I know that I can't cut the quick/pink part, but there's still lots to poke me with if I just trim off the tips. When I trim my dog's claws, I trim off quite alot since they would just wear down anyway as he walks. But I don't know whether doing this to my cat would bother him. Btw, because he is a indoor cat, he doesn't need to defend himself, or get a chance to hunt.
Any help appreciated. I'm tired of being all scratched just because my cat scratches me as we are playing. Although I know he doesn't mean to hurt me, it still bugs me anyway. But I also know that a cat needs a bit longer claw in order to climb up things as he plays. So I am confused.
2006-12-03 02:11:06 · 8 answers · asked by James T 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
As long as you don't cut close to the quick, he should be okay. Make them nice and blunt and he won't be able to rip open your skin. If it still hurts a lot and does damage, take off a little more. Just keep doing it in small stages until you're both happy.
And in answer to the declawing advice - there's a damn good reason that declawing is illegal in many countries. It is basically mutilation, equivalent to taking off the top joint of a human finger. There's an excellent article here: http://www.declawing.com/htmls/article.htm
2006-12-03 02:19:39 · answer #1 · answered by Emily 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said you know where the quick is, so that's a good start you have on things!
Try taking the tip off, midway up the curve- but be less than halfway to the quick (Dont cut all the way to the halfway mark). You can always trim a bit closer to the quick as you two work out what's best. And it will get him used to being handled on his toes. I use a regular people nail clipper held vertical to the nails. Holding them horizontal seems to splinter the nails on mine.
If you can afford a vet check- call and see how much they would charge to do the first serious trimming and show you the best way and area to cut at.
If he's using claws when ya'll play- tell him 'no' in a stern way and abruptly stop playing with him for a few minutes. Set or push him off/away from you. I tell mine "OUCH! no sharps!" while taking their front paws in hand firmly. (Not enough to cause discomfort, just a firm grip to let them know what is hurting me) A few times of having their fun come to a screeching halt and being ignored a few minutes has taught mine that when the claws come out-they don't get attention or playtime. Cats are not stupid, they will get the hint if you are consistent with how you tell them no.
2006-12-03 10:27:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take just the tips off, less than 1/8 inch. THere is a dark area lower down the nail, which is the blood supply. Avoid cutting this deep. The cat just needs the points blunted, not totally removed. DO NOT have the cat declawed. It is painful, and eventually debilitating. Cats nails are connected to tendond and muscles, not like people, where it's just attached to the finger. When cut, these tendons and muscles draw up into the cats legs, making knots which hurt real bad, and cause arthritis. Most vets worth their credentials discourage declawing a cat because of this. If the vet says otherwise, it's because they just want the money.
2006-12-03 10:14:34 · answer #3 · answered by Darqblade 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi James...you're on the right track as with cats you only need to cut a little from the tip to avoid cutting the quick so they will not bleed. Here's a video by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine which demonstrates how to best cut a cats nails: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/trimming_claws/
2006-12-03 14:03:48 · answer #4 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of having to cut a cat's claws. That 's ridiculous. As long as your cat has access to a scratching post, his claws will be just fine. Cat's claws are completely different from dogs claws. My cat has lived indoors for the past 8 years, and there has never been a problem with claws. If your cat plays too rough with you, then that is a sign he's had enough and you should end the play then. Maybe you should consider getting one of those FurReal Friends cats. They are guaranteed not to scratch.
2006-12-03 11:42:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
A cat doesn't need long claws if he doesn't go outside. I clip my cats claws just a little on the tips, if you clip to much they will hurt & bleed,my cat also scratches when playing but that's what they do really there's no one rule, it's up to you what you'd like to do, just love & enjoy your kitty as long as he healthy, be happy!
2006-12-03 10:52:32 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
welllll, I have two cats and since the time I was four I haven't lacked in owning several cats at a time! LOL! And as far as I know, you have two choices... declaw the cat (which I hate because it isn't fair, I've never done it!) or live with it.... or acually teach them not to. Believe it or not a cat can be punished for doing it enough and learn not to....
oh and if you clip the cat's nails and don't declaw them, it will probly only be more painful to you! LOL!
2006-12-03 10:16:19 · answer #7 · answered by JoGirl 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
have him or her declawed its farely cheap
2006-12-03 10:13:45 · answer #8 · answered by wofford1257 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