I've never attempted to clip hind claws, just the front when I first introduced Debra to Lily. I knew Lily was on the warpath, so just in case they got close enough to inflict scratches upon each other, damage would be minimal. I've been remiss in keeping up with their manicures, NOT because they get along now (Hah!) but Debra wisely runs whenever Lily approaches and/or she is clever enough to hide from Lily, which is not hard to accomplish since Lily has apparently become hearing and visually impaired due to her age. I would think she could pick up her scent, but I guess Debra's scent is everywhere now, and Lily can't make the distinction between: towel smells like Debra who was there an hour ago, or towel smells like Debra who is hiding underneath just a paw swipe away . . .