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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / March 2005Claws
Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should claws be trimmed. She's an indoor cat probably about 8 months old (I've had her for 6 1/2 - I took her in because I thought it was too hot outside in August for her to survive on her own). I thought about declawing until I found out what that entailed and I decided to see how bad she was and she's been very good. She has 3 scratching posts that she uses and 2 scratching pads that she doesn't. Her claws don't seem like they're overly long, but it seems odd to me that she can go this long without trimming them. You can see the claws on 1 paw in this picture: http://members.cox.net/zap644/pictures/cat_toy.jpg Anyway, I bought clippers when I first got her, but don't feel comfortable trimming them unless someone were to show me how to do it. I know it doesn't feel good if I trim my nails to closely and I have no idea where to clip a claw. I guess I should ask my vet to show me - or do major pet stores do a good job at that sort of thing and not charge an exorbitant fee? PetCo is a helluva lot more convenient than her vet (literally more than 20 times longer to get to the vet than PetCo) And about those scratching posts - they all have the rope wrapped around them instead of being all carpet since she seemed to take to the rope on the first one I got. 2 of them are shedding metal staples - I clean them up as soon as I see them, but could these present a safety hazard? Obviously they would if she swallowed one, and so far it seems she hasn't. I'm just wondering if there's some sort of consensus that there's not a huge risk of cats swallowing these things. If I take them away, what would I replace them with? I suspect the reason the 3rd post isn't shedding staples is because it's relatively new. There's a few more pictures of her here: http://members.cox.net/zap644/index.htm (just the first 4 links are Kitty) > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > http://members.cox.net/zap644/pictures/cat_toy.jpg Very pretty cat. I have to say, her claws don't look any longer than my two indoor/outdoor cats' claws. > > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > > claws be trimmed. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > Very pretty cat. I have to say, her claws don't look any longer than my two > indoor/outdoor cats' claws. I had to have Pudge's claws trimmed only when she got older and less active. Until she was about 13 or 14, she kept them in shape herself on the scrathing post and my jeans. :)  Signaturehttp://www.slywy.com/pages/hodge.html > I had to have Pudge's claws trimmed only when she got older and less > active. Until she was about 13 or 14, she kept them in shape herself on > the scrathing post and my jeans. :) Mine keep them in shape on a scratching post and sacrificial mat inside, and their favourite trees outside. They're no shorter than the OP's cat's. I have to say, I don't think he need worry unnecessarily about clipping them at all. > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed. Based on the pic, they need to be trimmed. Trimming once a month will do to keep them short - every couple of months works well for most cats. HTH -L. (former groomer) It's good to get her used to you handling her paws. I just snip the tips off. Stay in the white part and you will be fine. Usually, I've found once a month is good. However, my two are terrible about it, so I have to do them a little at a time when they are sleepy. I've seen staples come out too, but have never had anything happen with them. I get a bit concerned about it too, but there isn't much I can think of to do about them. My goodness she is beautiful! On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 00:33:43 -0600, Karen <kchuplis@alltel.net> >My goodness she is beautiful! Thank you - Kitty appreciates the complement I added a few more pics from right after I took her in, but I've finally maxed out the storage on this website so that's all for tonte. > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed.>> They look about the same length as my cats. I don't think they're too long but check the back ones too. The outside sheath of the claw falls off so dont worry if you see them in the carpet or on the scratching post. Alison >She's an indoor cat Cats make very good indoor-only pets. >I thought about declawing The more you learn about cats, the more you realize how much they depend on their claws. Their whole upper body is exercised by the use of their claws. If they ever get outside, they depend on their claws for self-defense and escape. And they use their claws for play. Claws are an essential part of a cat. (transposed) >Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should >claws be trimmed. ... >Her claws don't seem like they're overly long, but it seems odd to >me that she can go this long without trimming them. Cats shed their claws. You might notice the shells lying around. They do not have to be trimmed. >I'm just wondering if there's some sort of consensus that there's >not a huge risk of cats swallowing these things. If I take them >away, what would I replace them with? The easiest is a 2x4 with a strip of carpet hot-melt glued to it. You do not even have to wrap the carpet around the 2x4. It could not be easier. You just cut a long strip of carpet at least 8 inches wide and glue it to the length of the 2x4. Then, of course you just lean the 2x4 up against a tall object. My cats have no problem coping with the carpet edges. They know exactly where the 2 x 4 supports the carpet. By the way, hot melt glue is easily/neatly removed using rubbing alcohol (I use a spray bottle). Good luck. > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > decided to see how bad she was and she's been very good. She has 3 > scratching posts that she uses and 2 scratching pads that she doesn't. I'm really glad you did not declaw her. It changes them and not in largely good ways. > Her claws don't seem like they're overly long, but it seems odd to me > that she can go this long without trimming them. > > You can see the claws on 1 paw in this picture: > > http://members.cox.net/zap644/pictures/cat_toy.jpg She is really lovely! > Anyway, I bought clippers when I first got her, but don't feel > comfortable trimming them unless someone were to show me how to do it. