Trimming Cat Claws

by Paul
(Los Angeles)

I have two cats, an Oriental and a Siamese. Trimming claws was a breeze with the Oriental from the beginning. He'll lie on his back while I do it ... purring.

With Winchester (the Siamese), on the other hand, it just wasn't gonna happen.

NO WAY.

As a kitten, he was powerful, fast and skinny. He could work his way out of anything I tried. It was extremely stressful for both of us.

On top of that, I lived alone - and since they'd hide whenever someone came over, having a helping hand was out of the question too.

What was I to do? His claws were getting sharper and longer by the day.

I considered the vet's, but had to let that go because not only would it be stressful for him, the ongoing cost would be ridiculous. I mean, realistically, claws have to be trimmed at least every two weeks.

So this was my idea. I thought ... picking a cat up by the scruff of the neck is something of a tonic immobilizer. Often times, they purr. They certainly don't try to move, or squirm away, as a rule.

So ...

I sat Winchester on my lap, and took his scruff in my teeth, supporting the bulk of his weight on my lap. He immediately started to purr!

Using a pair of really strong reading glasses - his claws would only be about 2 inches from my eyes - I raised one of his paws into view. No fussing, just intense purring.

All 20 claws .... trimmed. Perfectly.

I did this for about a year.

One day, I thought I'd try it without that fur-in-the-mouth scruff thing.

Wouldn't ya know ... he dang well let me - with nary a fuss at all. Now, he lies on his back too - and purrs all the while!



Reply from Caroline (Admin):

What a great story, Paul! This did made me chuckle. A really unusual solution to a 'thorny' problem.

Thanks so much for sharing. I'll link to this from my 'Clipping Cats' Claws' page, too, as everyone deserves to see it.


Note: Just a quick word of warning to others who might be thinking of trying this - please don't ever pick up a cat or kitten by the scruff of the neck without support - you might strangle them.

Always take the weight of your cat, as Paul did, by supporting their legs and body from underneath.


Paul also sent us another story about Winchester and Oberon and what happened when they had to go into a temporary home. Wonderful!



For more thoughts on cat care, see:

• Clipping cats' claws


• Bathing a cat


• Caring for an older cat