Vet refusing to trim claws

[Sakura7]

Has anyone come across this before?

We moved area recently and unfortunately had to move from our fantastic vet, who is now about and hour's drive away.

The new vet has been difficult about a few things already but this latest one takes the biscuit.

Our cat is a very anxious indoor cat and he will not let anyone trim his claws. He has a large scratching post and scratch pad that he does use but seemingly not enough.

Cat will be in for a tooth extraction tomorrow and I called to ask if they can trim his claws while he's sedated, as they are getting too long and really need to be done.

The answer was "we don't do that, cats need their claws" and "does he not have a scratching post?" You'd swear I asked them to declaw him or something 🙄

It's the latest in a series of issues so I definitely will be moving after this.

Surely trimming of claws is a standard thing that most vets will do?

Never had to trim a cats claws before is this new? It seems to be popular in my online groups too

For an indoor cat it’s not unusual, they don’t wear them down as quickly. Both mine need regular pedicures!

Also have an indoor cat that doesn't scratch enough, she has ended up with an overgrown claw before (going into the pad).
Did you clarify you don't want them removed just trimmed so they aren't uncomfortable/at risk of overgrowth for the cat?

Yes I did.

They are honestly getting too close to the pad and really need to be done.

I trim my indoor cats nails and he has lots of scratching posts. Can't understand why he wouldn't do it, when he's out cold.

Do you use anything for his anxiousness?

My vets specifically showed me how to trim Boycat's claws, as his would grow quite long - you could here him coming on any hard surface with little clicky noises of claws on flooring. Girlcat, his litter sister, has always kept hers neat and trim by herself. Indoor cats.

Not even tried to check Tobias' claws - I can assure you they are VERY sharp but I don't here him coming on the laminate floor so assume they are OK.

That's silly. Indoor cats don't wear their claws down the way that outdoor cats can, and some don't really use scratching posts much anyway (if at all).

The vet is being daft and I agree, you need to find a different, more sensible one.

We've asked the vet and he won't give us anything for that.

That's ridiculous, my cats have gone on now but I used to trim their claws and they were outdoor cats so cats do need their claws trimmed! When my dog has had a dental they have trimmed his claws when under so definitely something they can do!

wouldn’t trust a vet that won’t clip a sedated cat’s claws. Most will do it during any regular visit since it is easier with 2 people and they are better trained to get a good cut without accidentally getting the quick.

we have 3 cats. 2 manage their claws independently, 1 needs clipping. She gets caught in things if we don’t. DH and I do it together, but we definitely appreciate when the vet gives her a good trim.

Our cat is elderly and deaf so doesn't go out side much now, which is her choice. Her claws are done by the very every time she goes in for med checks. It is less stressful for her and us.

Our Siamese have their claws trimmed occasionally

Thanks all. What the hell is wrong with this vet?

I've checked the website for the practice in our neighbouring town and you can book an appointment online specifically for a nail trim. Which is great for the future but I can't understand why current vet won't do it now.

I asked for a nail trim for my old lady this time and the vet said she shouldn’t have it done if she’s an outdoor cat. I said she literally sits on the patio when the sun comes out and goes straight back in again - she’s nearly 20. Anyway, they trimmed them. She was having real problems they were catching on anything fabric she came into contact with, she’s much happier now.

I've worked in vets and this is surprising me. On all the consent forms I've printed off it always asks if any extras such as nail clips and ear cleans are wanted.

All I can think is that they've mistakenly thought you meant declawing, I would ask again when you go in tomorrow.

As a mamma to an anxious cat and to another cat who hates nail clips, I hope everything goes ok 😊

Try feliway. There are lots of options at pets at home. Some breeders recommend CBD oil for cats.

When my gets a bit anxious, I give him catnip, for some reason chills him out rather than hyper. Next doors cat winds him up, otherwise he's a pretty placid guy.

I have to trim my cats claws. They are like needles!

You could also try Zylkene. My vets sell that, as well as Feliway, for anxiety.

My outdoor cat has to have them trimmed in winter when she doesn't go out as much. Otherwise she gets stuck on the carpet/bedding/sofa when she is jumping and walking. It's like velcro with her claws when walking on carpet if we don't trim them. We just take the end off.

I think pp is right , there may if been a misunderstanding with the vet. Hopefully once they see your cats claws they will understand.

Re the anxiety, my vet very rarely recommends any kind of meds or plug ins, he said doping the no matter how mildly is not a long term solution, getting to the route of the issue is much more sustainable.
The only exceptions are things like house moves , new babies / people in the house or after a op . But in all cases only for a short time .

My cats are indoors only and every time I'm at the vet they trim them for me. I've also requested it done when they were under for a dental.

My old girl whose passed was indoor/outdoor and used to use a grapevine for a scratching post. Was great for keeping her claws at a nice length.

No but it does happen.

One of my foster cats gre nails like it was an olympic sport. The vet showed me how to do it and I bought the clippers.

But that was quite a docile cat.

YANBU my vets always offer to trim the cats claws while they're under. Also housecats, I don't know if they'd still do it for outdoor cats.

Just emphasise he is 100% a house cat. They do need their claws intact for roaming outside, especially in new territory (as you've just moved), for example to race up a tree or fence if they're being chased by a dog. I suspect they missed the house cat bit.