Cutting an old cat's claws

[Strawdolly]

My cat's claws are really thick now she's so old. I don't think she's scratching at stuff anymore so the old bits don't come off like they used to. The last time I had to take her to the vet to have them cut which I'd rather not do as it's not very nice for her. Does anyone have any surefire easy way of dealing with thickening claws themselves?

[splendide]

I cut my cat's claws and it's OK but a two man job. One person holds her and the other popping her claws out and snipping them with clippers I bought at the vet. She really hates it but they grow really fast and when we rescued her one had grown all the way into her pad causing horrible pain I presume :(

If you look on youtube there are lots of video demos of people doing it although they mostly make me envious at the amazing acquiescent cats.

[Strawdolly]

Thank you, Splendide, I hadn't thought of looking on YT.

[droitwichmummy]

We were recommended clippers for small animals for our cat- not ones for dogs

[Strawdolly]

I'll investigate those, Droitwich, thank you.

[HauntedNoddyCar]

DH used to our cat's claws with his good wire cutters.

[Strawdolly]

Eek!

I've had another look at her claws and I'm thinking I'll probably just take her to the vet again, they really are very thick and there's one heading for a pad which doesn't leave much room for error.

Thank you all anyway

[springbabydays]

If the claws are clear it's easier as you can see the quick. Black claws I would only snip the very tips off as I'd be too scared to hurt them. I used to regularly cut our 21yr old's claws and also the 'hard skin' which used to form on the tips of her pads!

If in any doubt ask the vet. They could show you how best to do it.

[cozietoesie]

If you're a vet 'regular', there's a fighting chance one of the vet staff will either do it for free or very cheaply indeed. If there's one heading for a pad, speak to them pretty quickly - that's not good news.

(I nip the tips of Seniorboy's claws myself because his arthritis makes it difficult for him to do his front claws and his small number of remaining teeth, and that arthritis again, mean he can't really chew his back claws. He tolerates it well so I can do it weekly which keeps the tips down nicely.)

Good luck with her.

[something2say]

I diaries to take my cat in to get this done. He won't let me do it but I think he is getting used to them doing it. Best of luck!

[Strawdolly]

If you're a vet 'regular', there's a fighting chance one of the vet staff will either do it for free or very cheaply indeed

My vet's personalised number plate says "Ta Straw"!

It's not touching the pad yet, Cozie, but I'll not be hanging about. Thank you all

[cozietoesie]

Hah!

Maybe get it done at the vet practice once then - so that they're taken down properly - and go in with her, learning how to do it yourself as suggested up thread. It's not really that difficult, especially if you just nip through on a regular basis taking off tips. The important thing is the right implement. (Never use ordinary scissors and I'd also recommend not using those clippers that have holes to insert the claw into - they take forever to position and cats don't usually want to wait that long. Other posters may have recommendations though.)

Good news that you won't be hanging about. Not only is heading for a pad not so good but also uncut claws can catch on things and it can really upset an old cat who hasn't any longer got the muscle strength or agility to jump or wriggle their way out of trouble. (I've had to rescue Seniorboy when he's been hung up on a piece of fabric - jumping on to a bed for example. He would have come close to a pulled muscle on occasion if he hadn't yowled for help.)

[Strawdolly]

I've often wondered what would have happened if I hadn't been about to detangle one of them caught up in a blanket . Thankfully this one's claws are still blunt (apart from the one that has de-sheathed but I've cut that) from the last time so she tends not to get caught.

The vet did cut her claws last time and I was intending to do it myself thereafter but they are so thick, that's the problem, even just to take the tips off is looking nigh on impossible.

Och well, she can have a wee check over while she's there

[Lonecatwithkitten]

One other thing I would add is that of she hasn't been assessed for arthritis I would get that done and needing claw clipping is a big red flag for elbow arthritis.

[Strawdolly]

Thank you, Lonecat, I'll ask the vet to check her.

[cozietoesie]

Useful point, Lone. I've noticed that Seniorboy is scratching his chair less and less as his arthritis worsens.