Cat Psychology 101 – How To Clip Fluffy’s Claws Without Losing an Eye.

I have to admit, although I grew up around cats my entire childhood I had no idea the responsibility these little critters would require when I made my decision as a young adult to get my first pair of cats. Of course not wanting to take that chance that my cat would be sucky, or boring, or lazy, or heaven forbid unintelligent I opted for Siamese cats. Siamese cats I soon learned have to have their claws trimmed as their claws by design are a little further extended than most other breeds.

I am truly against de-clawing. I had no problem cutting their little eh-ems off when they went into heat the first time but somehow I figured they would forget about their eh-ems and transition much easier than if they woke up without claws.

Cats are a predatory creature. Their claws give them a sense of security and well being. Besides I loved putting my thumb into pad of their tiny little paws when they were in a relaxed, loving and responsive state. Quite easily the claws would extract and I would look at these little weapons of destruction with fascination and awe.

Believe it or not, you can teach a cat to never lash out at human and not turn nice furniture into nicely shredded furniture. If your cats are accidentally snagging at things with their claws this is not the fault of the cat but of the owner.

Cats in their natural wild habitat wear down their claws by interaction with their natural environment. Rocks and Bark are natural files for cats. In your house all your cats have is some carpeted covered stump like device they call a scratching post. A cat’s natural instinct is to scratch, you must have a post or an allowable scratching area. Even so, the carpet is not a substitute for the more abrasive surfaces nature provides.

Therefore we must go to the pet store and purchase cat clippers. They must be cat clippers and not regular scissors or nail clippers because of their design to make a sharp, quick and even cut that will not splinter back into the paw.

The earlier you start this the better. Kittens have yet to develop the attitude most spoiled house cats develop after well the first day they step foot upon a domain you once thought was of your possession and ruler-ship. Before you go straight at them with your evil torturing clipping device. Wait until Fluffy is in a sleepy passive mode. Cuddle your cat and give him/her the best sense of security you possible can.

Then as I mentioned above put your thumb very gently into the pad of their paw. You will see their claws extract. Then comment very enthusiastically in your best ‘I love my kitty so much’ voice about how much you admire these little claws. Do this every day several times a day for a couple weeks. The cats will become comfortable with your handling in this sensitive area.

Then one day, look at those claws and in same voice as above comment on how sharp one of their little claws are. Try to mix a sense of shock and fascination in the tone of your voice. Take your clippers and clip the teeniest tiniest little clipping of just one claw. Depending on the reaction go to the other paw and do the same.

The next day do the same thing with a couple more claws until you are done all of them. As time progresses you can clip a little more off each time doing all 10 claws at once. Be sure you never clip past the ‘quick’ or skin that attaches claw to cat.

Your cat will be able to recognize your “OOOOOOH Look At this Sharp Little Wee Claw!” voice and lovingly accept that it is time to fix this little sharp claw problem.

Of course praise and treats but did I really have to say that? As fellow cat owners I am sure you are well aware!

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