So I think I'm done trimming claws...

Originally Posted by millyanddaisy

I think you are all very brave! I'd need to go to Casualty if I tried to clip the cats' claws - it's bad enough doing the guinea pigs!
They do have a sisal scratching post, and their claws tend to trim themselves on that (there are always 'used' claw sheaths around it) so you could try that option if you find it very hard.

Sue

Click to expand...

The only problem with that is it does not so much trim their claws as it does sharpen them, heh. Sure the outer "used" claw sheath comes off, but there is a fresh claw right underneath just begging to sratch someone or something. Trimming actually removes the curved finely pointed tip of the claw leaving it blunt. Someone correct me if I am off base here.

No you're not wrong there, their claws are always sharp, but that doesn't bother me, as long as they don't use them on me that is. I'd never heard of cat-claw trimming before I got on to this site, that's why I'm so full of admiration for all of you that do it!

Sue

I bring Lily into the vet every two weeks - I think she would have let us do them, but she has sooooo many toes (polydactyl) and I think we are more afraid than she is!! I figure if the shelter we got her from discourages declawing (which is mean) then they can clip her nails for me - they love seeing her and now we are all so friendly that I don't even get charged for it

Oh yes. I just adopted my son's cat. He never let me even touch his claws. I took him to the vet. The assistant held is neck with one hand while she put her other elbow on his side. The vet clipped away front and back without a whimper. You can buy a body bag and muzzle. I also saw something that you put in the bottom of the litter box. I am waiting for an answer about how this affects the cleanliness of the box. It's called Kitty Cure. It's supposed to file the claw every time kitty digs the litter.

My Terry lets me trip his claws with minimal resistance! I've done it since he was a kitten and always made it a cuddle and petting time too; and am always VERY careful not to trim too short. He sometimes tries to pull away, but never tries to get up and move and never tries to claw or bite me.
I guess that with all the other issues (see the thread on Behaviors....) I should be very happy. This is one area where Terry is a wonderful very sweet kitty and loves to cuddle and get the claws trimmed at the same time!
Lauri

Well, I actually did some claw trimming this morning. I managed to get all of Dakota's rear claws and she didn't fight at all. Of course, Montana was helping me pin her down. Montana started to squirm and get away when I was doing hers. I'm trying to give them kisses, scratching and petting between clips. So I guess today was a victory for me.

I just ordered something called Kitty Cure, from NetVet Supply for my new cat. This goes in the bottom of the litter pan and files the claws when the cat scratches to bury their deposits. I'll let you know how it works. I also have a muzzle and body bag that I can use with my Siamese, instead of wrapping him in to towel.

I have had to wrap mine up in a towel to trim their nails. they throw a big fit. I cant get no help from my lazy fiancee. So animals he was suppose to care for, I now care for.

Ashely

Jazzy will start growling when I tried to trim his claws. I trim Jazzy's claws while he is slepping. I will rub his paw for 30 seconds then start trimming his claws, one at a time. After you trim his one claw, rub his paw again, and so on. Avoid waking up your kitties.

I don't trim Jazzy's claws now cause he is been playing outside.

Oh yes. I adopted my son's cat Smokey. When I used to visit he was quite feisty. He has simmered down, but forget about even touching his claws. I ordered something calle Kitty Cure from Net Vet. I'm still waiting for it. The vet charges $10. If the Kitty Cure doesn't work I will take him back to the vet. The problem is that I know my Oreo has invaded the litter box because I saw him in there. That leads me to believe that Smokey may be using on of the other two. My Siamese Izzy is managable as long as I wrap him up. I bought a zippered restrainer for Smokey but I can't get him into it.

I can't trim Buffy and Willow's nails while they're sleeping. Trust me, I've tried! Every time I so much as touch their toes, they withdraw their foot (and curl it under their bodies) and when I try again, they wake up fully and won't let me near them.

I don't mind me scratched up, for some morbid reason (I actually like scars on my hands... It shows that I've lived). I know Willow enough to know how to go about clipping her nails, but Buffy gnaws on the nail clippers when they get too close to her toes. "Grawww, nrrrrrr, rawwwrrrrggrrrrr" as she munches and covers the blades with spit... And she's also the one who'll slap you across the face if your cheek is close enough... (but her nails are always sheathed, since she's so generous)

We found, by trial and error, that trimming Chloe's nails while she's snoozing is the easiest way to go. Otherwise she squirms too much and I'm afraid I'll accidentally cut the quick. Today I got most of her nails trimmed while she slept in my lap. I don't know how the vet was able to do it so easily in the office...I guess we're just not as skilled.

Hunter and Cougar give me less resistance, not more, each time I trim their claws. Maybe it's the fact that I treat it as a matter-of-fact procedure: it happens, no questions asked. Maybe it's because there are dehydrated salmon or bonito flake treats at the end of the process. Maybe it's because, while I'm trimming away, I softly chant in their ears: "You let me clip your claws, you get to keep your toes... you let me clip your claws, you get to keep your toes..."

My question is, is it actually necessary to trim their claws? I know they are sharp and we are careful in that way when we play and stuff. My cats are not really damaging anything as they do faithfully use their scratchers so I am wondering if, other than those two reasons, is it absolutely necessary? I do look at their claws to make sure there's nothing weird going on and they just look like nice healthy, and yes, quite sharp claws. I do play with their feet so that they are used to that. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Grapegal45

My question is, is it actually necessary to trim their claws? I know they are sharp and we are careful in that way when we play and stuff. My cats are not really damaging anything as they do faithfully use their scratchers so I am wondering if, other than those two reasons, is it absolutely necessary? I do look at their claws to make sure there's nothing weird going on and they just look like nice healthy, and yes, quite sharp claws. I do play with their feet so that they are used to that. Thanks!

Click to expand...

I have found that keeping their claws trimmed prevents them from even liking to scratch anything that doesn't snag their claws. So, the carpet-covered scratching post is the only thing getting their clawing attention. The blunt ends don't snag on the fabric or the wood, so they're not looking for gratification where there will be none.

Also, I like it better when they climb on me with trimmed claws than fully sharpened ones. Less ouch factor.