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+--- Thread: Nail trimming (/showthread.php?tid=517)
Nail trimming - Avasmom - 12-14-2020
Just wondering - Does the need for trimming nails become less frequent as ragdolls age?
Ava's nails were trimmed by the breeder before I picked her up. Then again, a little over 2 weeks later at her wellness visit with my vet. I took her to my groomer about 3 weeks after that for another trim and she'll be going again this week which will be about 3 weeks after her last trim. Trimming her nails is not something I want to do myself and my groomer is convenient (no appointment necessary for this) and not very expensive. They just seem to get so sharp, so fast and start catching on things - mostly me
![[Image: sad.png]](https://ragdollcatguide.ca/images/icons/sad.png){kind=icon}
.Ava is not a big scratcher as far as using scratching posts or pads, although I do have them in most rooms. She'll use the infinity scratcher lounge in my bedroom the most - maybe once a day - and just very occasionally the post I have in my living room. The flat pads I have haven't seen much action and the good news is that she hasn't touched the furniture either.
With winter on us here and 2 small snow storms already behind us, I'll have to plan trips to the groomer carefully around "weather events" as I won't drive in anything messy. There's more snow predicted for late this week so she'll be going for a trim tomorrow. But she's certainly due for one - ouch!
RE: Nail trimming - Ragstimes1 - 12-14-2020
I had 4 big boys for a number of years and did the nails myself for a long time. Just needed a pair of nail scissors and somebody to talk to them while I cut the nails. I had a friend who would come over and sweet talk them. When they got older (and I did too - LOL), I got one of the techs from the vet's office to come and do it. Rags got to a point he was pretty fussy about getting them done so he got his done at the vet's when he went in for his fluids. He would let them do anything as long as Dottie scratched his chin!! Then my tech moved away so I either got them done on a vet visit or I had to do them. They were really good letting me do it but the key is start when they are young. My new girls need them done and I was going to get them done when they went in for their check up but forgot. You know who will be doing them. Coco's nails need to be done. She will repeatedly jump up into my lap and snag my legs. Got to start them now and the good thing is the nails may be long, but they are not thick and heavy like the boys' nails were.
No, the need to trim does not go away as they get older. Wish it did......................
Sue
RE: Nail trimming - HelenMac - 12-14-2020
My two need doing every 6 weeks even though they use their sissal scratch posts numerous times a day. I wrap them in a towel sit them on my lap in front of the window put my magnifiers on and talk to them and clip. Afterwards they get a treat.
RE: Nail trimming - JanH - 12-14-2020
Scratching posts sharpen the claws. Claws stay sharp by outer layers of claw being removed, leaving the sharp next layer.
RE: Nail trimming - MUM_of_FLUFFY - 12-14-2020
I remember reading on a vet website that the need for trimming can increase as they age. It was something to do with the nail sheaths not shedding and building up on the cat's nails. I will try to find the reference once my desktop is online...
RE: Nail trimming - MissViv - 12-29-2020
Our new kitten is scratching us to death. I have trimmed her nails once but she does not like it and it is hard to do. I sometimes have to wear gloves to handle her. She will jump up on our legs and climb her way up. I have tried to break her from this with no luck. Read everything on the internet to deter her. She also will NOT use her clawing posts and we have several throughout the house. She prefers my new expensive Lazy Boy Recliner! She thinks it's a game when I say no and take her to the scratching post. She has taken to running from me when I try to get her. Sigh!
Our other older cat was declawed on the front paws when we got her at 9 months. She uses the scratching posts even though she has no claws. Jewels watches her and I keep hoping she will learn.
RE: Nail trimming - JanH - 12-29-2020
When she is sleepy and cuddling, play with her paws. Progress to expressing the claws. Trim one claw at a session at first. Slow small steps as with most things for cats.
Some cats respond well to swaddling and having only one paw out at a time - which at least reduces the danger. Sometimes a little puff in the face will refocus the cat and allow some progress.
RE: Nail trimming - Avasmom - 12-30-2020
(12-29-2020, 08:44 AM)MissViv Wrote: Our new kitten is scratching us to death. I have trimmed her nails once but she does not like it and it is hard to do. I sometimes have to wear gloves to handle her. She will jump up on our legs and climb her way up. I have tried to break her from this with no luck. Read everything on the internet to deter her. She also will NOT use her clawing posts and we have several throughout the house. She prefers my new expensive Lazy Boy Recliner! She thinks it's a game when I say no and take her to the scratching post. She has taken to running from me when I try to get her. Sigh!
Our other older cat was declawed on the front paws when we got her at 9 months. She uses the scratching posts even though she has no claws. Jewels watches her and I keep hoping she will learn.
I've found that Ava's nails need trimming about once every 3 weeks. She'll start to catch them on clothing, bedding, etc. and they're just really sharp at this point. I use a groomer because it's easier for me. Fortunately, she's not a big scratcher and hasn't touched any furniture so far. She'll use a scratcher/lounger I have in my bedroom maybe once in the morning/once in the evening. I have others in my kitchen, den, living room and she's used these only occasionally.
Maybe try sprinkling some catnip on the scratchers if they're flat or use a catnip spray for those that are upright.