I have found that it is a tad easier if you catch them when they are relaxed. The alternative is just to nab them, get a death grip on them, under your arm and start clipping. I have found that using regular human style clippers is easier for me and easier on the cats. Just don't clip too far down the nail. Clip often so they get the hang of it.

Miley acts as though I am killing her when I clip her nails, but that is just her personality shinning through. Ti seems to not mind it and Graemer, my RB kitty, well, he didn't mind it at all. He was numb to many things.

I am a real advocate of clipping nails, both front and back. I think it keeps them from hurting each other, me, and the furniture (wood especially).

The sooner you start it, the easier it is on the cats. Some people use the softpaws, but clipping to me, is much easier.

I will confess that Gabe wasn't the clipping of the nails type cat. He did allow me to medicate him from time to time, but that wasn't often since he really wasn't with me all that long of a time.

Clip, clip, clip and then clip more!