How to Trim a Timid Rabbit's Nails

A rabbit's toenails should be cut every 4 to 8 weeks to prevent them from becoming painful to walk on or snagging on something and ripping off. This can be a difficult task when the rabbit is timid and not used to being handled. The key is keeping the rabbit calm and secure so that it doesn't kick, bite or worse -- leap right out of your arms and hurt itself. If you don't feel comfortable cutting your timid rabbit's nails by yourself, ask a rabbit-savvy friend to help.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel
  • Guillotine or scissor-style pet nail cutters
  • Emery board
  • Flashlight
  • Styptic powder
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Spread a towel on your lap, the floor, or any safe and flat surface.

    • 2

      Place the rabbit in the center of the towel and securely wrap it up like a burrito with its head peeking out. Wrap the towel tight enough that the rabbit can't squirm, but loose enough that it can still breathe.

    • 3

      Cover the rabbit's eyes and talk to it in a gentle and soothing voice to calm it down.

    • 4

      Cradle the rabbit with one arm. Take one of the rabbit's feet out of the towel and hold it. Examine each nail before cutting to locate the "quick," a small blood vessel inside the nail. Avoid cutting too close to this sensitive area.

    • 5

      Hold the rabbit's foot with one hand while clipping the nails with the other. Repeat the process doing one foot at a time.

    • 6

      Finish cutting the last foot, then unwrap the rabbit from the towel while holding it on your lap, snuggled to your chest, on the floor, or some other secure position where it can't struggle or fall.

    • 7

      File the nails with an emery board between clippings to soften sharp edges, if necessary.