I tried again with the sneak up on sleepy kitten method and did MUCH better. I managed to get *three* back claws clipped and NO SHRIEKING Then I put the clippers away and continued to just massage the paws and make baby talk. Faked Robbie out THIS time! Aha! I tried thinking like a cat. It worked THIS time anyway I will keep the paw massage as they do not seem to mind this. My big mistake was thinking I have to do the whole nine yards at one time - NO WAY Thanks for all the comments and reassurance that I do not have two maniacs on my hands.