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Post by scrapsuzy on Oct 1, 2014 7:40:58 GMT
Wow, what a difference having his claws trimmed has made! He got neutered on Friday, and they did it for me while he was there (when I asked about them doing it, they said that it is included in any vet visit with them). I will definitely be making sure to keep them trimmed, and can see myself not declawing him. He can make as many biscuits as he wants now, because it just plain does not hurt!
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I got a new kitten today, Oliver. He is the sweetest thing and already has me wrapped around his little paw.
I have had cats all my life, but always had declawed cats. I had decided I was going to give the whole not-declawing thing a chance with Oliver. I even bought the claw tips today, but can't put them on him by myself, partly because even with reading glasses, I can't read the tiny print of how to do it! I am taking him to get neutered on Friday and my sil works at the vet and said she would put them on him. I realize that it will need to be done every 4-6 wks.
But meanwhile, ow, ow, OW! He loves to make biscuits (that's what we call the kneading thing they do). As in, any time he is with me he does that for the longest time before settling down. I love that he does it, except that it HURTS!
I am more sensitive to pain due to fibromyalgia. I describe it as having a low pain-perception point but a high tolerance (because with chronic pain, well, you don't have much choice.) And when I feel pain, it lasts longer than what I would consider normal. For instance, when I check my blood sugar, even setting the shallowest stick, it hurts deep down, and actually hurts more for a time after than it does when I first stick myself. So these tiny little needle pricks that I'm getting over and over while he is being so sweet and cuddly... I don't know if I can deal with it.
I realize that there are many people that are absolutely and completely against declawing. I'm not one of those, but I'm trying to avoid it if I can. So help me develop coping strategies here, please! (Note: I am already trying to stay covered with a fluffy blanket when he is doing this, but he not only seems to prefer no blanket, his little claws get me even through the blanket!)
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Post by birukitty on Oct 1, 2014 8:17:00 GMT
Oh the happiness of having a new kitten! First of all thank you so much for not declawing this one. It is a horrible, disfiguring brutal surgery (as a former vet tech in the 80's I watched a surgery performed) that takes off the first knuckle of the cat (not just the claw). It is bloody and cruel-and is now outlawed in many countries, plus many vets refuse to do it on humane grounds. So thank you again so much for thinking twice and coming to the decision not to declaw your kitten.
Now, I have (I guess you have figured out by now) in the 50 years of owning kittens and cats never owned a declawed cats. We just trim their nails with cat nail trimmers. It is super easy to do and they get very used to it if you start them out as kittens. Biru (my Siamese) is 16 years old now-I hold him like a baby in my arms and DH (it usually takes two people) does the trimming. He just lays there and lets DH do it knowing it has to and will be done. Does he like it? No, but he will sit still not squirming because we have taught him from kitten hood that this is what is done. Your local vet will show you and even do this for you for a fee-they will also be perfectly willing to show you how to do it for the first time. You can get kitten claw trimmers at any pet supply store. Don't use regular human nail trimmers-it works much better to use the special cat trimmers-they are shaped for their cat claws.
I have heard of the plastic kitten claw covers, but have never tried them-so I can't give you any advice on them. I can tell you that once we trim Biru's claws and he "makes biscuits" (cute expression by the way) I can't feel a thing on my stomach. Kittens do it because it helps their mother's stomach's express more milk, and they think you now are their mother. At least that's what I heard years ago. I always know when it's time to trim Biru's claws when I start feeling like he is digging needles in my stomach.
I feel for you on the fibro-my sister has this too and it's horrible! Congratulations on the new baby in the house and you know the board rules. Any new fur babies announcements must come with photos! Can't wait to see a photo of Oliver!
Debbie in MD.
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Post by emelle64 on Oct 1, 2014 10:55:01 GMT
I have no real advice except to say that my wonderful ginger cat is named Oliver too! I'd love to see a picture of your Oliver.
