need help clipping claws

[JessK]

Can anyone suggest ways to make claw-clipping less of an ordeal? I feel I need to do it, because when his claws get long, he gets them stuck in things and does more damage to furniture etc. However, he HATES having them cut and fights it for all he's worth and my hands usually end up pretty shredded. (I've tried wearing gloves but I can't manage the clippers very well then.)

I've had him since he was two months, and he's now ten months, and he isn't getting any more tolerant about claw clipping. I've never cut the quick or hurt him, but he regards it as torture.

Do they make tools to help--like maybe protective mitts I could put on his other three claws to protect myself when I'm clipping? I've tried wrapping him in a towel, but it's just too hard because he squirms out.

Any suggestions? I'm also concerned that it makes him see me as a meanie. Any help MOST appreciated!!

[jason]

id suggest another hand (other than your own) if you can arrange that.

if you are unable to, then perhaps call your vet and ask if one of the techs would not mind doing it for you (without a consult/vist you pay for). i had one do this for me when i was a new first time cat owner and was afraid of clipping too much. perhaps you can explain your difficulty and if they are not busy they may not mind this.

[Auntie Debbie]

There is one aid that you may be interested in. It's a bag that you can put your kitty in and hopefully work on nail clipping without much of a struggle.
Here is a link as an example. I am not familiar with this site, but you may be able to find the same bag or one similar at a site that you are comfortable with. It may even be in pet stores or they man be able to get it for you.

http://www.petedge.com/jump.jsp?itemTyp ... temID=3109

It has a picture of it. You can take each paw out separately, reducing the risk of retaliation from your kitty. To make this more of a good event for him, give him some praise for being so good and a treat when it is all over. That may make things more worth his while.
Your vet's techs may be able to do it for you, but you will probably be charged. This would come under the heading of grooming. The clinic I work for charges for this service, as well as expressing anal glands, administering sub-qs and a few other tasks.
I hope you'll be able to make this less of an ordeal for you both!

[littlefriend]

I have always rubbed my cats paws from the time I got them. Sometimes they will lay there and let you and other times they won't, but it helps get them use to you handling their paws.

I also seem to have better luck when they are sleepy.

Sometimes I may get one paw done, then have to wait till later to do another.

Good luck.

[valeroonie]

I feel for you JessK! I have 5 cats and have to do each one a little differently. I set Suki up in my lap like a baby. I get Gabby and Bear while they are sleeping. I have to get Cinnamon away from everyone esle and get him up on the bed and then there is Hobbs! I have to pin him down. I get on my knees with him in between. It leaves a little space between for Hobbs without any danger of squishing him. I lock my feet together so he can't back out and it's quick and no trauma! Hope something hels for you!

[JessK]

Thank you so much, all, for the helpful suggestions! For now I am definitely going to purchase the item Debbie suggested--sort of a kitty straightjacket and he'll hate me for it, but I hope only briefly! Maybe over time I can work toward being able to clip without the restraining device. I have tried pinning him with my legs, and valeroonie suggested, but that resulted in...scratched legs!!

Thanks again for the helpful posts!

[Mona]

I too have two different cats, HOneybun is tolerant (6 yrs old), but Chloe does not like it and struggles and hisses LOL! I use my daughter to hold her and gently clip away. Being sleepy is a good idea too!!