cutting cat claws

Vgirl · 05-06-2008, 10:26 PM

Hi, I have 2 cats who desperatly need their claws clipped. Does anyone know what I can give them to relax them enough to do it? They can not stand their paws touch long enough for me to even think about cutting their claws. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Willowy · 05-07-2008, 12:21 AM

If you sneak up on them while they're sleeping, you can usually get one or two claws clipped before they wake up. I prefer to use human nail clippers, but some people find cat-specific nail clippers to work better for them.

You can also de-sensitize them to having them paws touched, but it will take some time. You start by just touching their paws, then give them a treat. Once they're OK with that, you can start picking up their paws, then giving a treat. And so on, until they're perfectly fine with whatever you want to do with their feet. But it's important not to rush this kind of de-sensitization method.

Kiira · 05-07-2008, 01:35 PM

When cutting a cats claws, it helps to wrap them in a blanket so they can't get away or hit you with their other paw while you're clipping one. You'd probably need one other person to help you with this though.
Willowy's idea to clip their claws when they're sleeping is a good one. That's usually how I clip my cats claws, get them while they're asleep, and if they wake up I start talking to them softly and maybe petting them to get them to calm down so I can clip more nails.
I actually prefer the clippers made specifically for cats. I find with human clippers it can tend to crack the nail if you don't cut it just right.

Bextastic · 05-07-2008, 02:14 PM

Same as above, I find wrapping them in a towel or blanket calms them down and keeps them from hurting themselves or you. Just swaddle them up, cradle them like a baby, and have one paw out to clip at a time. If you really can't do it, most vets will clip nails for you.

JenTN · 05-07-2008, 02:17 PM

My favorite method is to wrap them in a towel or blanket and do it all at once. I have found it is best if you push down on the knuckle to push the claw out fully.

Vgirl · 05-07-2008, 07:37 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I was able to do one cat once, it was like a fluke thing, he actually just sat on my lap and let me do it. Now he knows what's coming when I start messing with his paws, even bit me once. lol So I'll try it while he's sleeping and see if I have better results.

Calvin · 05-07-2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willowy

If you sneak up on them while they're sleeping, you can usually get one or two claws clipped before they wake up. I prefer to use human nail clippers, but some people find cat-specific nail clippers to work better for them.

yup that's what I do too. But i've also trained myself

to cut them all in under one minute, so that by the time the realize what's going on, you're done. Nope...i've never accidentally cut a quick either.

I use human nail clippers too because I find it's easier to see where you're cutting.

My cats eventually got used to the idea of having their nails trimmed, although it doesn't happen often, but at the beginning i used to crouch on top of them so that they wouldn't move and again I'd get myself ready and cut them really quick.

Sometimes i'm too slow or they're too fast and I can only do one paw, but it's better than nothing.

good luck!

poodleholic · 05-08-2008, 03:35 AM

Wrapped snug in a towel works, and someone to help, if possible.

I'm lucky. All of my cats were used to me massaging their feet, my fingers/thumb going in between each toe. They loved it, and would lay on their backs, spread eagled, while I clipped away. I don't think they ever realized I was even cutting their nails! LOL

Willowy · 05-08-2008, 12:18 PM

Some of mine LOVE to have their nails trimmed, and a few DO NOT (LOL). The boys I've had since they were kittens love it because I got them used to it when they were young. The cats I got as adults are not so keen on it.

Love's_Sophie · 05-08-2008, 10:12 PM

If they are quick in biting or clawing you, then perhaps you need to let a professional do them, like a vet, or a groomer; they know how to restrain them and do the job quickly and efficiantly without making much fuss about it; no matter how much the cat whines about it!

Mine are so used to being handled and 'fussed with' that they just settle down belly up, and practically hand me their paws...Lol!!! I just clip away...but then...they DO live with a dog\cat groomer too...

Rowdy · 05-09-2008, 09:01 AM

2+ on burrito wrapping them and having an assistant. Our female will just lie in your lap while you cut her claws. The male has to be totally wrapped and only one paw exposed at a time or he will EXPLODE out of your arms and hide under the bed... for hours.

Chelsea and Oskar · 05-10-2008, 01:38 PM

I make my cat turn to mush then do it. Thats my cat though... she wouldn't scratch me even if I bit her. I tell her sweet things as I clip her claws. Combine this with towel and you have two happy cats. They'll think its pampering time.