Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/6/2008

Question
We've owned cats for over 25 years and trim their claws without difficulty by starting it at a young age.  My parents cannot trim their 5 year old cat's nails as she gets very aggressive.  They took her to the vet last time and had her sedated.  We'd like to give it a go and wonder if you have any suggestions on the best methodology.

Answer
Jackie,

If your parent's have not had the cat since it was a baby then it may have had bad experiences with trimming before and had the blood vessel cut.

I have couple too that think I am going to cut their paws off when I try to trim their claws (smile) and will bite and fight me.

I don't have any magic trick, though I wish I did. It takes quickness and patience. I get the cat on my lap (under a bright light) and pet it and get it relaxed. I hold a paw and touch it and rub it. Then I will extend the claws and quickly clip a nail. Sometimes you can get a couple of tips done before the cat realizes what you are doing and freaks and runs off, but that is better than nothing. It takes awhile, but I will eventually get them done.

Sometimes I will wait until they are asleep and relaxed. Often  you can get a couple nails done before they realize what's happening.

Have your parents tried a pet groomer instead of a vet? They are  experienced with trimming claws and it probably wouldn't be as expensive as the vet. But there, you have the cat already stressed from traveling and being in a strange place (vet, groomer, etc.) and she will associate that with getting her nails trimmed. It's better to have them relaxed at home, and hope that the cat eventually will understand that nothing horrible happens to her when you do trim her claws and not fight you so much.

Cats are creatures of habit. She cat may be smart enough to know that if she throws a fit with your parent's that it won't get done. Try being firm with her and let her know you won't accept that behavior from her. Sometimes it will work, sometimes not, depending on the cat. You can try also try talking nonsense to her quietly and gently so she will associate claw trimming with attention.

Those are some ideas that may or may not work with the cat. It will depend on her past experiences, her mindset, and her temperament, and also your level of patience and perseverance.

Tabbi