Trimming cat's nails- never done it before

[Kwik]

That's a great idea to put them on your lap to clip the nails. My cat is 16 lbs though and is there anything I can put on to protect myself if he starts thrashing around and accidentally scratching me? Thanks so much!

A coat of armor? Just kidding!
I'd suggest just trying one paw,one clip and if he wants to jump down let him and make a big deal about how good he is with praise & treats so he doesn't run off,you don't want him to associate being on your lap with being restrained and something negative....

Very often I will put then up on different surfaces- counter,patio table,ottoman to brush or clip or just to give treats - they never know what Im going to do but they expect something good..... I keep treats in my pockets all the time so the one thing they are sure of is when I say " come " PLUS my hand going in my pocket is going to earn a reward....

My cats are not really " lap cats" but the lap is not a place to get restrained,it might be we are going to go for a stroller ride,get brushed or something interesting.....so clipping nails just means a reward is coming

 

[Kwik]

How do I teach him to scratch at it? I'm afraid that Obi will have no clue what to do if I get him one

Does he like catnip? I just spray some liquid catnip or sprinkle some on..... with kittens I always take their tiny paws and show them what it's for - adults I scratch it myself and hearing the scratching sound gets their attention and the catnip attracts them,then instinct kicks in

 

[guarua]

Churus or other lickable treats are a lifesaver for cats who hate their paws being touched. My oldest HATES being handled, especially her precious toes. So for nail trims, I have someone else hold a Churu, and trim only a few nails, usually not more than one paw.

 

[talkinboutmykitty]

Does he like catnip? I just spray some liquid catnip or sprinkle some on..... with kittens I always take their tiny paws and show them what it's for - adults I scratch it myself and hearing the scratching sound gets their attention and the catnip attracts them,then instinct kicks in

Obi literally has no reaction to catnip for some odd reason lmao

 

[Kwik]

Obi literally has no reaction to catnip for some odd reason lmao

Might be the brand- I've found many are useless
I seriously thought my cats couldn't care less for catnip and I bought many different brands- then tabbytom recommended Meoows and my cats all go crazy for it

Also it stays fresh in the refrigerator,just like dried spices lose their kick after time I've learned catnip is no different

 

[talkinboutmykitty]

Might be the brand- I've found many are useless
I seriously thought my cats couldn't care less for catnip and I bought many different brands- then tabbytom recommended Meoows and my cats all go crazy for it

Also it stays fresh in the refrigerator,just like dried spices lose their kick after time I've learned catnip is no different

Good to know, thank you!

 

[SueLinda]

Wait until he's very sleeeeepy. That's what I do with Penguin and he literally hands me his paw. (pun intended) He's very good about getting his nails clipped.


Rhett, well, that's another story. He lets me do one nail. At a time. Once a day. Seriously, he gives me the side eye and I swear if he could talk he would say "Do you feel lucky, punk?"