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Trimming her nails...

post #1 of 5
3/4/07 at 9:23pm
Thread Starter 
What is the best way to go about this?

This will be the first time that we have attempted this --- and I know she is going to tear either my husband or I up.

Wrap her in a towel and cover her head so that she can't bite and work fast?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Also, what is the best brand of nail clippers to get?

Thanks in advance!

-Ashley
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post #2 of 5
3/6/07 at 6:17am
This thread may help a bit

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...light=clipping
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post #3 of 5
3/6/07 at 6:26am
What I've found that helps:

When she's napping or just hanging out with you, start playing with her feet. Handle them gently and squeeze the pads a little to extend the claw.

I don't have a brand preference but do prefer the scissor type rather than the guillotine type. I find I have more maneuverability with them.

When you first try to hold her, see if you can just hold her firmly against you and maybe only trim one or two nails at a time. Give you and her a rest. I have had times where it takes the whole weekend to do Lucy's nails because she just isn't in the mood and has knocked the trimmers out of my hand. Also, at the beginning, just trim off the tip. You might have to do it more often at first, but you don't risk cutting too far. Have treats ready when you are done (even if it is only one nail).

If you are not getting very far with holding her, you can wrap her in a towel.

Here is a good article on clipping cat nails.

http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/article.htm

Good Luck and let us know how it goes.
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post #4 of 5
3/14/07 at 1:46pm
When I started working with my friends cat, I simply did one claw at a time. I'd give her a treat, and let her walk around for a while. I'd snatch her back up maybe 15-20 minutes later, and clip another claw. I used to visit her at 2-3 times a week for a few hours each time, so I would do as many nails as I got around to each visit and eventually they all got trimmed and stayed trimmed. Once her cat was used to it, she was able to do it herself (and eventually she was able to trim all 10 claws in one sitting). I find wrapping a cat up in a towel to do it will only make them hate it more, but then again I've never had a really bad cat that I've had to work with. I simply plod along My 3 kittens all put up with trimming, but I do them once a week whether or not the nails are long enough to trim just to keep them used to it.

Good luck! Hope you guys don't get too shredded
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post #5 of 5
3/14/07 at 9:08pm
I agree with the "one at a time" method. It's a huge pain but I really don't like them getting too long, so it's a necessary evil. Every time I sit down I make sure I have my clippers close so that if anyone comes by for a snuggle I'll be prepared to do a nail or two. Sometimes I'll clip them, other times I'll just play with their paws and claws.

Pekoe is usually okay enough, he'll squirm in my lap but will let me get most of them done at once. Nigel will squirm and cry at me, but I know it's not hurting him any because he'll still stay on my lap, just with his paws hidden. The little devil.

I have read that cats can sense your mood, so if you're prepared to give in and let them squirm away without getting anything done they'll take advantage of the situation. Don't know how true that is, but I usually say to my cats (out loud) that I'm determined to get a few done and that I'm not going to hurt them. I don't know if it helps any, but sure makes me feel better.
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