Friend refuses to clip claws

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adam487 - 12 Mar 2006 22:19 GMT

My friend cat has very long claws. His cats never learned not to attack
people. And he is not nuetered which makes him more aggressive (right?).
His claws are so long they get stuck in fabrics and skin (ouch!). I have
many times said he needs to get them clipped, and have many times offered
to do it myself. He says no, because if done wrong , the cat could bleed
to death. Is this accurate? If so, how far in would it need to be cut? I
am thinking the WHOLE NAIL cut off in order for that. I also read that if
it does draw blood you can use styptic powder. How useful is this? I also
read that if you dont have styptic powder you can use cornstarch or flour.
Is that safe? I think that the risk of his claws getting caught in
something and breaking is more than the risk of him bleeding to death. And
also, is it to late for him to be taught not to attack people at not even
a year?

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Kelcey - 13 Mar 2006 00:45 GMT

>My friend cat has very long claws. His cats never learned not to attack
>people. And he is not nuetered which makes him more aggressive (right?).
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>also, is it to late for him to be taught not to attack people at not even
>a year?

Here's an excellent link for learning how to cut nails, and no, the cat will
not bleed to death if cut wrong; just don't go down too far as per the
instructions. If he feels really nervous about trying it himself, the vet
will do it for him.

http://www.cat-world.com.au/catclaws.htm

He needs to be neutured or he will not make a good pet. Unneutured male cats
will spray urine all over the house, stay away from home for long periods of
time, get in fights with other males which will result in bite wounds and
possible transmission of deadly diseases such as feline leukemia and FIV.
They will also impregnate females resulting in unwanted kittens of which
there are way too many in this world. It's the responsible thing to do. It
will also help calm him down a bit.

Here's a link on dealing with aggression. Don't use your hands to play with
him or he will think of them as toys and will grow up thinking it's okay to
bite them. Use toys only.

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/aggression.html

You sound very informative; good thing he has you as a friend to help him
with his kitty.

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Beach Runner - 18 Mar 2006 15:50 GMT

>>My friend cat has very long claws. His cats never learned not to attack
>>people.

None of my cats have ever had their nails cut. I keep a rope scratching
post. I've had to replace it many times. I also had a carpet post which
they never tough. I hope they have a good scratching post.

However, the cat was spayed, as all cats should. My son didn't want his
cat spayed, and then one day sprayed all over his room. That sure
changed his mind!

I must admit, as a kitten he scratched at me, and I swatted him, never
done it again. Don't know about older cats.

My cat is now 12 years old. The previous did indeed die of FIV, as he
did indeed roam when I lived in the country.

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glenn Shilletto - 24 Apr 2006 22:02 GMT

Cats can adapt to anything. It just takes patients to teach them.

When I clip my cats nails, it's usually half way. You may need to wrap this
cat in a towel before cutting is claws since he's never been handle in that
way before. Make sure you have treats handy. My cats claws are clear so I
can see where the quick (nerve) is. But halfway is generally a save bet.

I don't know about bleeding to death. I've only cut it once too short that
my cat bleed but he's still alive.

Whatever you do don't cut it ALL the way.

> My friend cat has very long claws. His cats never learned not to attack
> people. And he is not nuetered which makes him more aggressive (right?).
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> also, is it to late for him to be taught not to attack people at not even
> a year?

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