clipping cats claws

taurusgb

Is this easy? I have a lovely (but very nervous) puss who hardly goes outside, so her claws keep getting too long and catching on things. She has a scratching post which she uses a lot but it doesnt seem to make much difference.

Problem is I have had a splenectomy due to cancer and therefore have a very badly compromised immune system, and have to take a course of antibiotics every time she accidently catches me with her claws. She never means to scratch, it is always accidental ..... eg leaping off my lap if startled, but we cant go on this way.

It would break my heart to lose her so am thinking regularly trimming her claws could be the answer. My DH is happy to do it (in case she ends up scratching me if I try) but is just a bit nervous of technique.

Any advice warmly welcomed!

GwylimT

I don't have any advice, the only thing I can add is that it might be an idea to take her to a nurse at the vets who can teach you have to do it and maybe advise on the best thing to use.

stir_crazy

I bought nail clippers which have a safety stop at the back to stop you clipping too far up the nail. It is easy if the cat doesn't mind you playing with their toes and is happy to keep still till you get them all done. If you're nervous though, I would also suggest taking your cat to the vets so the nurse can show your OH how its done.

taurusgb

GwylimT wrote: »

I don't have any advice, the only thing I can add is that it might be an idea to take her to a nurse at the vets who can teach you have to do it and maybe advise on the best thing to use.

Ah! Good idea. Will ring vet in a minute and ask. Thank you :j

taurusgb

stir_crazy wrote: »

I bought nail clippers which have a safety stop at the back to stop you clipping too far up the nail. It is easy if the cat doesn't mind you playing with their toes and is happy to keep still till you get them all done. If you're nervous though, I would also suggest taking your cat to the vets so the nurse can show your OH how its done.

Can I ask where you bought the clippers from please?

stir_crazy

taurusgb wrote: »

Can I ask where you bought the clippers from please?

I bought them from Pets at Home. I had a look on the website but they're not on it, and all the clippers on the site are for dogs? They are very similar to these except that my pair are black and red.

Pechow

How about trying softpaws? http://www.softpaws.com/

pawsies

softpaws prevent natural behaviours and cause frustration.

I would recommend a nail clipper like this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ferplast-Pet-Dog-Cat-Bird-Claw-Nail-Clippers-Trimmers-/280540045881

stir_crazy

pawsies wrote: »

softpaws prevent natural behaviours and cause frustration.

I would recommend a nail clipper like this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ferplast-Pet-Dog-Cat-Bird-Claw-Nail-Clippers-Trimmers-/280540045881

Ah, this is the one that I have. I couldn't find it on the P at H site for some reason and couldn't remember the brand.

ETA: Some vets do recommend soft paws, but I would think that they would annoy a cat.. and I think it would even be a struggle to get them onto my two.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

I never even attempted to trim my old girls' claws. Always took her to the vets to get them done.

You have to be so careful when trimming claws as it can go badly wrong if you over trim them.

The vet told me that as kitties get older they don't shed their claws, so they just continue to grow. Usually just using a scratching post or walking outside just isn't sufficent, so trimming them is the option.

z.n

We have to trim one of ours'. He's very old and his claws just keep growing .It is a bit worrisome that he will get distressed (he is 23). We just do one or two at a time and spread the event over a few days- I hold and OH clips, only the tips to be on the safe side. After experimenting we now use human toenail clippers as we can do the job faster and more accurately. The first few times it was very stressful for us but we soon got the hang of it. Good luck!