- Joined
- Oct 29, 2022
- Messages
- 66
- Purraise
- 38
I posted here recently explaining that my 12 year old male cat is a beast regarding trips to the vet, etc. I used to be able to clip his claws after training him to tolerate it using treats although I’ve always had trouble getting the right angle to reach his dew claws. I was not vigilant about clipping due to a lot going on in my life and have tried to start the routine again. While he is quasi cooperative for his other claws he will not let me near his dew claws and I think it’s because they’re overgrown. My son was able to clip the tip of one a few weeks ago because I was frantic that the tip was growing into the pad - he got it but i think he nicked him and the cat went insane. I have tried the fingerless protective long gloves and he went berserk again and managed to get me anyway on the open part of the thumb - not too deep but broke skin. I immediately stopped - and removed the treats that I use after I successfully clip one claw. But he’s winning this battle and I don’t know what to do. The vet cannot handle him and gave me gabapentin to use prior to the next time I try to bring him. The med is actually so that he can be calm enough to sedate him so they can examine him! Should I try the med to see if it helps us get to his claws at home or should I cut to the chase and make a vet appt? The last time he was fully clipped was months ago by a vet and an assistant who came to the house and wrangled him. They were able to do it but it was brutal and the cat hissed at everyone for days afterwards.