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Mags
13-01-2006, 10:40 PM
Does anyone here cut their cat's claws themselves?

Fran
13-01-2006, 10:42 PM
Does anyone here cut their cat's claws themselves?

No Mags...Lucky needed hers doing, had to leave it to the vet as I felt too nervous to do it even though I do my puppies when they are about a week old :?

Kazz
13-01-2006, 10:42 PM
Me with nail clippers:D

Mags
13-01-2006, 10:45 PM
I'm the same as you Fran...bit nervous of doing it. I know Cassie would not let me do it anyway. So will the vet do it if you ask?

Kazz, I would imagine Cleo was very good to let you clip her claws.....how do you go about holding her?

Fran
13-01-2006, 10:48 PM
I'm the same as you Fran...bit nervous of doing it. I know Cassie would not let me do it anyway. So will the vet do it if you ask?

Kazz, I would imagine Cleo was very good to let you clip her claws.....how do you go about holding her?

Yes Mags, the vet will do it for you. Are Cassies claws very bad then? Does she not use a scratch post or the trees outside?

Moli
13-01-2006, 10:50 PM
I have never cut or had my cats claws trimmed, they do it on their scratchy pole..............

Fran
13-01-2006, 10:53 PM
I have never cut or had my cats claws trimmed, they do it on their scratchy pole..............

Lucky is the only one of my cats ever to have a problem. I put it down to her age. She also struggled to retract her claws too..

Mags
13-01-2006, 10:54 PM
She uses a scratching pole indoors and the bird table (:roll: ) outdoors. In fact she is always scratching away on something:roll:
I asked because her claws seem extremely sharp and are always catching on things. Hubby says to go over them with a nail file:roll: Men!:roll:

Kazz
13-01-2006, 10:56 PM
Hold her I don't hold her to do anything, she settles I approach with clippers in hand grab her foot snip away to the nail I want, and then all done.

I started doing them about 7 years ago when she was about 16, I noticed she had one nail that kept growing so I snipped it I occasionaly do them all now over a 2 week period when needed you can hear her cliping on the laminate, and I know its time she seems to not retract them fully I put this down to age. I never did Oz's because he was always out and about up tree's etc right to the end. But Cleo has never been a out and about cat really. More of a firespaniel than great hunter.

Karen

Karen

Fran
13-01-2006, 10:58 PM
Actually Mags a nail file is what the vet suggested to me...not such a bad idea if she will tolerate it :roll:

Kazz
13-01-2006, 10:58 PM
I just clip the end off - perfect. Spoke to the vet about it once and he said I was doing a great job and if she let me carry on.

Neither of mine have ever had a problem with anything I do to them, tablets, drops, eye creams, nail clipping maybe they are just dozy :roll:

Mags
13-01-2006, 11:07 PM
If it had been my previous cat there wouldn't have been a problem, he would let me do anything but this little madam now is a completely different story:roll:
I may have a go with a nail file though:-P

Jeanette
13-01-2006, 11:10 PM
I clip Oliver's claws aswell.. I have to hold him down a bit though. And as I'm afraid to take too much I only take a wee bit.. Probablely time soon...

Kazz
13-01-2006, 11:12 PM
Tell you what Mags bribe her with a little bit of cream, and when her attention is on that ;)

Mags
13-01-2006, 11:19 PM
She is a very timid cat Kazz, she hates even me picking her up:roll: She would probably take the cream and run!!:roll: :lol:

smudgley
13-01-2006, 11:20 PM
I don't cut my cats nails. They need them when climbing etc. :)

Moli
13-01-2006, 11:21 PM
She is a very timid cat Kazz, she hates even me picking her up:roll: She would probably take the cream and run!!:roll: :lol:Its a shame Mags, she looks so cuddly!!:( was she cuddly as a kitten?

Kazz
13-01-2006, 11:22 PM
Hmm, does she use a scratching post Mags? or go out? tell you what Cleo liked was hessian carpet I nailed pieces to wood then screwed that to the wall so it didn't move worked wonders.:D

Moli
13-01-2006, 11:28 PM
Any good at budgies claw's Kazz? everytime I try to do my two, they curl their feet up!!!

