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Claw trimming is generally a painless procedure. But some cats view it as nothing short of torture. Here are some quick tips for making claw trimming easier for you and your cat.
First, make sure you and your cat are positioned properly. Let your cat sit on a table, facing away from you. Hold him with your non-dominant hand. You can then use your dominant hand to trim his claws. Use the right tool for the job. A special scissor designed for trimming cat nails is the best choice, but a sharp fingernail clipper will work too. Make sure you are calm as well. If you come off as anxious and stressed, your cat will pick up on that and it will make him more upset. If your cat squirms and struggles, or if he is new to claw trimming, do only one or two claws at a time and reward him with a treat afterwards. If all else fails, have a professional groomer or your vet trim those nails. They can show you their technique, which might make it easier for you in the future. Cat expert and animal communicator JaneA Kelley is the webmaster and chief cat slave for Paws and Effect, a weekly cat advice column by cats, for cats and their people. |
November 12th, 2009
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My sister has a groomer trims her cat’s nails. She tried but just couldn’t do it. The cats bit her and also scratched her. A lot of cats don’t like their feet touched. My cats were declawed when I got them from the shelter. I don’t agree with that and would never have a cat declawed.
Great tips! Here’s another: for those squirmy cats, you could have someone else hold and distract with pettins and treats while you trim. It can make all the difference and it’s what I do for my naughty little kitten.
Another tip my vet taught me is to push on the cat’s pads on their paws, it doesn’t hurt and it makes their nails protrude all the way out. It works great to see the quick.
Is it true that if you get your cat declawed it is a very painfu experience for them?
Sara Jane: Because declawing involves amputating the first joint of all the cat’s toes, and the cat has to stand up and put weight on those injured feet in order to perform even the most basic functions like eating, drinking, or using the litter box, most experts agree that declawing is extremely painful. It’s even banned as inhumane in the U.K.
It is indeed illegal over here in the UK because it is cruel to the cat and leaves them with no natural means of defence if they ever get in trouble. Try StickyPaws tape to protect your furniture. I no longer use it as the cats now know where they can scratch and where they can’t. It really does work.
Yes, declawing your cat is very inhumane.
Use only a groomer that you know and have seen in action. Many of them will only trim a cat’s claws if they are sedated — and will only do it if you aren’t there and/or behind closed doors. Don’t drop them off in the interests of time; you don’t know what will be done to them.
I am on social security disability and looking for some help to get my cat’s shots and nail clipping. Is there any help for cat owners who are on a limited income? Any help will be greatly appreciated by both me and KiKi (my cats name).