Clipping claws

[MrsH]

I'm getting really fed up with Jason clawing at the new stair carpet, he's got stratching posts and a scratching mat but unlike his sister, he just won't use them. (should this be in "Behaviour"?)

Anyway, I'm thinking of clipping his claws, something I've never done with any cat, in the hope that blunted claws will stop him scatching the new carpet. Does anyone know if this is likely to work? I already have clippers because I do the dog's claws occasionally, but I could do with advice on the best way to set about it! :shock:

[EmmaG]

Strangely I clipped arthurs and bronwyns this week, being mainly indoor cats their claws don't wear down very quickly. I also find with Arthur who will claw the carpet that he does it less after I have clipped his claws. Sometimes I do it when they are sleeping, brons are really easy to do as she does not wiggle much. Usually grab cat, clip claws making such not to cut the quick, job done. Good luck.

[angieh]

Can't advise MrsH as I've only ever clipped one dew claw years ago! Good luck.

[calismum]

I always find that when they are sleepy it is easier. Breagh is so easy to do. Izzi is a nightmare and is a wrap in towel two person job.

I find it does stop them scratching for a wee while but they get sharp again quite quickly so it becomes a regular task.

Hope you have an easy one and not a towel job!!

[alexgirl73]

My Cooper does this as well, and it drives me NUTS!!!

But as for clipping, I just grab them, stick them under my arm like a rugby ball :lol:, and clip fast. All of mine tolerate it very well, I think the trick is to be decisive and confident. They soon sense if you're nervous.

[dandysmom]

Most of mine needed the towel! It's easiest if you start them as kittens; obviously too late for Jason. Do be careful to avoid the quick, I agree, best when they're sleepy and relaxed, do it quickly and confidently; even if he struggles even getting a few done is better than none; keep at it; do let us know how it goes. Good luck!

[Velvet.Tears]

I clip all of mines claws and they are all well behaved when i do it apart from Tiger who complains when u do it but I find it helps not only your cat but you incase u get the odd scratch.

[MrsH]

Thanks for the advice folks! He's just done it again and scarpered upstairs like a bullet as soon as OH opened the door to the hall. :evil: I'll be doing the deed tomorrow!

[MrsH]

:-D Done it! :pom:pom

I approached while he was sleepy and had done one whole paw before he realised what was happening :smt077 He did manage to scratch me just the once with his back legs and I've got one dew claw still to do but they're not such a nuisance on the carpet. I'll get him again in a day or so. I've also clipped over the carpet where he'd made the pile all fluffy with his scratching, you can still feel that it's different but it looks ok now from a distance!

I'm not doing the back paws at all, that's ok isn't it? I've never had to do a cat's claws before as all our cats before him have used scratching posts. :?

[calismum]

Well done!!

I don't do the back claws either. Hopefully if you keep doing it while he's sleepy then he'll realise it's no big deal.

If you become really expert I'll send you Izzi to do for me lol

[angieh]

Well done MrsH! Hope Jason leaves your carpet alone for a while.

[dandysmom]

Well done! I never do the back claws either.