Re: Claw clipping question

On 17 Feb 2006 22:03:51 GMT, Chakolate
<chakolateDeathToSpammers@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

It's just me and the two cats, and they have shown a marked reluctance to
hold each other down while I trim claws. So how does one person manage a
claw clip on a reluctant cat?

With Natasha, she doesn't mind me clipping her front claws too much,
but absolutely hates it whenever anyone messes with her back legs.
Much yanking the foot out of my hand, yowling, hissing, spitting,
wiggling, squirming, etc ensues. I used to wrap her up in a towel, and
have the foot I was working on poking out with the others inside the
wrap. She wasn't to happy with that arrangement, though, and almost
always wiggled her way out. So here's the alternative method I've
worked out to do this over the years. It works for us, but it requires
a kitty that doesn't mind being on her back...

I sit on the floor, legs out in front of me. I put Tasha on her back
along the length of my legs, then cross my legs at the ankles or
higher to support her head. She's not touching the floor, my legs are
completely supporting her, and her back legs are closest to me.
There's nothing holding her down into position, other than her being
on her back and me skritching her from time to time.

I clip her front feet first, with much praising and petting as I go.
She gets a treat after I finish each foot. Between front claws I'll
reach down and stroke one of her back feet (remember, that's her main
problem area) to get her used to the idea that I'm going there next.

Because of the way she's positioned, when I do her back feet I don't
have to actually move them around very much, and she doesn't squirm
too much either. Again, much praise and stroking, but this time
(because I know she hates this part so much) I give her a treat after
every claw or two, even if she's being squirmy. (no, she doesn't seem
to mind eating while on her back) I do all of the trimming as
quickly as I can, but most definitely try not to be rough about it.

Of course, your best bet is probably trial and error in finding out
what works best for each of your kitties as an individual. Good luck!




Jeanne Hedge, as directed by Natasha

============
http://www.jhedge.com
.

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