I thank you guys!! I didn't know if we should cut the back or not. We have a little but not as we should have been - really I need to be cutting the front ones more it seems.... I was only doing them when they got so sharp that I couldn't stand it no more! I'll start doing them more regular. I looked at Max's back paws last night and his look like they are still cut - you know not pointed - but flat like they'd been cut.. I dont' think either of them had them cut before we got them. Meka's vein was almost to the end - scared me to cut them - and her nails are dark colored (dark tabby cat) so it is harder to see the vein but I didn't nick it. Max is easier as his nails are so clear and the vein in further down - must have been someone's pet before and got out. HE is always wanting out but we dont' let him - I think maybe that is how he ended up at animal control. He is so much better behaved - not violent- than Meka... Debbie