Trimming claws?

[Pam Flachs]

Mine run the gamut here for nail trims: the girl who grumbles and groans the entire time but doesn't move a whisker, the ones I can do only a couple at a time, to the ones I have to catch while only deeply asleep. I use regular human nail clippers, changed out often so they are fresh and sharp. If I'm desperate, my vet's office will do it for free

 

[barbja]

At what age can you start trimming a kitten's claws? My kitten is 11 weeks old (we've had her for about two weeks) and she's about to kill me! I've done a reasonable job of teaching her not to use her claws on me when she plays, but she likes to climb onto my shoulder (to investigate, or just chill) and her process of getting up there is pretty painful sometimes.

I've taught her to not use her claws once she's up there, but I don't know what to do about the climbing part. I don't want to trim her claws if it means that she won't be able to climb the cat tree.

Any advice?

 

[admin]

You can start trimming now...I started mine out as kittens. And she will still be able to climb, believe me.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I start trimming our kittens here early, around six weeks when they are climbing my legs way too much! I figure the earlier you start the easier it is for them to adapt. Doesn't work with all of them, Coco here has had her nails trimmed since a young kitten and never a bad experience of the quick being hit, but still she HATES having her claws trimmed and will fight hard to avoid it.

Trimming their claws just blunts the needles really, so I wouldn't worry about her not being able to climb your cat tree so much...

 

[Pam Flachs]

I start trimming my babies' nails early on, too, around 4-5 weeks. Before that, I play with their feet a lot, gently spreading each paw so the first time I actually trim is not a surprise to them. I use infant clippers, and take off only the very tip of each needle...and I'm always amazed at how long some of those little claws can be Most are great about it, but there's always that one or two that really dislike the job....

 

[csimon]

Jumping in the post and looking for recommendations on nail trimmers...the one we got for Tracy make his poor nails brittle and crack instantly! Let me know your brand that works...

 

[Pam Flachs]

I just use human nail clippers in varying sizes. They are inexpensive and get the job done. When the clippers cease to trim a nail cleanly with the first snip...I toss them and buy another pair or two.

 

[Patti]

I use a human baby nail clipper, works like a charm!

 

[Sue]

What is the purpose of trimming a cat's nails? They take care of them theirselves pretty well don't they? I'm pretty sensitive to the whole issue with declawing a cat, and if the reasons for trimming nails is the same, to protect furniture or what not then my response is ... If you can't train a cat not to claw furniture then ... DON'T have a cat. Doesn't get any more simple than that ... If there is another reason that is actually for the benefit of the cat please share.

My Scottish Fold will only let you pet him at night when the lights are out. He has had an issue twice now that his nails get so long that they go into his pad. It is painful for him to walk and jump into the litter box. I now have to either take him to vet every few months for a nail trim which is a challenge to even catch him, or have my husband hold him down at night, turn on a light and trim them. He then hides for a few days. Sue

 

[Eddies]

We use the cat carriers as "toys with treats",,,they have to open the UNlocked doors to get the treats out...so no catching by hand involved...lol.
But Eddie has only had his nails trimmed once, he does have 3 scratch posts & a carpeted pine board they scratch on along with ummm the recliner I replace every 3-4 months....