Q: I cant seem to be able to trim Kitty's nails. He doesn't like it and tries tobite me. I rub his paws to get him relaxed and used to me grabbing them but he just doesn't like it. I also wait till cat quiet time.  Do you have suggestions? --L

Hi L

You're doing all the right things. We trim our kittens' nails every week from the time they are about a week old. Its an important part of their socialization. Despite that, every once in a while we get a a kitten that HATES having their nails trimmed, that wiggles, growls or even bites.

We keep the clippers sitting next to the sofa -- we use human clippers, nothing fancy -- and another set next to the computer so we can trim even just one claw when a cat jumps onto our laps. You might want to try this.

Don't expect to do all nails at once on a reluctant cat. Do try to catch Kitty when he's sleeping. Or have hubby wrap him in a towel while you expose one paw at a time. In the struggle, try not to squeeze his paw hard; a gentle "hug" is all the paw needs to expose the claw.  

Offer a favourite treat as a reward for having his nails trimmed and keep this treat for only this occassion.

If all else fails, see if you can arange for a tech at your vet clinic to do Kitty's nails for you, but that means you could be in the clinic at least twice per month. Ideally, do nails yourself every week.

You can't avoid this important grooming step, or your furniture, people or clothing could be harmed, intentionally or not, by long kitty claws. Un-trimmed nails are a safety issue, too.  A cat could to twist their paw when it gets tied up in the carpet in the midst of Kitty Olympics.

Web sites:

http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/article.htm



http://www.caws.org/catclaws.html

...Pam