nail clipping for the first time

I have my clippers and I'm really nervous! Tiffini needs a sedative for her vet visits and with her bring 16 he suggested I clip her nails at home. Perhaps to lessen her anxiety but heighten mine?! I'm all read up and have the instructions imbedded on my brain but I'm not exactly looking forward to this for some reason, bad visions of a toe-less Tiffy keep going through my head LOL Does anyone have any good tips for the amateur??

Wait until she is asleep or resting and do as many as she will let you do at a time. you said you have read up on it so I assume you know what and where the quick is. i have a 16 year old and there is NO way I can do them by myself she is such a prissy thing when it comes to her feet so she has to go to the vet and even there she has to be gassed because she is EVIL!!!! so if you cannot do it yourself, dont feel to bad about stressing her out at the vet, I am sure it is stressful either way. Good luck!!!

I'd have a partner in crime for this excercise! All 4 of my babies are wily when it comes to nail trimming, which they despise. And I of course get nervous about it cause I hate distressing them I have a MUCH easier time when someone else is able to restrain the cat & I do the trimming, or vice versa.

Amanda

Have the cat get used to you handling its claws. Hold it and gently press on the pad to extend the claws. I am able to do mine on my own, but you may need to have somebody hold the cat still the first few few times.

Originally Posted by zak&rocky

Have the cat get used to you handling its claws. Hold it and gently press on the pad to extend the claws. I am able to do mine on my own, but you may need to have somebody hold the cat still the first few few times.

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Yes, I sometimes just hold either one of Bijou's paws and caress it and kiss it and that way he got used to having his paws touched. He's become so used to it that he will just lay his paw in my palm and I'll kiss on it while he gives my face a little lick.