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I guess I should ask my vet to show me - or do major pet stores do a > good job at that sort of thing and not charge an exorbitant fee? You should ask your vet to show you just for your own comfort level. What we do is just cut the tips of your cats' claws. I hold them and my husband clips their claws. If your kitty is a wriggler I highly recommend having two people there is you want to do it at home. Your cat is adorable! I was a little nervous myself about the claw trimming. She looks like a live wire so maybe wait until she is asleep or drowsy. There are several places on the net that show how to trim the claws but suffice to say, you just make sure you don't come anywhere near the pink part. Play with her paws a bit and rub them a bit before to get her used to having her paws being touched. If you are still a bit nervous, that's ok too... I am not sure about the pet store but maybe call first and ask... if not, the vet it is. That's who showed us first but we ended up looking it up on the net anyway due to nerves. Let us know how it goes. Signature.oO rach Oo. > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed. [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > (just the first 4 links are Kitty) >Your cat is adorable! I liked the pictures too. >I was a little nervous myself about the claw trimming. She looks >like a live wire so maybe wait until she is asleep or drowsy. There >are several places on the net that show how to trim the claws but >suffice to say, you just make sure you don't come anywhere near the >pink part. Play with her paws a bit and rub them a bit before to >get her used to having her paws being touched. I have clipped them when I want to prevent one from hurting the other. ... put jeans on ... put goggles on ... put the cat between my legs and sit on it ... put packaging tape loosely around its other paw ... calm down and attempt to verbally soothe the cat ... do it >If you are still a bit nervous, Yup. that's ok too... I am not sure about the pet >store but maybe call first and ask... if not, the vet it is. That's >who showed us first but we ended up looking it up on the net anyway >due to nerves. Let us know how it goes. > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed. [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > (just the first 4 links are Kitty) The advice I received from my vet was "half way to the qucik" which is where the pink begins. All the posts so far seem accurate, but you should still have a vet show you how the first time. I often stroke their paws between trimmings so they stay used to it and don't mind attention to their feet. Carl > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > http://members.cox.net/zap644/pictures/cat_toy.jpg Great picture! She sure is a beauty! > Anyway, I bought clippers when I first got her, but don't feel > comfortable trimming them unless someone were to show me how to do it. > I know it doesn't feel good if I trim my nails to closely and I have no > idea where to clip a claw. Here's an actual photograph of where to trim and instructions. http://www.maxshouse.com/Claw%20Trimming.htm Before you actually try to trim her claws, let her get used to having her paws touched and held gently. Give her a treat after you touch her paw so she begins to associate good things with having her paws touched. You might want to try that for a few days before you trim. Don't try to trim all the claws the first time and don't use too much restraint. Stop when you see her getting agitated . Some cats are easier to trim when they just wake up. The less of a production you make of it, the easier it will be. Just remember its better to clip too little than too much! Don't clip too close to the "quick" (pink part of the claw) - cutting into the quick is extremely painful and bloody and may make trimming her claws again very difficult. > I guess I should ask my vet to show me - That's probably the best way to learn. or do major pet stores do a > good job at that sort of thing and not charge an exorbitant fee? You can also let a groomer at Petco show you how. I don't know how much they charge but I don't think it would be more than $15-$20. > PetCo is a helluva lot more convenient than her vet (literally more than > 20 times longer to get to the vet than PetCo) [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > huge risk of cats swallowing these things. If I take them away, what > would I replace them with? Brads or staple nails that can be tapped in with a hammer or the longest staples you can find- I used 9/16 or 5/8" staples and they're still holding after 4 years - although the posts are shredded. I suspect the reason the 3rd post isn't > shedding staples is because it's relatively new. > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > (just the first 4 links are Kitty) She's certainly a beauty! Phil What I do to attach the rope to my homemade posts is to get a stainless steel hose clamp for the top and the bottom. Tighten it around the rope and post. Then you can get rid of the staples. ---MIKE--- On 2005-03-04, Mike Z Helm penned: > There's a few more pictures of her here: > > http://members.cox.net/zap644/index.htm I think she's Oscar's twin! I don't have many clear pictures of Oscar, but here's one in her favorite box: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca/rpca-2004.11.22/oscar/tn/cat_in_a_box.jpg.html Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > I don't have many clear pictures of Oscar, but here's one in her favorite box: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca/rpca-2004.11.22/oscar/tn/cat_in_a_box.jpg.html Oscar's face shape is so much like my Gnarly's was. >> I don't have many clear pictures of Oscar, but here's one in her >> favorite box: >> > http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca/rpca-2004.11.22/oscar/tn/cat_in_a_box.jpg.html > > Oscar's face