Second Chance: Trim Nails, Not Toes

07 Aug Second Chance: Trim Nails, Not Toes

Porter

Second Chance Humane Society has always taken a strong stance against de-clawing cats (which involves amputation of the first knuckle) as it is inhumane, painful, and can lead to long term suffering and negative behavioral changes in cats.

We have found that some people resort to this for their cats because they don’t like to trim their cat’s nails – so today Porter, the Second Chance cat of the week, offers a simple five-step guide on how to make that aspect of grooming a better experience for you and your cat:

1. Setting the Mood

Choose a cozy chair in a quiet room where you can comfortably sit your cat on your lap. Get her when she’s relaxed and even sleepy, like in her groggy, after-meal state. Try to find a place with limited distractions and no other pets around.  Never attempt a clipping when you, or your cat, are agitated – that would be like running with a cup of hot coffee balanced on your head…

2. Make Friends with the Paw

Gently take one of your cat’s paws between your fingers and massage for no longer than three seconds. If your cat pulls her paw away, don’t squeeze or pinch, just follow her gesture, keeping in gentle contact. If she resists, don’t raise your voice or punish her. When she’s still again, give her pad a little press so that the nail extends out, then release her paw and immediately give her a treat. Do this every other day on a different toe until you’ve gotten to know all ten. (Note: playing “This Little Piggy” during this session works for me but I can’t guarantee that all cats would like it…)

3. Get Acquainted with the Clipper

Your cat should be at ease with the sound of the clippers before you attempt to trim her nails. Sit her on your lap, put a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the clippers and hold them near your cat. (If she sniffs the clippers, set a treat on top of them for her to eat.) Next, while massaging one of your cat’s toes, gently press her toe pad. When the nail extends, clip the spaghetti with the clippers while still holding your cat’s paw gently.Now release her toe and quickly give her a treat.  If the clippers have been pre-washed the spaghetti is still good for consumption.

4. Never Cut to the Quick

The pink part of a cat’s nail, called the quick, is where the nerves and blood vessels are. It’s a great idea to NOT cut this sensitive area. Snip only the white part of the claw. It’s better to be cautious and cut less of the nail rather than risk cutting this area, which would eliminate any progress made in steps 1-3…

5. Time to Clip

With your cat in your lap facing away from you, take one of her toes in your hand, massage and press the pad until the nail extends. Now trim only the sharp tip of one nail, release your cat’s toe and quickly give her a treat. If your cat didn’t notice, clip another nail, but don’t trim more than two claws in one sitting until your cat is comfortable.Be sure to reward her with a special treat afterward, my preference is chicken liver over grasshopper wings but you should find what works for your own kitty.

PORTER:


Now, a bit about me. I am a 6 year old handsome black kitty with a large personality who enjoys people, dogs and even other cats. In fact I have learned to enjoy whatever life throws at me so adopt me and I will carry (get it?  Porter/carry…) your spirits higher.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)

Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.