Cat's claws

[dotty.]

Lizzie my second rescue cat is probably a couple of years old, she's a big sturdy cat and actually not overly active, she's been here now about 4 weeks. Her claws are now starting to pluck on the carpets, we had new carpets throughout when we moved here in april 2008. I think that because she isn't going out much at all yet, (as she is abit nervous as well as lazy and uninterested and docile) her claws are not being naturally reduced and she does not seem bothered to scratch at anything in the house that I am aware of.
So, I have never needed to deal with this, I've read on cat forums about clipping a cat's claws, and to be honest I think she would let me do this as she has no problems with me touching her paws and claws, has anyone had to clip a cats claws and is it usually easy enough?

[albaqwerty]

Do not touch the cat's claws. Get a scratching post please. If her claws are causing her a problem then the vet's the best bet.

[dotty.]

I don't think that she is naturally aware she needs to do anything with her claws herself, that's what I have noticed, Trisha uses the garden fence as soon as she goes out (funnily enough not far from Tom's old scratching fence post) but Lizzie just sits and watches her like a stuffed cat! She was well cared for as some point as she is ery docile and affectionate, but I think she must have always had wooden or tile flooring maybe,

[starone]

I agree with alba. The vet is the best person to deal with a thing like that. A cat scratching you could be very nasty.

[boxtops]

I clip my cats' claws when they need it, the vet showed me how to do it. Mine scratch trees and fences and spend a lot of time outside, but still have strong sharp claws and are - like Lizzie - big strapping cats, so sometimes don't know their own strength - and catch in carpets, my clothes, furniture - etc. No 1Son has particularly sharp pointy claws so I have to attend to his regularly. You need a strong pair of toenail clippers, and to hold the cat very firmly with his toes splayed, it can be a 2-person job, or to be done in several stages! A cat's claw has the quick quite near to the end and you must not cut into that, you really do have to take care as damaging the nail is serious - so I usually clip the end off only, no more than the really sharp end 2 mm. if your cat is smaller, then probably a millimetre will do - it really is just to take off the sharp pointy bit. Don't forget the dew claw too, but be equally careful with that. Back claws don't need attention - only the front paws.
I know others will feel differently about this but having had instruction - and the three cats needing a manicure - once the vet showed me how to do it, I've done it for years, about twice a year. If you are not happy or not confident, please do seek vet advice.

[albaqwerty]

maybe your sweet Lizzie has no idea of what to do. I believe some animals can be like that if they've been dragged away from their parents at too young an age. I know you're busy and this is so going to sound mad, but lay on the floor with her and scratch away at a post. Time will tell and she will eventually copy you and go daft :D

[arwyn]

Try one of those coconut type door mats (not the real name) some cats love to scratch them.

[albaqwerty]

If a vet had shown me, one of my cats would have had its nails manicured, but the other two would be having a hissy fit :D

[Jemisa]

We took our cat to the vet 3 times a year to have hers done. - £15 per time. But that was 3 years ago. Our new rescue cat Ella seems to take care of it herself. she gets in some most peculiar positions biting hers.

jem

[ttfn]

I have clipped nails/claws on my dogs and cats without incident. The first time I did Big Sis's pups nails the wee mite slept throughout the whole procedure. If you are worried about this ask your vet to show you how. It is a simple enough task and a docile cat will help a long way.

[albaqwerty]

lol jem, we now have an inferior species who also gets into wonderful yoga positions

£15 a time, how much do vets earn a year?

[Jemisa]

Exactly. Its the profession to be in right now.
(she also got an MOT done too)

[wolf63]

My two are indoor cats and both of them use the scratch poles, Frankie likes to test his claws on the armchair in the spare bedroom, Princess Merlin likes the woodwork at the top of the stairs.

I do clip their claws - but jut to nip the sharp point off. Merlin is a big, sturdy lass too and she has a short temper and I have had a couple of pretty nasty injuries off her. The first time was awful - my hand was infected and swollen.

I mainly clip their claw to prevent them injuring each other - Frankie winds his sister up until she snaps and punches him in the face - a face full of claws. He has had a few visits to the vet for infected facial wounds. Merlin may be a girl but she has huge hairy paws that look like boxing gloves.

[karenmac60]

If her claws are clear it shouldn't be too difficult as you can see the blood vessel running through them - stay clear of the vessel and you'll be fine. If she has dark claws it'll be harder as you'll have to guess how far down to go, in which case just clip the very tips. Also get a scratching post and a cat nip spray - you can encourage her to use it by spraying it with the catnip on a regular basis.

[lankeela]

I've had many cats over the years and never had to clip their claws because they all went out and used the fences and trees etc. Sorry about your carpets but afraid that is part of owning animals - my pup has today removed the stuffing from one of the settee cushions whilst I was at the door signing for a parcel.