Any tips on cutting a cats claws?

fairy_lights · 14 February 2018 at 2:06PM

Cat number 1, (despite spending a lot of time outdoors which you would think would file them down) has grown long, needle like claws, he's sticking to the carpet and getting stuck to his bed and generally in desperate need of a manicure. He's also incredibly affectionate so every time he jumps up for cuddles it's like being mauled by a pincushion.
I've tried clipping his nails myself but the second he catches sight of the clippers he starts screaming "OH GOD THEY'RE MURDERING ME, HELP, HELP, HEEEEELP!!!" and I've got the scars to show for it. No idea why, he hasn't had any bad experiences having his nails clipped, he just has a dramatic streak.

If it comes to it I will take him to the vets to get it done but I'm hoping to avoid the stress and expense of a vets visit for something so minor if I can.

There must be an easier way?
It's not uncommon for their nails to need a trim so there must be a trick to get them to go along with it without anyone losing any blood?

Catswhiska · 14 February 2018 at 2:21PM

I just wait until mines asleep in the sun and use nail clippers. Then again he is used to me doing it and is the most laid back burmilla you could possibly meet.

TBagpuss · 14 February 2018 at 2:42PM

It's very variable. Current cat will let me do it although he is a bit ticklish and will bite the clippers.
You could try playing with his feet without trying to cut his nails, to get him used to that, first.
However, if that doesn't work, then the best way I've found it the sausage approach - wrap him in a thick towel with just the foot you want, free, then clip as quickly as you can. This is *much easier with 2 people, one to hold him and the other to clip, but you can do it singlehanded if you absolutely have to.

You could try giving him an indoor scratching post but I think mostly scratching just keeps them sharp and takes the old outer layers off, it doesn't blunt them

WibblyGirly · 14 February 2018 at 6:47PM

I wait until mine is asleep but in his deep sleep where when I go in the room he doesn't lift his head up or roll over. I just do one foot at a time as fast as possible before he realises!
He would pack his suitcase and move out before letting me clip his nails while he's awake.

minimad1970 · 14 February 2018 at 9:21PM

lizziebabe · 14 February 2018 at 9:27PM

Sometimes there is a Veterinary nurse in a practice that will do this at much less cost than seeing the vet. Sometimes it doesn't cost at all! Perhaps worth checking.

Silvertabby · 14 February 2018 at 10:12PM

I have to clip elderly madam's front claws to stop them curving under and going into her pads.

We have a glass topper on the kitchen table and she now knows that it's no good trying to launch herself off and away because she can't get a grip. The ploy is that Mr S holds her on the table, I snip her front claws, then she has a few 'dreamies' for being a brave girl.

mystikori · 16 February 2018 at 5:31PM

I'm going to be no help at all ... I just wanted to gloat about how lucky I am with my 2 moglets!!! I've had them both since 12 weeks of age and from that time I've flipped them onto their backs on my lap and cut their claws ..it takes me about 30 seconds to cut all 4 paws, no blood or armour or deviousness needed

All you guys have my utmost respect for the various ways kitty gets claw clipped!

es5595 · 16 February 2018 at 5:59PM

My elderly lady needed hers doing...

After several failed attempts I decided that however MSE unfriendly it was, paying £12 at the vets was a bargain.

elsien · 16 February 2018 at 8:10PM

Large quantities of valium for you.
Not sure about the cat.

Owain_Moneysaver · 16 February 2018 at 10:07PM

es5595 wrote: »

After several failed attempts I decided that however MSE unfriendly it was, paying £12 at the vets was a bargain.

You don't get many bandages for £12 these days.

Any tips on cutting a cats claws?

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