Emelle
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grinningcat
Pearl Clutcher
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Jun 26, 2014 13:06:35 GMT
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Post by grinningcat on Oct 1, 2014 11:09:05 GMT
I know the pain you're feeling. I just trim the claws and things are just fine.
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Post by Zee on Oct 1, 2014 11:28:17 GMT
I've had cats my whole life. All out cats had their claws. Kittens are sharp! But they get a better sense of when to keep them sheathed when they get older.
I trim their claws but I don't like a claw trimmer because I think it's easy to cut too far down with one of those. I just use small nail clippers, very simple.
Now that my cats are older I really don't need to trim their claws but I do occasionally for various reasons.
Make sure your kitty has a scratching post to use, they'll be a lot easier on your furniture if they get used to having their own allowed place to scratch. My cats never use the furniture but they sure love to use their post!
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Deleted
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Jun 10, 2024 2:49:37 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2014 12:39:39 GMT
My cats both have their claws, and I just trim them regularly with a nail clipper. They're used to it, and they're perfectly cooperative. They knead and claw everything, but it doesn't hurt or destroy if you keep them trimmed.
Kittens have little needle claws, and it takes a little while before they have great control over retracting their claws. They make you laugh when they get stuck with one paw hanging over their head and that "huh?" look on their face. It doesn't take too long before they figure it out.
Wear your glasses and use a strong light behind the claw when you're trimming. You'll be clipping them about as often as you clip your own nails.
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anniebeth24
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Post by anniebeth24 on Oct 1, 2014 12:45:29 GMT
We have two cats and use regular nail clippers to clip their nails about once per week. Both have clear nails so I can easily see the quick. Works best to catch them napping, they tolerate it better while sleepy. Recommend the cardboard scratching boxes - looks like corrugated cardboard. When they scratch on it, it sheds and is a bit messy, but it works. Yay for kitties - enjoy!
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Post by Anna*Banana on Oct 1, 2014 13:03:12 GMT
It's heck but you need to teach your cat to let you clip their nails. First, learn how to do it in the least painful way without pinching their sensitive nail beds. There are several youtubes on it and be sure to ask your Vet for help as well.
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Post by gorgeouskid on Oct 1, 2014 13:12:08 GMT
I trim nails frequently and realize that living with less than perfect furniture and the occasional scratch (I have a bleeding disorder) kept my five precious babies from having their first knuckles chopped off and handicapped for the rest of their kitty lives.
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Deleted
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Jun 10, 2024 2:49:37 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2014 13:17:54 GMT
We adopted 2 cats from the shelter this year - a 1 year old and 2 year old. Both have their claws and I can't imagine disfiguring them. Just do the trimming, as the others have said. Your kitten sounds adorable!
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raindancer
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Post by raindancer on Oct 1, 2014 13:42:31 GMT
I had a cat who was super destructive and we used the soft paws covers for him for several years to save my door frames and furniture. They work great. in the mean time I would set the kitten on my lap on a pillow, then he can knead and not get you.  You may find that if he isn't destructive you won't need them really. I would get him a couple of different scratching items (a post and some cardboard or something) and see if he likes them, then he will naturally keep care of his own nails. We have a 17 year old who still loves his scratching post and never scratches on anything else ever. (I always told him he was my favorite while I was putting the soft paws on my naughty cat.  ) |
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mimima
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Post by mimima on Oct 1, 2014 14:30:22 GMT
As a kitten, you have the opportunity to raise him with having his claws trimmed regularly. You will know when it is time to do it Congratulations! I'm a cat person - what joy |
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Post by SnowWhite on Oct 1, 2014 14:30:47 GMT
I've been using soft paws on my cats for nine years. Once you get the hang of it, it's really easy to do. Just make sure you get the actual soft paws/soft claws brand and not the cheap knock-off from the pet store. I've only used the knock-offs once and both my cats got a nail/cap embedded into their paws because they don't grow out and shed correctly (and that cost me $170 to have the one dug out of the nail pad). I take my girls into the bathroom with me and lock the door. I used to do the 'kitty burrito' thing (wrap them up in a towel) but I don't even have to do that anymore. |
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Post by compwalla on Oct 1, 2014 14:33:25 GMT
I clip their nails. It really does help and if you start out doing it right away then they get used to it. One of my cats is very chill during nail clipping and the other one is squirmier but they both tolerate it fairly well. They are inside cats and have no need to keep their claws razor sharp.