Mags
13-01-2006, 11:29 PM
Its a shame Mags, she looks so cuddly!!:( was she cuddly as a kitten?
She was never socialised as a young kitten Moli. When I got her she was shut in a shed with her brothers and sisters in a field away from anywhere. I just wanted to get her out of there....but if they aren't socialised as kitts you get problems later...

Mags
13-01-2006, 11:30 PM
Hmm, does she use a scratching post Mags? or go out? tell you what Cleo liked was hessian carpet I nailed pieces to wood then screwed that to the wall so it didn't move worked wonders.:D
Yes she uses a scratching post Kazz but her claws seem so sharp:roll:

Moli
13-01-2006, 11:31 PM
She was never socialised as a young kitten Moli. When I got her she was shut in a shed with her brothers and sisters in a field away from anywhere. I just wanted to get her out of there....but if they aren't socialised as kitts you get problems later...At least she got a lovely home Mags:D
Merlin is the same, he will not be picked up and cuddles...He will sit beside me and let me scratch his ears, but thats all!

Kazz
13-01-2006, 11:32 PM
Maybe the scrathing post is sharpening them :) a possiblity :? .
I'd leave her well alone and wear "cat proof clothes";) she sounds okay no point inworrying her by trying to trim nails if she is nervous I wouldn't like it if I was nervous.

Mags
13-01-2006, 11:33 PM
Cassie is absolutely dopey when she is on my lap Moli...you should see the positions she gets into:roll: But I've only to put my hands round her to lift her and she's gone:(

Mags
13-01-2006, 11:34 PM
Maybe the scrathing post is sharpening them :) a possiblity :? .
I'd leave her well alone and wear "cat proof clothes";) she sounds okay no point inworrying her by trying to trim nails if she is nervous I wouldn't like it if I was nervous.
What a pity cats don't bite their nails like some humans!:roll: :lol:

Fran
13-01-2006, 11:34 PM
She was never socialised as a young kitten Moli. When I got her she was shut in a shed with her brothers and sisters in a field away from anywhere. I just wanted to get her out of there....but if they aren't socialised as kitts you get problems later...

Matilda is the same Mags..she was semi ferral. Brought up in an outside barn with little human contact :( She spent the first week of her life with us hissing and spitting at us and running for cover :roll:

Mags
13-01-2006, 11:38 PM
When we first brought Cassie home she was so frightened she used to hiss and pounce on my hand and bite.....boy did it hurt!!:roll: :lol:

Moli
13-01-2006, 11:43 PM
When we first brought Cassie home she was so frightened she used to hiss and pounce on my hand and bite.....boy did it hurt!!:roll: :lol:Poor girl! she has been through it..I am not surprised she is wary!!:(

EmmaG
13-01-2006, 11:58 PM
I cut Arthur claws without any problems, Bronwyn I have to chase about the place but she isn't too bad if she feel a bit tired and dopey, and she hates being picked up, we are trying to improve that by picking her up a bit more, holding her tight and talking calmly to her, then put her down and praising her. She is such a wiggler!!!, but getting a lot better :)

Elaine
14-01-2006, 02:56 PM
I clip Winstons with nailclippers but then Winston has always trusted me to do most things with him. Am terrified to do Eva's as I do beleive she would have my face off which reminds me I mast take a look at Bernies. Have no idea how he will react.;)

dinahsmum
14-01-2006, 03:02 PM
I nip the very ends off Tizzie's as I don't think I've seen her clawing or 'sharpening' her claws for years. She goes out for a nice stroll but no clawing the trees etc.
If I forget and leave it too long one or two of her claws overgrow so much they can go round and touch her pad and there are layers and layers of shed nails that come away once there is room........................so i mustn't leave it too long.
She is a tortie and quite shy - although very cuddley etc now. She was a little bit shy when I first got her (animal shelter). Isn't there a theory that tortoiseshell are often a little timid? Don't know if it is true - might be just that they are all girls (and therefore sweet and shy etc)

Donna
14-01-2006, 08:56 PM
I cant ever see mine letting me clip their nails!!:shock:

Canis-Equus
10-05-2006, 04:24 AM
Im a bit confused as to why cut a cats nails..... never had to cut cats claws ni my life except once i did try it (as a kid) and found that when the point was removed, the whole nail started to flake away either side, right down to the quick, which the cat did not appreciate at al.

