Soft paws or nail trim

[aTailOf2Kitties]

My guys their scratching posts once I found the kind of carpet they preferred. I don't have problems with them scratching on the furniture but I still trim their claws every month or so. I can trim Toby's if he's already relaxing in my lap and I go slow. Havoc acts like you're lopping off his toes with a chainsaw, but his nails grow funny anyway. They seem sensitive, so I only trim them when they get really long.

Toby bites his nails, another reason I can't do soft paws on him. Anybody else have a cat that does that?

[Randi]

I clip Fister's nails about every week/10 days, but I could not have done it when he was younger. Couldn't even get hold of him and lift him. Now, I do it by leaning over him from behind, have treats ready beside and start by giving him kisses on top of his head and massaging his paws - he likes that. If you put your knees close to his body, then he won't be able to run off.

I bought the scissors at the vet, he said it's the same he uses, and they are cheap.

Good luck!

[Taz_Zoee]

Toby bites his nails, another reason I can't do soft paws on him. Anybody else have a cat that does that?

My RB kitty, Taz, bit his nails. It creeped me out!! I'd tell him to stop it! LOL
Boy, I miss that now.

Paizly sucks her toes sometimes. LOL

[snakemama]

I want to clarify an important point here...you do NOT stop a cat from scratching! It's a natural behavior an they need to do it. You can make sure they scratch in designated areasm so they don't damage your carpet or furniture, but stopping a cat from scratching is akin to stopping a dog from sniffing.

We do nail trims here. Charlie in particular tends to get her claws snagged in the carpet if I don't keep hers trimmed. Nothing like a kitty halfway down the stairs crying because her foot is stuck to break your heart.

[AvaJoy]

I want to clarify an important point here...you do NOT stop a cat from scratching! It's a natural behavior an they need to do it. You can make sure they scratch in designated areasm so they don't damage your carpet or furniture, but stopping a cat from scratching is akin to stopping a dog from sniffing.

So glad this point was made!

I never tried soft claws, and don't trim with any regularity. My cats have many scratch posts/boards of different mediums. Cat trees with natural wood posts, carpet covered, sisal covered, cardboard slanted boards, heavy duty cat scratch rugs, etc. It is important to offer a variety of textures and styles as cats have individual preferences.

When you trim just be careful not to cut too low into the pink. Just clip off the sharp tip. This blunts the nail so it is dull rather than sharp, as mentioned in a previous post.

Have fun with you new kitty!