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Deleted
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Jun 10, 2024 2:49:37 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2014 14:39:50 GMT
We keep their nails clipped short. It's not hard at all to do.
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Nink
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Posts: 4,947
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Post by Nink on Oct 1, 2014 15:05:21 GMT
Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you for not declawing. It is a horrible and cruel procedure that can not only disable your cat, but cause it to have undesirable behaviors in the future. If you have Netflix I encourage you to watch "The Paw Project" or go to www.pawproject.com . It has lots of good ideas you can use instead of declawing your cat. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2014 15:19:06 GMT
I trim our cat's claws every week and have since she was a kitten. It's easy and if you acclimate them to it when they are young, they won't object.
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Post by scrapcat on Oct 1, 2014 15:21:18 GMT
Wow, I never knew so many people clipped cats' nails! I would be too afraid of hurting them. I don't declaw or clip, I just have ample scratching posts and pads around. Kittens tend to have sharper nails and sharper teeth. Do you have a concrete garage or basement? Let him run around and play there for a bit, will file it down naturally.
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Post by mamanay on Oct 1, 2014 15:22:57 GMT
Kittens have needle like claws. Use a finger nail trimmer and take off just the very tip, instant improvement!
I do it by putting kitty on kitchen counter, sitting on all 4 feet, then lifting one foot and trimming quick like. I can "usually" get both front feet done. The back feet have to wait for another day or a few hours later. LOL!
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Deleted
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Jun 10, 2024 2:49:37 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2014 15:27:54 GMT
Wow, I never knew so many people clipped cats' nails! I would be too afraid of hurting them. I don't declaw or clip, I just have ample scratching posts and pads around. Kittens tend to have sharper nails and sharper teeth. Do you have a concrete garage or basement? Let him run around and play there for a bit, will file it down naturally. It's very easy to trim cat claws. The quick is visible and you just need to clip in front of that. I have been clipping cat claws weekly - on many different cats (my own and others) - since I started in 4-H as a 5th grader almost 30 years ago and I have only hit a quick once. A dip in styptic powder and the one tiny drip of blood stopped and the cat was no worse for the wear. If anyone is uncomfortable doing it, just ask your vet to show you how. |
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Post by pierogi on Oct 1, 2014 15:31:03 GMT
Along with nail trimming, make sure you have a good scratching post for Oliver to use. We keep a big cardboard one downstairs, and a sisal one upstairs for our Siamese. He loves to go to town on both, and leaves our furniture alone. |
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styxgirl
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Post by styxgirl on Oct 1, 2014 15:34:48 GMT
We have two kitties. We tried the caps and they were a PAIN! They were expensive and fell off.
so, we clip their nails. We've done it since they were little bitty.
To get them used to someone messing with their paws When I would pet them, I would also pet their paws and push their nails so they would show. They get used to that and don't mind having them trimmed. just make sure not to get into the quick. It will bleed and hurt the kitty
It's not their favorite thing but they tolerate it well.