I cut the dogs claws but they are different, non retractile claws that contact the ground - they do need clipping sometimes - but then clipping them doesnt make them flake each side...

Doesnt anyone else see this flaking thing? or was my cat just a bit odd (entirely possible)

Em

smudgley
10-05-2006, 08:22 AM
Im a bit confused as to why cut a cats nails..... never had to cut cats claws ni my life except once i did try it (as a kid) and found that when the point was removed, the whole nail started to flake away either side, right down to the quick, which the cat did not appreciate at al.

I cut the dogs claws but they are different, non retractile claws that contact the ground - they do need clipping sometimes - but then clipping them doesnt make them flake each side...

Doesnt anyone else see this flaking thing? or was my cat just a bit odd (entirely possible)

Em

I agree. :)
I've never cut a cats nails either. Can't see the benefit myself. Dogs yes.
I have seen flaking nails in some of the rescue cats occasionally, but not through cutting their nails. I'm not sure what causes it.

dinahsmum
10-05-2006, 08:26 AM
here's a thread from over a year ago which explains why I snip. It's an old age thing with me (or the cats! :) )
http://www.catpages.co.uk/talkcats/showthread.php?t=465&highlight=claws+-retracting

Perhaps you haven't had experience with poorly retracting oldies? You would know why they need to lose the ends of their claws when they become entangled at every move. Poor things - no fun for the cats or their people.

Nicola
10-05-2006, 09:11 AM
Gordon and Ramsay are both so placid. They just sit and let me do them with nail clippers.

Hreow
10-05-2006, 10:38 AM
I use proper claw-cutters that cut with a rounded blade, not straight clippers, to avoid the flaking. I cut the very tips of Rovers claws because his claws can be very sharp and I don't like bleeding scratches when he mis-times or misjudges his playing. He's *very* good about not using claws, but the odd one goes astray when he doesn't realise in time that it's me, not a toy.
I started cutting his claws when he was asleep on my lap. No holding necessary.

The cat that disliked having her claws cut the most, I would cut one or two when she was in a relaxed mood - tail-twitch meant stop. Do another one or two another day.
She was an outdoor cat and needed to do some climbing to stay out of trouble and so needed to have most of her claws left - that worked out well for both of us.

Nicola
10-05-2006, 10:43 AM
Doesn't take too long to do Gordon as he only has 3 legs.

Booktigger
10-05-2006, 08:21 PM
I never used to cut claws till I got Snowy - she was an oldie who wouldn't use a scratch post and rarely went out, and 2 of her claws actually grew over and dug in her pad before I noticed, so I am extra vigilant now. Every cat that comes in here gets its claws clipped, esp if they are extra sharp. I have cut claws on other people's cats who said they couldn't do it themselves!! Molly is the only tricky one as she only likes being handled on her terms, so wait till she is asleep near me to do hers. I bought a really naff pair of clippers from Wilkinsons, so now use human cuticle clippers as they are the closest I could find to what the vet use.
Also, I was being lazy the other month and got the vet nurse to do PEbbles claws even though I can do them myself, and was charged about £8 for it!! So I am glad I can do them myself, as I never used to need to do Gingers, but his have recently started being an issue (well, he will be 15 this year)

JemBob
21-05-2006, 11:47 AM
I use a nail file I dont do to much and oscar seems to enjoy it now lol i do it every 2 weeks just file abit of each

Julie84
22-05-2006, 10:46 AM
I trim the ends of both my boys' nails. As they are inside only they don't need them for climbing. Although not long, they do become very sharp and get caught in soft furnishings and clothes. They don't cause any damage really but Thomas can get quite distressed when his claw won't come out out of the sofa he has just climbed on to.

LMC
24-05-2006, 10:24 AM
I don't think the sharpness matters so much as the length - it's only if they can't retract their claws fully then they need clipping IMO. Snowy's claws are always needle sharp, but she keeps them in trim with the scratching post and they never seem to catch on furniture/carpet when she's wandering around. I've never needed to trim Molly or Rug's claws either.

