How to Trim a Rat's Toenails

In general, you don't need to worry too much about trimming a rat's toenails. The sharp ends of their nails allow rats to cling onto things, such as your shirt. A rat's nails won't overgrow in the same way a dog's nails will and therefore do not require constant trimming. However, some people find the sharp ends of the nails irritating when holding their rat. This is how to trim off just those tiny sharp tips without taking off too much of the nail itself.

Things You'll Need

  • A nail trimmer (the folding type)
  • Facial tissue
  • "Qwik Stop" powder (can substitute white flour)
  • Optional: magnifying device (if you have trouble seeing small things that are up close)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the rat's nail very careful and identify the pink area called the "quick," which contains nerves and tiny blood vessels. You do not want to cut into the quick. If you do, the nail will bleed.

    • 2

      Use the trimmer to trim off just the very tips of the nails, making sure to stay well back from the quick. Make sure you have "Qwik Stop" powder (or at least some white flour) right next to you, just in case you accidentally cut the quick.

    • 3

      Use a magnifying device if you find that you cannot see the tips of the nails well enough to trim them without cutting the quick.

    • 4

      If you accidentally cut into the quick and the nail starts to bleed, immediately apply pressure to the area using a facial tissue, then dab on some "Qwik Stop" or some while flour. Don't panic if the nail still bleeds--it will eventually stop. The rat probably won't be bothered by the bleeding nearly as much as you will be. Put on a second coat of powder if necessary.