Trumming cat's claws?

the_devil_made_me_do_it

My olde cat needs her claws trimming (one in particular which has slughtly got out of hand). has anyone trimmed the claws or have opted for a vet to do it, if so, how much did the vet charge?

I have booked my cat in at the vets, but would like an estimation of cost before I go.

UKTigerlily

Hiya, I do my own, it's very simple & quick. But i'm sure if you need the Vet to do it the Nurse would do it & show you how for about a tenner? They'd tell you if you asked on the phone, I always ask them prices! They won't mind.

I use some nail clippers designed for cats, i'm VERY lucky my cat is a big baby, I turn her on her back in the crook of my arm, sitting down always in good light! Take her paw & press gently to extract her claw then hold it with one hand & quicky snip the end with the other, if you have someone else to hold the cat it's MUCH easier & if your cat has never had them done wouldn't suggest doing them alone. Also before you snip make sure the cats still, mine struggles abit then goes still which is when I do it!

People say cut no further in than where the claw begins to curve, also you'll see the part inside NOT to cut, can't think of the name but it runs thru the claw & can normally be seen, even on my cat whop's all black. You really don't want to nick that, just snip the very ends, no further in than where it begins to curve. It's as easy as doing our own as long as the cat is well held by someone.

Of course, if your cat isn't happy being held still etc definitely go to a vet, but if you have a look at her extended claw, you'll see the bit I mean that can't be cut. You should also see the curve of the claw, no doubt google will have some pics if you use the image search & choose cat claw cutting or similar!

GL either way! If you go to the vet they'll show you how also

http://www.declawing.com/images/Claw-trim-quick-1.jpg << The quick, don't cut the quick! That's what I meant lol

MrsTinks

It's easy enough to do I have done mine since they were ickle as their fave hobby was to pull up my carpets... ARGH!
But if you've never done it before and don't have anyone who can show you then get the vet nurse to show you - and as said - ask them what they charge for it Although I now have one less claw to trim as the fatcat had to have one removed thanks to being a doofuss love him really

MrsTinks

UKTigerlily wrote: »

http://www.declawing.com/images/Claw-trim-quick-1.jpg << The quick, don't cut the quick! That's what I meant lol

I love that diagram - it's actually pretty accurate!

kiraroo

Also if your cat is likely to get stressed from you doing it yourself then wait until they are sleeping or sleepy and play with their paw a bit before hand and then just clip the claw. You might want to clip a little bit off and then clip a little more off after that, you should be able to see the quick through the claw, unless your cat is black! You can buy clippers from pet shops or online.

I have to clip two of my cats claws and i just lie them on my back on my lap and they dont mind too much. Hope this helps

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Thanks for all replies. The problem I have is her side claw has over-grown and I'm not sure it would be safe for me to trim, especially since i have never trimmed her claws before + she is a diabetic (under control by diet now).

UKTigerlily

The dew claws are find also, abit trickier but ok, my advice as an almost lifelong cat owner is take her to the vet, let them show you how, THEN if you feel confident have a go, but if not maybe other cat owners living near you could drop by and do it? I know if anyone here asked me I would if their cat was reasonably safe to do so! Better safe than sorry tho, won't take the vet a few minutes & you'll feel happier & the cat!

Milford_Cubicle

I'd say if she's diabetic then be on the safe side and get the vet to do it. Otherwise, it can certainly be a DIY job

rita-rabbit

Get the vet to do it & watch v carefully - asking for advice whilst it's being carried out
large human clippers are just fine actually
when doing yourself - give lots of cuddles & then v gently press a pad @ a time to get the claw extended & clip. I lay mine on their backs on my lap & just snip away - can't say how often:
when I can get a sharp `give me breakfast' wake up call I know the sharp bits have reappeared & it's time to do them again.

BizzyBek

Ask the vet or the nurse to show you how to do it, you'll probably find they sell specialist trimmers at their practice too or can advise what type would best suit your needs.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Thanks for all advice. Cat went to the vets today, claws trimmed for £13. I was pleased & I think the cat maybe too