Jenny has always been a bit lazy about keeping her claws down, have had to clip them every couple of months for several years. I tend to try to wait until she's sat by me and very relaxed so I don't have to pin her down, but she really doesn't like it - by the time I get to the second or third foot she's making grumpy-cat noises at me, but I still try to get it all over and done with in one go if she's not wriggling too much - if I did one or two claws at a time I'm worried she'd get paranoid thinking I was "attacking" her with something nearly every time I saw her(hairbrush, clippers, pill, stronghold, vet... I need to pick her up just to cuddle her occasionally!)

Hreow
24-05-2006, 12:02 PM
Sharpness only matters to my skin. Dislike bleeding scratches. :-)
I agree that the length must be held in check, either by the cat or by the minder.

Julie84
24-05-2006, 12:30 PM
Hmm, maybe it is the length as well - I don't cut their claws on their back feet every time though. Thomas stands up at the window to look out sometimes though. Normally he gets his head under the net curtains - but not always. He doesn't try to scratch the nets but gets his front claws caught and gets upset when he can't get them out (he ripped the nets once).

But yes, also because his massages are a bit painful sometimes with sharp points! :lol:

Jasmine
08-08-2007, 08:32 PM
Leo now has to have his claws clipped - it is due to his age and the fact that he no longer climbs the fence to go out of the garden - prefers to stay at home like an oldman

momof10
01-12-2007, 04:05 AM
I cut all 10 of my cats nails myself. I just cradle them in my arms and cut away. They just lay there while I do it. One of my cats I have to take to the bathroom and set her up on the sink and cut them that way. I have always cut my cats claws myself. I tried it with the help of my hubby but it was worse that way so I went back to doing it myself. I only cut the back ones every once in awhile,but the fronts I do anytime they get long and sharp.

Darky
01-12-2007, 01:39 PM
I have a phobia of nails and clipping and such, so I feel lucky to have a cat that does not need trimming. (Had enough trouble with my guinea pigs, I think I squealed more than they did.)

I couldn't ever see myself clipping a kitty's claws unless there was a problem that had no other solution, personally. Honey doesn't really scratch the furniture, and when playing he is never rough with his claws - and he stops when I tell him to.

(Unlike Spike, who would gladly pull my arm off if I let him.)

CrAzy Mii
24-05-2009, 12:16 AM
Hehe can you imagine a cat filing their nails :L!! Did you know that cats can be declawed? I found out in a cat book! I think it's terrible myself! Could you tell me your feelings??

Elaine
24-05-2009, 09:09 AM
Hehe can you imagine a cat filing their nails :L!! Did you know that cats can be declawed? I found out in a cat book! I think it's terrible myself! Could you tell me your feelings??

Declawing is illegal in the UK as it is a very painful and barbaric thing to do and all in the name of saving soft furnishings. Causes the cat untold pain and discomfort both physically and mentally. If people want a pet that doesnt scratch, I suggest they get a goldfish.

CrAzy Mii
24-05-2009, 10:16 AM
Declawing is illegal in the UK as it is a very painful and barbaric thing to do and all in the name of saving soft furnishings. Causes the cat untold pain and discomfort both physically and mentally. If people want a pet that doesnt scratch, I suggest they get a goldfish.

i know it is discracefull the way that some animals are treated! :( why would someone do that to a living thing? i am totally against it myself!

pcspik
24-05-2009, 12:50 PM
Unfortunately it is common in the USA to have cats declawed. I am not going into too much of a political debate here, but generally people in the USA have a much different point of view. Debarking of dogs and cutting of horse's tail muscles in certain breeds for show purposes, is more tolerated over there than in the UK. Thankfully, all of those are illegal over here, except for when it is considered medically necessary. They also have a lot more kill shelters than in the UK.

Anyway going back to the original topic, both of mine are done, purely because they dont go outside. Pickle especially likes to sit half on people kneading and purring, and his claws are sharp. Unfortunately when he is in a bad mood he also swipes without warning, so he can hurt (in fact as I type I have 3 scratches on my hand). Also when I am listening to my ipod, he likes to grab hold of the headphones and because he is quite close, he sometimes accidently scratches me. Tigger is fine, she does not scratch very often, but again, because she is indoors only she needs them doing occasionally.

