Comments on: How to Trim a Cat's Nails

on 11/22/2005 While it's true that cats can trim their own claws (it's called scratching), we've found that by trimming the cat's claws regularly, they almost never scratch the furniture. This has proved true for half a dozen cats that we've owned over the years.

on 11/22/2005 I give my cats Laxaire (Vaseline works, too) right after trimming their nails. It took a few times, but I always showed them the treat when I got out the trimmers, and now they come running to have their nails clipped.

on 11/22/2005 My cats do not like to cooperate so I started wearing Playtex rubber gloves when I cut their nails. It allows them to bite my hand and fight some, without hurting me or stopping me from getting the job done.

on 11/22/2005 Only house cats need their nails clipping, if they can go out or have a scratch post nature will do it for them. My cat doesn't go out, so when needs be we rugby tackle the cat and clip away, she sulks for about an hour and then lets you give her a biscuit once she realises it's still us that feeds her!

on 11/22/2005 When I first adopted my kitten (now 1yr. old)I clipped them once a week; but now I just let nature take it's course. She only scratches the bare wood of my loft bed; and/or a tall piece of carpet stapled to one of the legs. I assume cutting isn't really necessary; like bathing.

on 11/22/2005 Wrap the cat in a towel when trying to clip his nails. Drape it over his back and turn him over, holding him like a baby. The towel will prevent him from getting away, and it's easier to clip the nails.

on 11/22/2005 I lay him along my left arm on his back (head lolls back over elbow), rub tummy 'til eyes are halfmast then snip! I use my left hand to hold paw/nail steady. Rub tummy & under chin before changing to another paw to keep him calm & relaxed. Takes 5 min!

on 11/22/2005 When towel wrapping can't hold them in, I watch for their most comfortable, accessible spot to relax. My Nelson likes to lie on the toilet tank with his front feet hanging down. That's when I clip his nails without needing the emergency room.

on 11/22/2005 My cats hated going to the vet for nail trims. They LOVE for me to trim their nails. Just take it slowly, one nail
at a time at first. They like the attention.

on 11/22/2005 If you accidentally trim too far and the nail starts bleeding, have a short glass or small bowl filled with enough cinnamon to cover the injured toe. Gently blow off the excess cinnamon. It worked for my cat when he had his claws out!

on 11/22/2005 Have a friend hold the cat and her paw. That leaves your hands free to push out the claw with one hand and clip with the other.

on 11/22/2005 I wrap my cats in a towel, snugly, which keeps them from moving while trimming. I take a few seconds in between each nail & pet them - it helps to continue the process. Also, when I am done, I give them a treat to reward them for how good they have been.

on 11/22/2005 Start when your cat is young, be insistent but gentle, do them all and do it regularly. A little catnip afterward never hurts....

on 11/22/2005 Put cat on lap; wrap in a towel. Leave only head exposed. Expose 1 paw at a time. Rub neck, trim away!

on 11/22/2005 When Spunky's nails need a trim, my daughter puts a warm, wet face cloth over the cat's face and moves it in a circular fashion. Spunky turns to Jell-O kitty and I clip her nails. We think the face cloth replicates a cat washing the kitten's face.