Yup - he's about old enough to be neutered now, and then I'd just work on holding him a little every day, so he gets reaccustomed to it. It's those hormones kicking in!

For now, try wrapping him in a towel when you pick him up - less scratches for you, and he'll feel more secure. Hold him and talk soothingly to him. And that's a way to isolate a paw at a time for nail trimming, too I am told, though Miss Hoppy until recently trimmed her own nails - maybe whisper that in his ear! And now she lets me do them if I am holding her, and she's belly-up. But not many at a time!