My cat's not retracting her claws much, is it because she's older & anything that might help?

[Chewbecca]

Just that really. She's 7 so not exactly old, but no spring chicken anymore either.

I don't think she wants to have them kept out, they get caught on things, like an item of clothing and she seems to have to shake it off, instead of just retracting her claws.

Is there anything to be done? I'm assuming it would be cruel or painful to cut them, she loves to hare round the garden and up and down everywhere so I think they are pretty useful as well!

My little cat has always had this problem, if I don't trim her claws then you can even hear them sticking to the carpet as she walks! Trimming her claws definitely doesn't hurt her or cause her any problems, but she is an indoor cat.

But more tricky if yours is allowed outside, I guess the only way to know would be to trim them and check to see she can still get over fences etc OK.

I trim my cat's claws. Late Qwebecat used to sound as if she was walking on high heals around the house if let to her own means and present Qwebecat gets stuck in the blankets. Both could jump on high surfaces no problem. Sometimes took more than one try when they were freshly done, but they get the hang of it really fast. And their comfort level rises visibly.

If you've never done it ask your local pet store or your vet to show you.

Why: I think it is because at a certain point the claws become too long so the cat can't retract properly. In the wild claws are much more used and self maintain (a bit like wild horses don't need their hooves cared for). Maybe your cat is less active than she used to? I had a v active a few years ago (and dominant cat of the area) and he never needed trimming.

I should have re-read your post: I keep forgetting points to answer.

It does not hurt them anymore than it hurts to cut your own nails, Your just need to be mindful of the little vein and not cut too short.

Some cats put on a massive show, but it's because they don't like to be handled/restrained, not because they are having a paw-dicure.
Giving them treats after each session helps bring the drama levels down.

There are tons of tricks to make the pawdicure easier it your cat makes a fuss.

ok this should be my last post.

Make sure they have somewhere to claw so they can shed any bits that need to come off. Push them out and have a look - are there any ragged bits?
My cat's claws sometimes have a few 'fluffy' bits on the end.

This is very helpful, thank you. I will have to give her a trim I think. I suspect she is not as active as she used to be. She does have a scratching post (which she does use) & a couple of other places she's allowed to scratch (door mats), but I don't think it is enough to stop them sticking out and catching on everything.

She is very docile so I reckon she'll let me.

Silly q maybe but what do you use to cut with - do you have a special tool?

I do - I have clippers that look just like these. I tried those cat nail clippers that have semi-holes in them and faffed around so much that the cat got seriously fed up. (They're in a drawer somewhere.)

The clippers are strong, fast and do what's needed. Just don't use scissors - they're not up to the job and can be dangerous to have around a cat. (They can also lead to undue splintering of nails.)

Actually scratch that link. They're a bit heavier - more like these.

Yes my experience with the guillotine ones was also rubbish: it splintered the claws. I une human toe nail clips, works wonders.

I use normal human nail clippers and massage paws and arms at the same time.

Nothing beats a little paw holding, and sometimes she'll come up and put one of her little paws in mine.

I got her into the habit of paw massage from when she was a kitten as I knew, as an inside cat, she'd need to have her claws clipped. The back ones can be tickly, so massage everyday without clipping for a few weeks, (especially when she's snoozing) so she gets used to you touching her back paws.

Some cats breeds don't really retract their claws- has she any burmese in her family tree?

I too use the human clippers. Just snip the very ends off.

I'm loving the image of the paw hand-holding Venus. If I tickle between MKitten's back toes, he spreads and splays them out nicely for me. He gets black-heads there, being an unusually cheesy breed.

She is half Burmese, yes Venus (& half Siamese). So Burmese cats can struggle with this? I never knew, how interesting.

She's fine with me holding/stroking her paws, I hold them a lot of the time she's on my anyway as otherwise her claws would be caught in whatever I am wearing!

I'm going to give the clipping a go. Have ordered some clippers like the ones upthread (didn't fancy using my own plus thought the pointy type might be easier). Will give it a whirl when they arrive and keep an eye on her garden antics!

Black-heads?!

More of an oily build up really I suppose. Looks like black-heads though. Comes off with a firmly applied baby wipe.

here is a video that shows how to do it, just in case.

oups forgot to add it
here

Ah, so you have a Tonk! They're really great little cats aren't they

Gosh, the vid suggests it is something that should be done, it can cause problems if you don't! Interesting stuff, thanks again.

Yes, she's a tonk & is v loving, chatty, tolerant, super friendly to everyone - wants to chat to & have a stroke from all visitors and neighbours just a brilliant pet all round, she is such good company.

Siamese cats can't fully retract their claws - mine gets hers clipped too.

Whoa!! Cats nails ARE NOT LIKE OURS!! You can seriously hurt and damage your cat if you attempt to trim his/her nails!! I BEG YOU, do NOT attempt this on your own!! One slip up could really really hurt your cat! If you have ANY ounce of respect for animals, you would take your cat to a professional and let that person help your cat. I do not care how many stupid things you read on google that tells you it is ok to attempt on your own because it is NOT. Oh and one more thing, most importantly, NEVER DECLAW YOUR CAT. If your vet still offers this horrific procedure then I would definitely leave that place and tell them why. Any vet who still does this procedure should be shot

@Jessiluvsdogs

Whoa!! Cats nails ARE NOT LIKE OURS!! You can seriously hurt and damage your cat if you attempt to trim his/her nails!! I BEG YOU, do NOT attempt this on your own!! One slip up could really really hurt your cat! If you have ANY ounce of respect for animals, you would take your cat to a professional and let that person help your cat. I do not care how many stupid things you read on google that tells you it is ok to attempt on your own because it is NOT. Oh and one more thing, most importantly, NEVER DECLAW YOUR CAT. If your vet still offers this horrific procedure then I would definitely leave that place and tell them why. Any vet who still does this procedure should be shot

OK so sounds like you know someone who's had issues with this. However as long as it's done right, there's no problem with trimming cat's claws. I was shown how by my SiL, who was shown by her vet. I've also been taught how to do dogs claws (by a professional groomer) and the process is very similar.

Declawing is illegal in GB (Animal Welfare Act 2006).

With my indoor cats, Girlcat keeps hers trim and short, but Boycat needs his done regularly ('cause he's a clumsy thick lummox). Chewbecca scratching doesn't trim the claws, it just sharpens them. It's the running around that keeps them short.

I wish declawing was illegal EVERYWHERE ☹️

Failure to retract claws is a common sign of arthritis. Clip is a good thing to do otherwise these inretracted claws can grow into the pads.

Clip cats claws is really not difficult is your cat is used to having it's feet touched. Only clip the white and avoid the pink.

I cut my old cats nails all the time as old cats can't wear them down as well by scratching. Its quite safe if you just nip the points off.