Should a cat's back paws be clipped?

Question

This cat's front paws are already declawed.

Answer 1

I have to clip my cats' back claws and put nail caps on them because they are very active and I often get caught in the crossfire. Back claws generally grow a bit slower than front claws so you shouldn't have to do it as often but there is nothing wrong with doing it.

Answer 2

My cat was 9 months old when I got him and and he adjusted to having his nails trimmed just fine. In fact I have had him for 4 years and now when I did out the finger nail clippers he comes to me to have his claws trimmed. You can use regular finger nail clippers because the claws are softer than dogs nails. Sit the cat in your lap and hold the paw that you want to trim, if you gently I mean very gently squeeze the paw right behind the toes the claws will extend. Use the clippers sideways so you are clipping them up and down not across like you would your fingernails. Clip just the point off, if the claws are light colored you can see the quick in the claw don't cut that or the cat will jump and it will bleed and hurt. You may only get a few claws done at a time of maybe one paw at a time, as you keep doing it the cat will get used to it. You can always offer a treat after you have done as many claws as you are going to for that sitting then the cat will associate getting the claws trimmed with a yummy treat. My cat even likes to have the rough edges filed down with an emery board after we trim he likes to bite at it and play with it, he thinks we are playing but I am actually saving my furniture and rugs. You made a good choice by not declawing your car though, that is a very painful operation for the cat and they clip the end of the bone off. Trimming the claws may take some practice and patience but it is humane and your cat will get used to it in no time. Good luck and don't give up if it is difficult, do a couple the first time and try again the next day.

Answer 3

I do all four paws. I find that if I don't clip the back ones, they get thicker and longer and can bother the cat when walking on wood floors (they click then, pushing back on the paw of the cat).

I just do the tips, and use my fingernail to help loosen up any thick sides on the nail if the cat's ok with that The front claws shed their side sheaths when the cat claws at the scratching post but back claws can't do that, the cat usually bites at them a bit or they wear off on concrete, so for the indoor cat a little help there doesn't hurt.

Answer 4

i would never have declawed the cat in the first place. but now that his/her only defense his his/her back paws: HECK NO.

Answer 5

I have read occasionally that the cat can clip its own back claws during grooming...but there is probably no harm if you want to clip them regularly yourself.

Answer 6

Is your cat being destructive with its back claws? If no, they don't need to be trimmed. I only trim my cats' front claws. The backs are not as sharp.

Answer 7

You can, just be careful-the cat could really do a job on you with those hind legs. Also cats really don't like us to play with their hind legs-bad idea in my opinion. Truthfully, I couldn't imagine any benefit to justify the risk of doing it!

Answer 8

u can clip the back claws, thats what i do to my cats, its not inhumane, its just like trimming ur fingernails x.x

Answer 9

That's so inhuman.How would would like to have your finger tips cut off!