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Clip Scruffing

post #1 of 14
7/10/11 at 11:35pm
Thread Starter 
http://www.break.com/index/how-to-de...-a-cat-2081407

I don't like how they used such a large clip, as those are much too strong IMO, however the idea looks like it might be an effective means of temporarily immobilizing a cat for disagreeable treatment (perhaps soft paws for example) while leaving both hands free for someone working alone.

From what I understand, a hand scruffing does not hurt the cat, as long as one isn't being stupid and trying to lift the cat's weight by its scruff. Thoughts?
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post #2 of 14
7/16/11 at 9:02am
Thread Starter 
Ah, just stumbled upon a clipnosis product that does the same:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYr1q...embedded#at=32

So I'm thinking a smaller modified hairclip or potato chip clip that wasn't too strong would do the trick too.
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post #3 of 14
7/16/11 at 12:58pm
I'd like to find out how possible/safe that clip scruffing is myself. I'm single and would often love to have an extra pair of hands when I have to do something the kitties don't care for (even getting Revolution on them can be a challenge!)
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post #4 of 14
7/16/11 at 1:30pm
I never scruff my cats. l sit them up and sandwich them between me and the end of the sofa with my arm around them so l can open their paw pads out with one hand, then clip with the other hand
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post #5 of 14
7/16/11 at 2:06pm
From the time Bijou was a kitten I've played with his paws, held them gently and massaged them to get him used to having them touched. I now just have to kneel in front of him, pick up his paw and clip.

I've had those clips on my skin and they hurt so I cannot imagine they hurt a cat any less. Terrible idea IMO.
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post #6 of 14
7/16/11 at 5:46pm
I am wondering if the cat in the video stopped moving because it hurt. Those clips are definitely strong.
None of our cats stop moving when we scruff them (don't do it often anyway).
Then again, all three aren't too bad with getting their nails done. Except Parker, but just tries to slither away on his back crying.
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post #7 of 14
7/16/11 at 9:06pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah, I think I would do the belly fat pinch test.

If I can clip my love handle skin without it hurting, then it probably shouldn't hurt the scruff either.

Always wanted to try to clip my buddies cats claws and put soft paws on her, but she will not tolerate being restrained and even groomers won't touch her. The scruffing at the vet works though, but they have six hands available.
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post #8 of 14
7/16/11 at 11:26pm
Someone put one of those black paperclips on the back of my arm once. Not only did it hurt, it left a big bruise. These products look like they could harm your cat.
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post #9 of 14
7/16/11 at 11:56pm
What?? Those clips are so strong - that's gotta hurt! If my vet or vet tech ever did that to one of my kitties I would walk out and never look back....
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post #10 of 14
7/17/11 at 12:21am
Thread Starter 
Well, for those unfamiliar, from what I have read the benefit of scruffing is not so much physical restraint as it is the act itself which triggers a release of endorphins and reaction for most cats to go limp.

This is evolutionary so that a kitten when restrained or moved by the mother does not thrash and injure itself on her teeth.

As such, its supposed to be more calming way to restrain them, than using alternatives such as bags and towels or holding them down which is more mentally frightening for some cats.

I agree the first vid one looks too strong, but no experience with the product in the second one? Guess I might be the first to do a report... but on a big mean 15lb female cat that attacks guests and needs her claws trimmed, not my own heheh!
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post #11 of 14
7/17/11 at 1:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducman69 View Post
Well, for those unfamiliar, from what I have read the benefit of scruffing is not so much physical restraint as it is the act itself which triggers a release of endorphins and reaction for most cats to go limp.

This is evolutionary so that a kitten when restrained or moved by the mother does not thrash and injure itself on her teeth.
...
According to Tufts University, that "reaction" is only triggered in kittens and then, not even all of them. Scruffing adult cats isn't recommended for that reason, along with the fact that their heavier weights can cause damage along the neck muscles when a scruff is attempted.

I'm with Carolina; there are safer, less painful ways to restrain a cat.

AC
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post #12 of 14
7/17/11 at 1:36am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auntie Crazy View Post
Scruffing adult cats isn't recommended for that reason, along with the fact that their heavier weights can cause damage along the neck muscles when a scruff is attempted.
Are you talking about a regular scruff, or lifting the cat by the scruff? The latter is obviously a no-no, but the vets scruffed Wesley and Buttercup at their checkup, but they were laying down on all fours. Went pretty quick and easy, whereas I know when I tried to wrap Buttercup in a burrito before in a towel it was like she was traumatized trying to kick and wiggle free as she HATES restraint. *shrugs*
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post #13 of 14
7/18/11 at 9:21am
When I first adopted Holland I had to scruff her to clip her nails. I'm single also so I needed both my hands to do the clipping. My solution was to scruff her in my mouth. I placed her on my lap, put her scruff in my mouth, and that left both hands free to clip the nails while the scruffing kept her still. It usually meant a mouthful of fur, but it worked! Now she's used to getting her nails trimmed so she'll let me hold her like a football - I use the hand I'm holding her with to push the pads and the other hand to clip.
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post #14 of 14
7/18/11 at 4:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mystik Spiral View Post
My solution was to scruff her in my mouth.
Kodak moment!
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