Elderly cat, long claws

[SandyAndy]

My 18 yr old cat is still going strong, despite having a heart murmur, arthritis, going a bit deaf and missing several teeth. Bless her, she's generally a happy moggy! Recently she has been having trouble getting her claws stuck in furniture, blankets etc. She does manage to free herself but its obviously a bit distressing for her. They do look long to me.
Do any of you do anything to your cat's claws? Am a bit scared to try in case I hurt her, also she is a bit of a wimp and hates being held (was a rescue cat 17yrs ago! - loves laps and strokes!) so I don't know how far I'd get.
Any advice gratefully received!

[cozietoesie]

Seniorboy has help with his claws - he has severe arthritis so can't do much to his front ones ( indifferent balance these days and some muscle loss) and has hardly any teeth left so can't gnaw his back claws.
(And both sets are thickening these days as elders' claws usually do.) I nip the tips off them about once a fortnight, taking care to avoid the 'quick' part of course.

Do you have a decent claw clipper?

[SandyAndy]

Thanks cosie no I don't own any nail clippers, I use nail scissors for us, would I just need 'human' ones or should I get cat ones?
I am a bit scared of hurting her, she gets in such a tizzy when you try to hold her. Although the daft thing is sat very happily on my lap as I type!

[SandyAndy]

cozie not cosie sorry!

[Fluffycloudland77]

I would think special cat ones are best.

[cozietoesie]

Sorry - just wrote a long post and the app went all to pieces and lost it. Give me a little.

[BertieBotts]

Maybe you can do them when she's asleep?

[Veterinari]

Long claws are a sign of chronic pain in cats - likely due to the arthritis - it's probably worth a cet visit to re-evaluate your cat's pain relief

[BertieBotts]

Or also, I know that vets will do them for you if you ask. Might be expensive though.

[doodlyfiddly]

Be careful with claws, sometimes they can get so long they start to curl in on themselves and can press on (and grow into) their paw pads. As cats get older and don't venture so far (if at all), the claws just don't get worn down. Getting stuck on stuff when scratching means they're getting too long.

Your vet will be able to do them for you if you're really worried. Please don't try to use nail scissors, cat claws can be really really strong and the clippers help to guide the cutting. Just wrap your cat in a blanket if it helps to stop any wriggling, put them tummy up on your lap and take care when clipping to steer clear of the pink skin you can see inside the nail.

[SandyAndy]

Veterinari we have seen the vets about her arthritis, the thing is she is still very active, she jumps up onto the sofa, happily goes in and out of her catflap, still goes to the toilet outside etc, so the suggestion was to hold off medication until she is struggling to do these things. Basically she is a bit stiff when she gets up after a long sleep, and she waddles a bit when she walks.
Thanks for all the suggestions. Asleep might work Bertie. Madam yes she gets so distressed going to the vets, I wouldn't mind paying but wonder if its worth the trauma for her.
I shall do some more research, get some proper clippers, and be brave and have a go!

[cozietoesie]

Cat claws are pretty tough - especially the back ones - and worsen with age. I also need to be fairly quick and efficient about the job if my old lad isn't to get real antsy. I really don't think scissors would do that job well without splintering nails and possibly getting in the way. (And I'm always hesitant about using scissors round a cat anyway.)

I use clippers like these. I've tried a couple of other types but this type seem to do it best.

I hoick him onto his back on my lap - half between my thighs - and just do it. He doesn't seem to mind too much given that it's fast and does the job effectively. You have to watch that you don't catch the quicks though - just nipping the tips regularly might be enough for yours.

[cozietoesie]

PS - speak to your vet again. If she's a 'bit stiff' when she gets up, she could probably do with meds sooner rather than later.

[SandyAndy]

Thanks for the link cozie gonna get me some clippers!

[SandyAndy]

PS I Wasn't thinking of using scissors, I was just explaining why I don't have any nail clippers in the house!

[MilkTwoSugarsThanks]

I made an appointment with the nurse (cheaper) and she taught me how to clip claws properly.

[cozietoesie]

Don't worry. I was just explaining that I didn't like to use what some might see as the obvious thing.

I'd really have another word with the vet about some meds though. She's an older lass and the odds are that she's already in pain to a degree. No point in holding off, really. (If the meds are suitable for her.) Give her lots of heat in any case.

You might find this guidance of interest?

[MrsPigling]

Our old boy is 20 now and I clip his claws. Have to wait until he's asleep at the top of the stairs then I sneak up on him! can normally get at least one paw down before he realises and gets all stroppy. He'd be dangerous if he had quicker reactions and more teeth!

[RaisingSteam]

Our cat is 18 and I've been clipping her claws for years - she was a show champion before she came to us and I think she quite likes her pedicures. (Not like a previous cat who had to get wrapped in a towel with one foot sticking out!)

We use ones like this they are very easy to use.

[SandyAndy]

Raising thanks those clippers look perfect, I have ordered some. I love the idea of your cat getting pedicures

[SandyAndy]

MrsPigling 20 is a grand old age bless him! I have a feeling our cat will carry on going for a while yet!

[MammasBrandNewBag]

My old boy is 16 and does the same. He is a Short Hair Oriental so cannot fully retract his claws anyway but the getting stuck has only happened since he started to get a bit dodery in his old age.

He won't let us clip his claws and I don't want to hurt him accidentally while he is being uncooperative so I take him to the vet and pay £16.

[SandyAndy]

That's interesting Mammas i will try that option if she refuses to let me clip them, I am also wary of hurting her. £16 is not too bad, but I would have to weigh it up against the trauma of her going to the vets which she hates! I'll let you all know how I get on!

[KittyKrap]

I have two furry boys. #2 is lazy and always has been so DH holds him on his back like a baby while I clip his claws. Don't go too far down, if you get to the pink bit it'll hurt and bleed so just take the smallest bit of the white end off. I can hear him now tap-tapping away on the wooden floor so it's clippy-claw time today!

[cozietoesie]

Ah Yes. The 'click-click' on non-carpeted floors. That's always a sign.