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Comment by robin_reala | Hacker News Reader

Sure, just clip their claws using nail clippers. You can see how far down the claw the nail bed goes, so just avoid that and take the point off.

Having said that, unless you get them accustomed to the process as a kitten, you may end up suffering more than if you hadn’t attempted it in the first place.

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In case somebody without experience is reading this and wanting to try to cut the nails back, make sure you don't cut them back too far or you'll clip the vein inside and cause them to bleed and a lot of pain (imagine cutting your nail off halfway to the cuticle). If you cut the nails in a well lit room you can actually see the vein inside so you can avoid it. Alternatively you can also bring them to a groomer to have this done. It also helps of they have a scratching post, sonething rough and durable like those wound rope ones so they can "file" them down naturally in between clippings.

It might be an old wives tale but a dab of corn starch will help clot the bleeding. Best though to not cut too deep.

Unrelated but I recently learned they use lasers for parrots to trim the claws while coterizing.

While that's nifty, I don't think it's very humane. It still hurts for the animal.

Nail clipping is humane. However, just like with human nails, if you clip too close to the quick (the blood vessel), which can happen for myriad reasons (accidentally, it's good to know Corn Starch can be used as a styptic in a pinch, and you can also purchase styptic powder. Ideally, if the blood vessel is cut you should get the wound looked at so it can be assessed and cleaned by a veterinarian.

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