Nail clipping advice

[Millys Mum]

With old cats you get very thick claws as they dont shed the old layers, next time you clip hers try peeling the old layer off, within it is a new claw 

[Hippykitty]

Pinkbear, Polly has had no teeth for a long time. After a while the gums harden and the cat adapts to not having teeth. Polly's weren't removed. She just yawned one day and I was amazed to see only gums!

I trim claws with the all-round style trimmers. These are harder to use as you have to get the cat claw through the hole. They are better imo, because they cut the claw from two sides, preventing splitting. However, Polly's claws are getting so thick they won't go through the hole anymore, so I'm going to buy the scissor type Sazkat refers to.

Just beware of cutting the quick, which is a pink bit running inside the claw. It doesn't run to the tip. You can usually see this in a good light.

Take a look at this useful vid:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut886IEvn9w

[Millys Mum]

Her chewing is removing the old sheath, spike pulls these off and spits them on the bed 

[Pinkbear (Julie)]

 

I think I will get a pair of dog nail clippers. I've trimmed budgie nails before so hopefully it's the same principal. Her back nails are fine as she does a lot of climbing up the trellis but her front claws do get a tad long and sharp at times. The poor soul doesn't seem to have twigged she is toothless yet and looks puzzled that her chewing isn't having an effect - it must still be sore too! 

[clarenmax]

I use human ones on Max too

[Debsymiller (Rufus' mum)]

Human nail clippers do fine but I have animal ones which also do the trick. I tend to use the animal ones but wither work. I have to use animal ones for the rabbits as their claws are sooo thick and just tend to use those to do the cats if they need it.

[Desley (booktigger)]

I use nail clippers, but the older the cat, the thicker the claws, and Molly's can be a nightmare to do.

[Janeyk]

I've never dared trim mine vet does Schuis with dog clippers - they are so hard and thick! he really can't stand his feet touching anyway and has to be firmly held down.  Byron, vets never said hers have needed doing but she scratches her post furniture alot.

[Gillian Harvey]

I just use human toenail clippers too - they work fine.

[sazkat2]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MIKKI-Nail-Clippers-Claw-Trimmers-Cutters-Dog-Cat-SMALL_W0QQitemZ200270654399QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pet_Supplies_Cats?hash=item200270654399&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1345|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

These are what I use you should be able to see where not to cut on the claw.  The bit you shouldn't go near is clearer and the ends are whiter hope that helps!! 

[Michelle (furbabystar)]

I use human nail clippers....just dont clip to far down x

[Pinkbear (Julie)]

As some of you have read, my Tilly had almost all of her teeth removed this week. She only has one canine tooth left. A problem has arisen... 

She was always a nail nibbler and it's broken my heart tonight to see her struggling trying to trim her nails.  I've never trimmed cats nails before, well, only removed bits that were hanging off. Is there a special tool or will human nail clippers do?