How do you trim a cat's nails when he really puts up a fuss. Can't afford a vet or groomer.?

Answer 1

Get a friend or family member to help you -- one person holds, the other trims -- and wrap the cat in a towel, pulling out one paw at a time and keeping the other paws secure in the towel.

Answer 2

You can desensitize your cat to claw-clipping, but it takes a lot of time and effort. The first thing to do is find something he really likes, for example a tasty treat. Every time you give the treat, touch his paws, but do not do anything more than that. Let him go as soon as he shows he's had enough. Keep repeating this activity over a long time, until the cat is used to you handling his feet. Gradually increase the amount of time you touch him for. Once he will allow you to do this, repeat the process, but this time, have the clippers present. Don't cut the nails, just get him used to the idea of having the clippers around. Slowly increase his exposure to the clippers until you are able to use them. Always praise the cat and give him plenty of treats. The idea is to make the cat look forward to grooming sessions. This works with most cats, but not all.
Another option is a product called Soft-Paws. Theses are plastic sheaths which go over the nail and prevent damage to furniture. They need to be replaced every few months.
Claw clipping usually is not that expensive at the vet's. My clinic charges anywhere between 12 $ to 20 $, depending on how difficult the cat is. Most owners bring their pets in about once a month.

Answer 3

Try wrapping him in a towel, but be prepared to hold on. You may want to have someone else hold the cat and someone else trim.

FYI: It only costs about $8.00 to get a cat's nails trimmed at the vet or a groomer. It's VERY cheap.

Answer 4

Have someone hold the cat at the base of the leg so that is stretches out the leg. Just don't let the cat move push the pad of the paw, and the nails should extend. Then as long as the cat is held still you should be fine.

Answer 5

Get a window screen. You know those screens that when you open the window in your house that keeps the bugs out? Get one of those. Set it up maybe in the tub or at an angel but don't let the middle of the screen lay flat on anything.

Put the cat on the screen right in the middle and let go. Most cats wont dare move because it feels unstable. Then reach underneath and clip away.

Sounds ridiculous I know but does work with most cats. We used to do it in an animal shelter when we didn't want to get scratched up by a stray cat.

Answer 6

My cat did this - for the first year we had him, he meowed and yowled like we were abusing him whenever he needed clipping- it was awful. My boyfriend had to hold him down while I clipped the claws- and he got a treat after each paw was done, and after we were all done- we petted and calmed him and fed him more treats. Bribery works!!

He's really calmed down now- I can do his front claws by myself, but I still need help with the rear ones.

Just a heads up, not all cats will go for the blanket idea- I tried that once and it freaked him out worse. But worth a try.

Answer 7

Same answer the first person gave - have someone help you, one person wrap the cat in a towel, have the other person push on the claws so they're out, and clip the ends with a fingernail clipper. I do this with my cat (he's pretty laid back, though, we don't have to wrap him in a towel). Good luck!

Answer 8

I would get a blanket to cover up his/her eyes so it can't see what you are about to do, plus it will help you from being bitten. And have someone hold the back of the cat and then switch when you do the front. It works for out cat, we have a Siamese and he is fickle.

Answer 9

i believe if you hold the cat by the scruf of the neck you can clip the cats nails. i know i had a problem with my cat and when i brought her to the vet,the vet did that my cat was in complete submission.

Answer 10

It's tricky. Try asking other people who have cats if they trim their pets nails and ask for their help. I do it all the time.