I do them myself, and I had no problem using the clippers. The only thing with Pickle is that he needs two people - because he has been unneutered for a long while he gets quite strong. Tigger can be done with just me on my own. I have had no problem doing it, and I did with my old cat (who also was indoors only).

MadCatLady
25-05-2009, 04:54 PM
Hello! I clip my indoor cats claws with clippers (Wilbur, Sullivan & Sasha) and you do need to be firm and also remember you are only taking the tips off...
Sulli (being a slightly stupid boy) will often wriggle like a loon especially when clipping his back feet and one day he stretched his finger like toes out just as I snipped with the clippers!!!?? Boy!! Did he squeal and blood went everywhere... however he hasn't done it since and with a little salt water wash and some fishy treats he was fine!??
Hope this helps... don't believe in paying out for stuff you can learn to do yourself.... not with 7 cats anyway!!!
I don't clip the claws of my outdoor cats as I would like to think if they ever got in a sticky situation either with other cats or a human... that they would have a first line of defence!!?

dandysmom
25-05-2009, 08:08 PM
I bought a good pair of claw clippers years ago at a cat show, and did all my cats claws except Patches, who absolutely would not tolerate it, and Leia, who keeps hers in shape well enough on her tree branch scratching post.

farthing
25-05-2009, 08:53 PM
I clip my oldies nails as they don't wear them down, and I've seen a couple of cat taken into the vets as the nails have grown into the pad. I would probably try all of them, except maybe Candy, but she needs to be sedated if she gets anything done.:roll:

jan
28-05-2009, 11:03 PM
This is an interesting post to me as both Max (17) and Tess (15) s claws are rather long, they click clack on the laminate and yes, catch the furnishings, which is okay if I am around to unhook. I never even thought of cutting or filing their claws - can you recommend good clippers and how much to take off so its not too short or bleeds? I used to do my old parrot s and was terrified of making him bleed as it was easy done. All my cats are indoor cats now so I suppose its something I should get used to. Thanks,Jx

Mags
28-05-2009, 11:09 PM
This video will show you how to clip your cat's nails, Jan ......:)

http://video.google.co.uk/videosearch?hl=en&q=How+to+clip+your+cat%27s+claws&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=nAofSuOCC4qQjAe7-PGSDQ&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#

jan
28-05-2009, 11:31 PM
Once again you have come to my rescue tonight Mags! :lol: Thanks a lot, she makes it look very easy ! Will definately have a go at that sometime very soon. :shock: Jan x

pcspik
29-05-2009, 07:18 PM
I never even thought of cutting or filing their claws - can you recommend good clippers and how much to take off so its not too short or bleeds?

Like a previous poster said, the video should explain it all.

My clippers came from Wilkinsons (it was in the dog section, but the picture had both a cat and a dog in it). It was fairly cheap, I certainly paid no more than £3 for them. My other pair came from Poundland and you guessed it, it cost a £1. I dont have a nail file though.

Pets at Home sell them along with a great variety of online sites. Any decent pet shop should sell them (check in the dog aisle) and some vets may do. Price varies - Pets at Home sell them for anything between £5 and £8.

As for my two, I dont think you necessarily need the most expensive nail clipper. They both do the job equally well - though to be honest, I use the Wilkinson's one more simply because the handle is covered with some kind of rubber. If you are wearing gloves or have a tricky cat I would recommend getting one that is not a plain metal handle. This is simply because you can keep a better grip on them and therefore not liable to accidently cut the quick.

jan
29-05-2009, 10:39 PM
Thanking you also, I am off to Wilko tomorrow so will make a point of looking for them and if I find them then we are in business! It will certainly save the scratches on my arm from Max tapping me for more food! :lol: Jx

dandysmom
29-05-2009, 10:53 PM
One reason I don't have to clip Leia's claws, besides the fact that she uses the scratching tree regularly, is that she gives herself a manicure...or should that be a paw-icure? She was doing it this afternoon: holding up her paw and then carefully pulling on each claw with her teeth to remove the loose claw sheath, which she spat out if there was a loose one!

angieh
29-05-2009, 11:09 PM
I bought a good pair of claw clippers years ago at a cat show, and did all my cats claws except Patches, who absolutely would not tolerate it, and Leia, who keeps hers in shape well enough on her tree branch scratching post.

