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From: smithson@calma.uucp (Brian Smithson)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: cat claws
Message-ID: <199@calma.uucp>
Date: Wed, 31-Jul-85 17:11:49 EDT
Article-I.D.: calma.199
Posted: Wed Jul 31 17:11:49 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 3-Aug-85 08:04:50 EDT
References: <3312@drutx.UUCP>
Organization: GE/Calma Co., R&D Systems Engineering, Milpitas, CA
Lines: 45

> >The indoor cats, however, tend to shred everything they can, and refuse to
> >use a scratching post, so I trim their front claws every couple of weeks
> >using a large fingernail cutter (the type which looks somewhat like diagonal
> >wire cutters with a curved cutting edge).  The hind claws never do any
> >damage, and the trimmed front claws keep them from snagging or ripping
> >anything, yet they can still use them for traction on the carpet.
> >		-Brian Smithson
> 
> Sounds like a good way to do it.  I have two questions, though.
> 
> One:  I have heard that cats whose claws are trimmed will scratch MORE--in order
> to resharpen the trimmed claws.  Is this true, or just an old-wives tale.
> (and who are those old wives who are always telling tales, anyway? :-))
> 
> Two:  How do you keep them quiet for this?  They must be very calm cats.
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
>                                      Sue Brezden
>                                      
> ...

(1) I haven't noticed tham scratching more (or less) after trimming.  They
    do scratch, but they get a rather frustrated look on their little faces.
    Anyway, the scratching doesn't damage anything, and so it doesn't matter.

(2) I guess this depends upon the cat.  I recommend you try to outnumber the
    cat.  I hold the cat on his (or her) back in my lap.  I stroke the cat
    with one hand, and I with the other hand I hold the cat under his
    "armpit" so as to keep him from pulling his leg in toward his body.
    My wife holds the leg with one hand and clips with the other.  The
    cats remain remarkably calm.

Best of luck!


-- 

		-Brian Smithson
		 Calma Company 
		 ucbvax!calma!smithson
		 calma!smithson@ucbvax.ARPA

"Two nuclear bombs can ruin your whole weekend"