Clipping cats nails questions

[remax realtor]

Quick question. I always clip the front paws without a problem. His back one have a little black in the nails. I dont want to cut too far down. Is black in the nail normal? I took a pic to show what im talking about.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b27/b ... 000059.jpg

I know your supposed to cut above the pink in the nails, but its harder to see on the pack paws.

[davet]

thats normal pigment, you really just have to guess and hoop if you can;t see the quick....Before you do it go to a pet shop and get some quick stop, or ferric sub sulfate, just in case you miss...the only problem with missing is that the dog gets a little unhappy withyou but they will never bleed todeath...but be sure you have the astringent stuff

[kehorner]

I find that it's okay if I don't clip the back nails that close. If I'm not sure, I just get the sharp tips. Usually they do the damage with the front claws anyway. So if I just get the tips that are pointy, it prevents inadvertent scratches from them taking off running, but I mainly focus on the front claws, because that's what they use to damage the furniture.

[Tambrey]

I never clip the back claws unless there is an unusually sharp or pointy one...they are usually pretty good at keeping these worn down to an acceptable level...not sure how since they are all inside only cats...

[k9Karen]

I have shelties, and they have a mix of black and white nails. I've found the if get a penlight, place it right up to the nail and then shine the light into the nail, that I can see the quick fairly well. I still occasionally make a mistake, but usually because the dog moved just I clipped.

[Cleo]

I know it is near impossible but believe it or not I'm able to give a quick swip with an emery board or nail file to smooth out the cuts. Only two of my cats will allow it but it's hysterical to know they enjoy the pampering.

[Traci]

Clipping the nails on the back paws is rarely necessary....unless the nails are so long that they keep getting trapped in carpet, etc. Older cats tend to have longer nails and may make it painful to walk, so this would be an example of when they should be clipped.

If the pigment is black and you can't see the quick, then either clip only a fraction at the tip, or don't clip at all.

[remax realtor]

thanks for the advice!