cat’s nails may also become stuck in a carpet, sofa, or other soft surfaces at home and may cause damage.
Three options how to trim your cat’s nails
There are at least three ways on how you can have your cat’s nails trimmed and these are:
Trimming your cat’s nails yourself.
Trimming your cat’s nails may be difficult to do especially if your cat has not been trained when she was just a kitten. However, it is possible to do this task through positive reinforcement and letting your cat get used to the sound and sight of a nail trimmer. Check out our article on how to trim the claws of an aggressive cat for some great tips.
The materials that you need to prepare are the following:
- styptic powder, to treat accidental wounds should you
- treats – to reward your cat each time she behaves well
- towel – for the nail trimmings
- nail trimmer – we recommend Boshel Nail Trimmer and Safari Nail Trimmer
If your cat won’t cooperate, you may have to sedate her so she may become calm and relaxed during the nail trimming session. Check out our earlier article on how to sedate a cat for grooming for some insights.
By letting a pet groomer trim your cat’s nails.
If you are not comfortable with trimming your cat’s nails by yourself, you can hire a pet groomer to trim her nails. You’re sure to find a reputable pet grooming salon in your city or area or you may also seek the help of friends or relatives for their recommendations.
By letting your vet do the task.
Veterinarians also offer nail trimming for cats since they also normally do nail trimming during certain surgical procedures. This is a great option since your vet is already familiar with your cat and has the expertise to properly handle and restrain her.
Among these three methods, the safest choice would be to have your cat’s nails trimmed by your vet. However, it may be a bit pricey and your cat may become stressed. Trimming your cat’s nails yourself is possible to do, it may also mean lesser stress for your cat but if you’re having a hard time restraining your cat or you do not trust yourself to do it, better to entrust it to the experts.
Cat nail caps as protection for your cat’s nails
A good option to protect your cat’s nails and prevent damage to your furniture and home items is the use of cat nail caps like Soft Claws Nail Caps. It does not prevent the normal growth of a cat’s claws, it is affordable, and a safe option to declawing.
Final thoughts
Proper and regular grooming of your cat should always be a priority to ensure the wellbeing of your feline. Your cat’s nails should be trimmed at least every ten days or every two weeks to avoid discomfort, pain, and ingrown nails. If you are adamant to trim her nails yourself, you may opt to hire a pet groomer or your vet to do the task at a considerable cost.
Image: istockphoto.com / Denis Valakhanovich