What does she do about her hind claws?

dandysmom
29-05-2009, 11:56 PM
What does she do about her hind claws?

I have to admit I don't know, Angie! :shock: Never seen her doing them, but they're much thicker and blunter than the front ones.

jan
30-05-2009, 10:18 PM
Well,I got my cat clippers from wilko this afternoon, they look very efficient but not had time to sit and have a go at any claws yet. Will have to be when I have time to sit patiently and relax the two elder pussies enough to get them done in one go with luck. Quite looking forward to it !:roll: Jx

dandysmom
30-05-2009, 10:45 PM
Good luck, Jan! It's been my experience that older ones are more likely to dislike it; if you start them as kittens they just take it as a matter of course. My rehomed adult, Patches, went hysterical whenever I tried it. Let us know how it went.

angieh
30-05-2009, 11:02 PM
I wonder if I should try to get Kizzy used to me doing her claws. They don't seem to need doing atm - she lets me touch her paws and I've pressed gently to get the claw extended, so I think it should be OK. But maybe the clippers would be one step too far. Probably best to try while she's still a youngster. I only ever clipped Smudge's claw once - her dew claw which was curling backwards. She was as good as gold.

MadCatLady
31-05-2009, 08:03 PM
The trick is to get them stoned!!!;)

Not with anything illegal but try Valerian root....
Buy dried valerian root from ebay or WWW, not liquid type!
Get some little fluffy toys or balls and seal in an air tight container with the dried root.
Leave for 7/8 days.
Open box (hold your nose it stinks!!!) And knock all the dried root from flurries and then give then to the cat...
Think of catnip only much stronger and much more severe reaction! Then they chill out/fall asleep as it is actually a sporific!!!

See if it helps and even if they don't need claws clipped they act sooooo funny! Enjoy!:p

dandysmom
31-05-2009, 08:33 PM
That's very interesting, never heard of it. I wonder if a cat who's a non-reactor to catnip would respond...... do yours like catnip?

calismum
31-05-2009, 08:40 PM
Wow - scarey stuff. Wish I had known about it years ago for Misty.

pcspik
31-05-2009, 08:42 PM
Buy dried valerian root from ebay or WWW, not liquid type!
Get some little fluffy toys or balls and seal in an air tight container with the dried root.

You can also buy Valerian capsules from Holland and Barratt, again they are dried type not liquid. They are fairly easy to break apart (Holland and Barratt recommend you can either swallow them or use them to make some sort of tea).

I do agree that they stink. Holland and Barratt also do the liquid type so make sure that they say capsules on the container.

I also agree with getting them used to it as kittens, even if they dont need clipping then definitely make a point of holding them for a while whilst holding and extending the claws, that way they dont bother. Another good thing is to get them used to checking their mouth regularly, that way you can keep an eye when they are older on their teeth (to see if they need a dental) and also for worming purposes. Also I am sure the vet will appreciate it when they need a booster!

MadCatLady
31-05-2009, 09:05 PM
My Feline Tribe are pretty non committal with catnip but even my RigbyBigBear gets all whussey with the valerian fluffies and shimmys on them across the floor!! Bless!!!:lol:

Grete
01-06-2009, 06:53 AM
Lol never heard of the valerian reaction before, might have to try it although both of mine love catnip.

As for clipping claws, I used to only do them if they were having trouble detaching from things like carpet etc. Bubbles rarely needs them doing but Fizz has claws like needles and since she is usually all over me, I get covered in scratches and punctures.

Being outside, climbing fences and using the scratching post haven't helped with hers so I just take the tips off occasionally and cuddles become much more fun for both of us. It doesn't impair her climbing ability that I've seen and she can definately still defend herself as evidenced by a banzai attack on a bedmouse (my foot!).

I think some cats just have sharper claws naturally than others since both mine share the same environment but have different claw types.

dandysmom
01-06-2009, 04:13 PM
Good to see you back, Grete! I agree about the different claw types. I'm interested in seeing if Leia will react to the valerian: she ignores dry catnip... I might as well be offering her dried oregano! And she eats fresh catnip with no signs of any reaction to it whatsoever...just as if she's eating grass. Cuddles to Bubbles and Fizz, long time no pics!!