Re: Clipping a cats claws. Try to do it when the cat is drowsy, less fight in them! :) Also a cat can't keep their claws sheathed if you gently press on the paw pad. Put one finger on top of the paw and one on the pad and gently squeeze, the claw will pop right out, snip and your done. Be careful to not cut into the pink part (the quick) of the claw.
Cats often do not need to have their rear claws clipped. Cats can't sheathe their rear claws so they wear down and tend to not be as sharp as the front ones. It's rare that I have to do my cats rear claws.
Re: drowsy: You're right, that helps; feel foolish for not having thought of it.
Re: making claw come out: I know the theory, and when I'm not holding the claw scissors in my other hand it works exactly that way in practice. When I am holding the snips, she manifests the perplexing talent of keeping them sheathed (though I know this has to be her taking advantage of a flaw in my technique, not a mutant feline superpower, because I've watched anniemal make it look easy).
Re: rear claws: I didn't realize those didn't retract. I haven't been worrying about them as much because she rarely catches me with them -- only one poke when losing her balance in my lap, and a couple of painful scratches when she's misjudged her leap onto the bed and caught my exposed leg or foot in her scramble.
What she says: (Damn! You've watched me do this!) Thumb on base pad, pull back gently, squeeze from above. Claw extends, Perrine has clear claws, so, done. She's docile. A big plus. Do the hind feet first.
I pack nail nippers, so next time you want me up, I'll do her. Must teach you to know the quick.
(no subject)
Try to do it when the cat is drowsy, less fight in them! :)
Also a cat can't keep their claws sheathed if you gently press on the paw pad. Put one finger on top of the paw and one on the pad and gently squeeze, the claw will pop right out, snip and your done. Be careful to not cut into the pink part (the quick) of the claw.
Cats often do not need to have their rear claws clipped. Cats can't sheathe their rear claws so they wear down and tend to not be as sharp as the front ones. It's rare that I have to do my cats rear claws.
Hope you are feeling better soon.
(no subject)
Re: making claw come out: I know the theory, and when I'm not holding the claw scissors in my other hand it works exactly that way in practice. When I am holding the snips, she manifests the perplexing talent of keeping them sheathed (though I know this has to be her taking advantage of a flaw in my technique, not a mutant feline superpower, because I've watched
Re: rear claws: I didn't realize those didn't retract. I haven't been worrying about them as much because she rarely catches me with them -- only one poke when losing her balance in my lap, and a couple of painful scratches when she's misjudged her leap onto the bed and caught my exposed leg or foot in her scramble.
(no subject)
I pack nail nippers, so next time you want me up, I'll do her. Must teach you to know the quick.