How do I calm my cat down?

Question

I have a very aggressive cat, I adopted her, (she was abused by her previous owner) I really need to clip her nails and everytime I try, she freaks out and gets really squirmy and tries to scratch me. I know shes not a mean cat, she just gets scared when I try it. I was wondering if there is anything that I can give her to calm her down. Some people have told me that I can give her a small amount of Ny-Quil or Benadryl, and she'll fall asleep and be drowsy and I can do it then, but I want to make sure thats safe. If anyone has any advice or methods, please help.Oh, and my local vet said that they won't even try if shes aggressive.

Answer 1

If you have the time, and she likes you, start by touching her feet while she sleeps. Next day, extend the nails. By the next day, you can usually nip a tip or two before she knows what's happening. If she's freaked at any part of the process, slow down and go back.

If she hates you:
Yes, a little benadryl can help. Talk to your vet about the amount.
Ny-quil has other ingredients, so I don't recommend it.
She won't fall asleep unless you give her an awful lot, but she will relax a little.
I recommend a helper who isn't afraid of getting the wrath of an angry cat. They just hold the body with one hand and help to steady the leg.
Say nice, soothing things, while the helper holds the raging ball of fierce indignance. Touch a foot. After a few seconds, extend the nail. The fight begins. It will pull back and you will have to hold it as steady as possible. Nip just the sharp point on the tip. Move quickly because you will tire as fast as the cat does. Have styptic on hand in case you hit the quick.
After the battle has been lost and won, make sure the cat can't just run away and never see you again.

Answer 2

There are products that are made to help calm cats down, such as Feliway products which can help. A lot of the suggestions from others on here will help, but will take some time and patience.

You can go onto the site of Drs. Foster and Smith, there are many products available through them that can help with this situation. They even carry a kitty wrap which will keep you from being scratched as only one paw will be out of the wrap (which looks a bit like a nylon sleeping bag for cats).

Many vets will not take the chance of trying to cut a cats claws if the cat is aggressive, as they do not want to injure the cat or have themselves or their staff injured. You may want to check with some groomers in your area, they will sometimes be able to handle an aggressive animal and will have the correct methods to do so.

I would never give any of my pets any products that are made for human consumption. You could injure your pet by doing so. Hope these suggestions help, the Drs. Foster and Smiths website is www.DrsFosterSmith.com. The company is actually run by two vets, and they are pet advocates, and well versed in helpful products.

Best of luck to you and your cat, I have adopted aggressive and previously abused cats before, and it takes lots of time and patience for them to realize that they can trust you and you are not intending to hurt them

Answer 3

No people meds! It's not safe.

I have a cat that was the same way at first when we tried trimming his claws - here's what we did.

The B/F held him (firmly, but not hurting), in his lap while I clipped. After each paw (each toe at first), he got a treat for the trouble. He yowled like crazy for the first several times we did it, but as he got used to it (especially the treats) he calmed down. The other thing is to break her into it gradually - start with just he front paws. After she gets more used to the handling, the clipping, and the all-important bribery, you can start to work on her rear claws.

good luck - you'll be fine with treats & praise & patience!! And thank you for giving her a good home!

Answer 4

To get your cat calm you might want to put her in a small room with some special cat treats. Then you might want to wrap her in a towel all but the paw you want to trim. After each paw let her go for a while. As for your cats previous abuse you just need to let her know you lover her and would never hurt her. Good luck!!!

Answer 5

Actually they make a pill you can give your cat to calm it down/ make them sleepy- Check at your local pet store (like petsmart or petco) for kitty dramamine type pills. Ask anyone there and they will know what you are talking about. its for motion sickness I believe but it has the same effect dramamine does on humans (makes them relaxed and sleepy).
Ok i looked online and also found this anti-anxiety stuff for cats- you could try this! (link below)
Worse comes to worse I know my cat was put under to get her teeth cleaned once, maybe you can find a vet that will do that to cut your cats nails.

Answer 6

Don't hurt or drug the cat...The cat will take quite awhile to know that you are not going to hurt it..If a cat has been abused you have to be really tolerant and affectionate. It will come around eventually.. When the cat is sitting with you and you pat it pat it's feet also. After awhile they get accustomed to being touched. When you immobilize the cat's feet you take away their protection.. Makes them very nervous. The best of luck.!

Answer 7

Please do not give your cat any medicines meant for humans unless your vet okays it!!! As for how to trim her nails, it is much easier if there is a second person to help hold the cat while you do her nails. If you have to do it by yourself, sometimes it works to wrap the cat in a big towel or place the cat in a pillowcase, leaving out just one paw at a time to be trimmed.

Answer 8

Studies show that 78% of Americans feel less stressed after punting a domesticated house cat.

Answer 9

been there. here is what we do. wrap the cat in a towel. only the paw you will be working on should be out. the person holding the cat has to hold him very tight, so he can't wiggle out.be careful, yet fast when clipping nails.

Answer 10

Get Bach's Rescue remedy. You can get it at the health food store. It is a natural remedy that will not harm your cat. I would not give her any Ny-quil or Benedril, unless your vet said it is all right!!!!