Expert: Norman Auspitz - 12/23/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have a cat that is very affectionate and loves to sit on my lap a lot and get petted.  We both enjoy each others company and I'm glad to see she is content.  She kneads, which is fine however I want to train her not to extend her claws while kneading on my lap.  It hurts if she overdoes it.  I have found many articles online on how to get them to stop kneading, but I don't mind it as long as she doesn't use her claws.  She is approx. 3 yo shorthair domestic.  Trimming her nails is difficult but not impossible, plus she is not my cat but a relatives so I would like some advice on how to modify this behavior.  Thanks in advanced!

ANSWER: Matt,

I am not sure that it is possible to train a cat to knead and not extend its claws.  I am assuming that because the cat is not yours, but belongs to a relative, it does not live in the same household as you do!?!?!  This would make it even more difficult, since such training would require a consistent, persistent training regimen.

Truthfully, clipping the claws regularly (every two weeks for fronts, every four weeks for backs) would be the easiest thing to do. To help a bit, rewarding the cat for putting up with the claw clipping by giving it a special treat while this is being done, may help out.

There is a training technique called clicker training (see www.clickertraining.com) that has had good results modifying a wide variety of cat behaviors.  You could investigate this as a training option. Again, if the cat does not live with you (as I understand the situation), so the opportunity to apply a consistent, persistent training regimen may still be problematic.

Seasonal regards... Norm.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Norm,

I greately appreciate the advice and the thought you put into it.  I just wanted to say that I do live in the same house as the Cat. Trimming nails isn't really my place but it does temporarily fix the problem. They are quite remarkable animals, and I've always liked the companionship of a cat. I had another cat and when she kneaded she was courteous (or aware of how sharp her claws are) and always kept them retracted, aside from the scratching post.

I think I am going to say no, cease petting and pulling her claws out of my jeans when she starts to  knead vigorously. She has shown that she can alter her behavior in the past to achieve what she wants.  Maybe I can try this approach.  With this updated information, what would be your thoughts and advice?

Thanks SO much
I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

- Matt

Answer
Matt,

About all I can think of is to try clicker training.  I will be the first to admit that some cats may knead without using their claws, it is not the norm. The only suggestion I can make is that oral communication is not what cats normally do. Cats normally communicate using body language.  I can get a cat to extend its claws, but not to retract them. I still think keeping the claws clipped short may be easier in the long run, but, if you are successful, please let me know how you did it.

Seasonal regards... Norm.