Daily Kitten Chat Forum » General Chat

1. 

   Shadow, who's more than 10 lbs already (whoa!), is pretty good about not scratching things he's not supposed to, except for maybe the carpet. I can stand the carpet scratching, but he also likes to play with his claws out, and it's really becoming a problem. I'm seeing scratch lines where he commonly runs across the sofas, and there are many, many small holes in our bed sheets from how he likes to play with his toy mice on the bed with us. His running and playing with those claws will eventually tear our house apart, even though he's not trying to scratch.

   So what do I do? I try to keep his claws clipped, but I put it off since I don't like doing it. He's not too bad about it if I do it right after he wakes up, but I can still only do up to one paw at a time before he's had enough.

   So, will those Soft Claw things work any better? I've heard of rare instances where they actually grew into the paw pad somehow, though I can't imagine how that could happen. I couldn't possibly declaw him - it's just too mean - so what can I do? He’s such a sweet and affectionate little thing, but all the scratches on my hands make it look otherwise!

   Posted 4 months ago by sweettems #

2. 

   with the soft claws, you will be re-applying them every so often because his nails will continue to grow. and some will naturally come off. also, applying them is not very easy. you're basically glueing them in with super glue. i shudder to think of doing that with Spice, I'd get glue all over, and both Spice and I would be pretty upset afterwards...

   my advice is to properly learn from a groomer or a vet, become comfortable with it, and do it on a regular basis...

   Posted 4 months ago by Cheri 12/22 #

3. 

   When I got him, the tech vet said to use regular human clippers, that's what I've been using. Would pet clippers be better or easier?

   Posted 4 months ago by sweettems #

4. 

   i use human clippers. just make sure they're a good brand and sharp.

   Posted 4 months ago by Cheri 12/22 #

5. 

   Thanks!

   Posted 4 months ago by sweettems #

6. 

   I used human clippers once and just crushed/shattered the nails. I do better with good pet clippers. The best thing, though, no matter what you use, is being consistent and gentle. I find tag-teaming (having someone hold your kitty while you clip or vice-versa) works best!

   Posted 4 months ago by Lainey #

7. 

   Thanks! It can be so hard to be gentle sometimes, especially when there is only one nail left to clip! But I know it would just make it harder next time.

   Posted 4 months ago by sweettems #

8. 

   I've always used human clippers..lucky my kits don't mind too!

   Posted 4 months ago by jeankit #

9. 

   I started clipping Wilbur and T-Do's nails when they were wee babies. I use a pet clipper. They are fine with it. They don't love it but will sit still and have it done. I have no problems with scratch marks because after all these years the nails are rather short. They do still love the scratching tower and the other scratching posts. Best of luck. I tried human clippers once and had the same results as Lainey...shattered nails. I would not recommend them.

   Posted 4 months ago by Puddytat #

10. 

    I prefer the clippers for cats. I couldn't imagine putting the soft claws on my cats, clipping is hard enough.

    Posted 4 months ago by Sheba's Mom in Phx, AZ #

11. 

    1. Figure out what could be damaged by your cat's claws.
    2. Observe the cat to find out if the cat would, indeed, damage said object.
    3. Order aluminum siding for said object.

    If it's just for you and your protection, you might want to start training the cat by doing some scruffing. That has kept Rotley's and Ruggles' claws sheathed when they play with me.

    Everything else, though, is fair game.

    Posted 4 months ago by Emma #

12. 

    If you clip on a very regular basis and give treats after, he should get used to it. It is much easier and faster if you can get someone to help. My three are all used to it. I also rub their feet and kiss their paw pads as a part of our cuddle time so they are used to having their feet touched. That way it is not always an indication of an unpleasant activity.

    Posted 4 months ago by KYKAT 12 23 #

13. 

    Lol @ Emma! Ain't that the truth...

    Posted 4 months ago by jcat #

14. 

    KyKat's statement echoes my philosophy. I tried regular toenail clippers for a long time, but they tend to crush a kitty's round nails. So I opted for kitty nail clippers instead. I got a cheap pair at my local pet store, you can get 'em for $5 or so. They also clip flower stems without crushing (bonus!).

    Clip the kitty's claws when they're sleepy, and give lots of love during and after, with treats too. I can sometimes now clip all of Tansey's claws and she won't stop purring (maybe she knows there's treats at the end).

    Posted 4 months ago by Siobhan #

15. 

    The soft paw things work pretty well, but and hard surfaces, you can hear the cat walking real well, and they tend to fall off one by one without you knowing. Next you know, your cat has one lethal claw and is making use of it in an inopportune way. I just clip. Pet clippers work best

    Posted 4 months ago by Dakitty #

16. 

    I think useing a pet clipper is best and when you use one make sure you cut from top to bottom and not from the side. That way you do not crush the claw. The also make a clipper that keeps you from cutting to deep. As for the soft paw, if your going to use them make sure they are the right size, (probably where you heard they grew into the paw they where to big.) Also cats shed their nails and when that happens they will fall off and have to be replaced. A nice program to watch on satalite tv is animal planet sat. night called cats 101.

    Posted 4 months ago by dmanga #

17. 

    1. Figure out what could be damaged by your cat's claws.
    2. Observe the cat to find out if the cat would, indeed, damage said object.
    3. Order aluminum siding for said object.

    Ha ha ha! I would have an aluminum bed and sofa set if that were the case. What do you mean by "scruffing" though? I could scruff up his fur, but I think it would have the opposite affect.

    Posted 4 months ago by sweettems #

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