I adopted a 3 year old cat Jazz and she is my first cat. I decided I was gonna clip her nails. I had done research on where to clip and stuff and Jackson Galaxy said they would complain but just to do it. Things I did not do: get her used to me touching her paws, get her used to the clippers, get her used to the sound (because I didn't see this stuff until after and I was frantically googling). I just went for it.
Well she really really didn't like it. But I'm a dummy and kept going despite the pulling away and vocal signs. She hissed and I kept going. Then she scratched and bit (normally the sweetest cat in the world). I finally finished. She is still the sweetest cat, she slept on me. But im sure I lost some trust. I assume now she will also be even more against the idea of trimming. I did give her a treat after each paw, but I feel really bad and want to try and make her hate it less.
I am gonna do the things I mentioned (touch her paws more when she is relaxed, leave the clippers where she can investigate, etc) is there anything else I should do?
Jazz is lucky to have such a caring owner.
Don’t stress. As long as you remain calm, she will forget everything in a few days.
Here’s one method you can try in a few weeks:
- Start the session by placing the nail clippers close by so the cat can see them. Treat your cat if she enjoys delicacies or if you want to keep her relaxed.
- Introduce the nail clippers to your cat by letting them sniff it, which creates a positive association with the clippers.
- While your cat is lying relaxed on your bed or your lap, break the training down into the tiniest of steps:
- If your cat tolerates handling, touch her shoulder first, followed by her leg.
- Move down the leg from there and reach towards one paw.
- Gently touch one paw for one second.
- Gradually increase the length of time you touch the paw to three seconds.
- Lift the paw for one second.
- Increase the time you lift each paw while holding it lightly to three seconds.
- Raise the paw and press on one toe.
- Increase the pressure on the toe gradually until she lets you extend their claw.
- Once the claw is extended, reach toward the toe with the nail clipper, but don’t trim it yet.
- Touch the extended claw gently with the clippers.
- Trim one nail as short as possible (avoid the quick).
- Initially, if successful, end the session with lots of praise and treats.
- Next day, continue the same steps until you trim all the nails on one paw.
- In a few days, continue trimming the nails on the second paw.
- Once your cat accepts having their paws clipped, trim the nails of the right foot.
- A few days later, finish trimming the nails of the left foot.
Let us know how it goes.
All the best to you both.
Melina