shape is so much like my Gnarly's was. DH was recently forced to come pet store shopping with me (I needed him to help carry all the kitty litter) and perused a cat behavior book while he was there. After 15 minutes or so of reading, he is the cat expert. I humor it because it's cool to see him taking an interest in Oscar =) Anyway, he informed me that, based on his research, Oscar has the "typical DLH face." Whatever that means =P Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca On Fri, 4 Mar 2005 10:25:31 -0700, "Monique Y. Mudama" <spam@bounceswoosh.org> >On 2005-03-04, Mike Z Helm penned: >> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > >http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca/rpca-2004.11.22/oscar/tn/cat_in_a_box.jpg.html He does look a lot like her.... And she loves little boxes too. On 2005-03-07, Mike Z Helm penned: > On Fri, 4 Mar 2005 10:25:31 -0700, "Monique Y. Mudama" ><spam@bounceswoosh.org> [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > And she loves little boxes too. Oscar's actually a girl =) I named her after the vet told me she was a boy; I found out the truth when I brought her in to be neutered! Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca On 2005-03-04, Mike Z Helm penned: > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should claws be > trimmed. While I'm sure that claw trimming is a good idea, I was also a novice cat owner and Oscar has never allowed her paws to be touched. She has several scratching posts and our house includes some areas without carpetting; whatever the reason, her claws have never gotten long enough to cause her trouble. I've heard of other cats that manage without trimming, but most seem to need it. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca Amber is 10 and Tiger is 6. I have never trimmed their claws. Last June, when Tiger had his teeth cleaned he came back with his claws trimmed. He was not too happy about it (neither was I) because he couldn't climb up his "tree" until they grew back. ---MIKE--- > Amber is 10 and Tiger is 6. I have never trimmed their claws. Last June, > when Tiger had his teeth cleaned he came back with his claws trimmed. He > was not too happy about it (neither was I) because he couldn't climb up his > "tree" until they grew back. Yeah. The vet once bullied me into letting him trim Oscar's claws. When we got home, she was miserable. She'd try to jump on the couch and slide off instead, among other things, and didn't understand what had happened. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > While I'm sure that claw trimming is a good idea, I was also a novice cat > owner and Oscar has never allowed her paws to be touched. She has several [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > seem > to need it. 4 out of 6 cats let me trim their nails. It is much easier to do when you have two people. My husband is the holder, I'm the cutter. I use the type of trimmers that look like little scissors. We probably trim nails about once a month. I trim them because when their claws get too long, they hurt when kneading. Bartleby, one of the cats who does not tolerate nail cutting, was getting Soft Paws applied. I had to take him to the vet and have them do it. I really should start this again. He can really hurt me when kneading. Antonio is semi-feral, can't even pick him up. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net Oh wow. That is a *beautiful* cat. And a neat pic of her, too. You caught her in such a natural cat-play mode, it looks as if she could jump right out of the monitor. Sherry > Oh wow. That is a *beautiful* cat. And a neat pic of her, too. You > caught her in such a natural cat-play mode, it looks as if she could > jump right out of the monitor. Well hey there, where have you been! This group has been a riot lately. 8) What a beautiful cat! I'm so glad you chose to let her keep her claws. I agree with what most everyone else is posting - do the trimming when the cat first wakes up or is really mellowed out, don't do all the claws at one time, and touch her feet frequently so she gets used to it. We also found that using a people nail clipper is far, far easier than the "guillotine" style clippers sold for cats. Good luck, Irene > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed. [quoted text clipped - 42 lines] > > (just the first 4 links are Kitty) > Since I've never owned a cat before, I'm wondering how often should > claws be trimmed. Quite possibly never. You only *need* to trim 'em if they end up curling back toward the paw paws overmuch, or if they protrude enough that they interfere with walking. You may *choose* to trim 'em for your comfort, or perhaps so you can get enough spare bits of cat to create another furry companion. (...) > Her claws don't seem like they're overly long, but it seems odd to me > that she can go this long without trimming them. > > You can see the claws on 1 paw in this picture: > > http://members.cox.net/zap644/pictures/cat_toy.jpg Looks pretty much the same as the indoor / outdoor cats I've known. I.e., sharp, but not curling back on themselves. > Anyway, I bought clippers when I first got her, but don't feel > comfortable trimming them unless someone were to show me how to do it. > I know it doesn't feel good if I trim my nails to closely and I have no > idea where to clip a claw. Some clippers have a sort of barrier to help prevent the human from removing too much cat. (...) > And about those scratching posts - they all have the rope wrapped around > them instead of being all carpet since she seemed to take to the rope on > the first one I got. 2 of them are shedding metal staples - I clean > them up as soon as I see them, but could these present a safety hazard? If they are aligned vertically, probably not. Then again, if you stand on one, you might sing a bit. (...) > I'm just wondering if there's some sort of consensus that there's not a > huge risk of cats swallowing these things. If I take them away, what > would I replace them with? I wouldn't worry about swallowing. I would worry about a claw catching on an exposed horizontal staple. S. |
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