I check my cats weekly and clip the nails that need it. Some grow more slowly than others. I do the back claws too, just not as often. I usually grab the furry monsters when they are sleeping in the sun and quite relaxed. I also brush their teeth with cat toothpaste and brush. They don't mind it all all, since it has a nice flavor. They actually fight over the toothpaste....! I hope to save a few dollars in vet's bills by brushing their back/uppper teeth. According to the vet, the back ones are the ones that accumulate most of the tartar. So far so good.