Question for multicat households -re: claws

[Randi]

Only about the last 6 months I've trimmed Fister's nails, only front! I've used much the same tecnique as Amberlee - "sneaked" up when he was sleeping, or sitting in the windowsill, pretending it was cuddle time, getting hold of his paw and snip off a bit of one or two nails at a time - sometimes even three!! He really doesn't seem to be aware of what's happening. Before I start, he likes to sniff the scissors.

[catmandu]

In tHe Found Cat Hotel,some of The Cats are declawed,they came to me,that way,and some have thier claws,as I hate declawing! And Cat Nip,on a scratching Post,will preserve the Furniture,and I ahve never,ever sen,the claw Cats,use thier Clwas,in anger,against each other!

[QueenScoopalot]

I've rescued a few declawed cats, and one sweet boy Woody is living in a wonderful home with seven others all with claws. He's had no problems as they all get along wonderfully. When you get (or make) a scratching post, but sure that it's tall enough for an adult cat to stretch fully up it. I make my own from time to time, and use the posts from stockade fences. An 8 foot one cut in half is a perfect height. I take it one step further and before I wrap sisal rope up it, I stuff the holes with lots of fresh catnip! Then I rub some dried on the outside. If you make one, use a hammer to compact the rope as you go up, and screws (good sharp ones) to fasten it. That way it's easier to replace the rope.

[jazzcat]

I'm good about regularly trimming their nails but I do use the same type as Redhedd, it is easier to use. Ripley will lay in my arms while I trim his, Scout I have to do while she's sleepy and Richard holds Jazz while I do it.

One other thing to keep in mind is the type of scratching post. Maybe you should also get a carpeted one in case someone prefers that. My cats will not touch anything sisal. The breakdown here is such:

Ripley loves extra tall carpeted posts only
Jazz loves the Alpine cardboard scratcher - she only uses the post to stretch on.
Scout will use either but claims the posts and chases Ripley away from them so I have to have plenty.

I really think you ought to get an alpine scratcher as an alternative for them. Just be prepared to clean up cardboard bits frequently.

[Equus217]

Originally posted by Cinder & Smoke

Start EARLY, and *SNIP* Often!!

I agree!! I adopted Vegas and Reno at 8 weeks. They were too sick then to put up a fight, but I trimmed very often. They are completely used to it, adn just lay on my lap and I do one little pawsie at a time!

Of course I choose my time wisely...if they are in a fiesty mood...fahgettabowdit!

Usually I have absolutely no problems...and I just use regular human clippers.

For the record: I didn't start clipping RB Lola's nails until she was a teenager...and this didn't go over well at all. I needed at least one extra person and a towel to help me clip her nails.

Starting young is the key I think!

[jenluckenbach]

I have had clawed/declawed cats together in the past and never had a problem.

[carla and mike]

Me and Mike trim nails for all 10 every 2-3 weeks.I do the trimming he holds them.It's quick and easy with 2 people.Just don't get too close.I only do the tips as I'm nervous to hurt them ,but I've been trimming my 2 old guys (15yrs) for so long it's better to do it often and just a little bit to get them use to the proceedure.Sometimes I only have to do 2 or 3 pointy ones but their all getting used to the table routine.
Maybe that's why noone goes on the kitchen table.
Of course It's sprayed down after,but good way to keep them off the table too.LOL
I'm not sure how they would mix with declawed.But I'm sure they'll learn and get used to staying away from anyone that hurts them.Good luck.

[sirrahbed]

Well I sure do thank everyone for all the good replies! I am returning the guillotines for the scissor type which it turns out are the ones Christines uses afterall. I just thought I had bought the right ones but she also says the ones everyone recommends are easier for her also and she will show me her method - sounds pretty much like what you are telling me. Yes I will start it right away on the babies, too and that should be helpful. I have the two sisal posts I bought - will the carpet covered condos work for scratching if they like carpet better? One of the toys we have has a cardboard replaceable center and the outside is a trackball. The middle is supposed to be for scratching but since mine don't have claws, it is still like new - so maybe the kittens will use that? So - guess I have the surfaces and supplies covered - just need to learn the clipping technique and be good about doing it!!
The declawed cats are all adults - so I am hoping that they will "discipline" any kitten who tries to get aggressive with them right at the start I guess my biggest worry is Dylan who has NO claws at all and is so easy going Crazy I know because he is as big as a dog - almost 20 pounds but he never fights back!! Just a big ole oaf!! Doh-dee-doh-doh!