I still fiddle with their paws wen they are sitting on my lap for lovins
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Post by MichyM on Oct 1, 2014 17:15:48 GMT
My two cats are about 18 months old. When I brought them home as kittens I immediately started once weekly nail clipping sessions. They were wiggly little worms and fought me the first couple of months. Now, while its not their favorite thing to do, they tolerate it just fine and get lots of kitty loves afterwards. With practice you'll get super quick at it, it takes me less than two minutes for each cat. While they (and you) are learning have kitty treats on hand and be generous with them. Also, if they get super stressed out, just do a claw or two. Then move on with your day and come back the next and do a claw or two. Also, while snuggling, play with their paws, extending their claws so they get used to the idea of you handling them. Lastly, I have drugstore eyeglasses that I wear when cutting their claws. It really helps to magnify their bitty kitten claws. The last thing you want to do is make a mistake. Good luck! ETA I just read the post above mine, I should have just quoted it |
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Post by sisterbdsq on Oct 1, 2014 17:24:36 GMT
The only thoughts I have are:
Kittens are assholes and you will have to wait until he grows up a bit before he stops shredding you, the curtains, the screens, the furniture. Even most cats are jerks, but kittens? OH MAN! Those little cuties are awful little boogers.
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anniebygaslight
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Post by anniebygaslight on Oct 1, 2014 17:28:09 GMT
Declawing is illegal in the UK. Thank goodness. It seems unnecessary and cruel to me.
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smartypants71
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Post by smartypants71 on Oct 1, 2014 17:28:39 GMT
I know some of you said that if you start out young, eventually they'll get used to getting their nails clipped. I'm not so sure about that. My cat is 3yo now, and I can clip his front claws (well, except for that one weird one on his leg), but when I try to do the back ones. OMG - he goes bananas. He gets so mad. He growls and hissed and afterward, he looks at me like he is going to kill me in my sleep. One of us needs to be sedated  |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 1, 2014 17:30:43 GMT
The only thoughts I have are: Kittens are assholes and you will have to wait until he grows up a bit before he stops shredding you, the curtains, the screens, the furniture. Even most cats are jerks, but kittens? OH MAN! Those little cuties are awful little boogers. I guess we have been lucky. None of our cats have done this. Not even the feral kittens we brought in. Yikes. |
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Jili
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Post by Jili on Oct 1, 2014 17:32:42 GMT
When we had cats I clipped their nails all the time. Even though they were used to it, neither one really enjoyed it, LOL. I would try to get them when they were sleepy and really relaxed. At other times if one was giving me a hard time I'd ask dh to hold him/her so I could get in there and get it done more quickly. I prioritized front claws over back claws. It made me uncomfortable at first but I found it was pretty easy to do once I knew how to do it. I figured that taking time to clip was actually a quicker process than trying to glue on those nail covers.
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Post by sisterbdsq on Oct 1, 2014 17:33:53 GMT
The only thoughts I have are: Kittens are assholes and you will have to wait until he grows up a bit before he stops shredding you, the curtains, the screens, the furniture. Even most cats are jerks, but kittens? OH MAN! Those little cuties are awful little boogers. I guess we have been lucky. None of our cats have done this. Not even the feral kittens we brought in. Yikes. You are!!! The last time I had kittens, they would climb the curtains and perch on the rod, blinking cutely at you . They'd claw everything vertical or horizontal and climb your leg, whether or not you were wearing pants! AND...they'd get the midnight freakies and run all through the house like rhinos. I used to beg them to please let Mama get some sleep. Gosh I loved those little jerks!
P.S. they let me clip their nails whenever I wanted
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Post by scrapsuzy on Oct 1, 2014 17:36:21 GMT
Thank you, everyone, for your replies. I am going to wait until I have a second pair of hands (hopefully tonight), but am definitely going to try clipping his nails. Last night I had to put him out of my bed because he kept waking me up with his loving but painful kneading. But at least I know (so far) he's gonna be a good bedtime cat!
I can see exactly where and why I need to clip them. They are so long they curve under, and look like tiny little needles!
I will try to post pics soon. It is hard to take them, as he is very intrigued by the camera, and if he isn't in my arms he is trying to climb my leg or is in my lap or on my shoulder. (And I love that!)
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You may find that if he isn't destructive you won't need them really. I would get him a couple of different scratching items (a post and some cardboard or something) and see if he likes them, then he will naturally keep care of his own nails. We have a 17 year old who still loves his scratching post and never scratches on anything else ever. (I always told him he was my favorite while I was putting the soft paws on my naughty cat. 
) 
