Printed by: Ingrid King. Final Up to date on: October 9, 2022 by Crystal Uys
Visitor put up by Laura Cochrane, DVM
In the event you ask Mojo the cat about his favourite pastimes, nail trims would undoubtedly NOT be on the listing. Sleeping and consuming, sure. Nail trims, a giant NO.
Mojo is a tough-looking former stray who now holds courtroom on the workplace of Spirit Essences*. He was rescued by none aside from Jackson Galaxy, the cat behaviorist who co-founded the road of flower essences with Jean Hofve DVM. Mojo loves individuals and spends his days going from workplace to workplace, ensuring everyone seems to be staying on activity. He’s adjusted fairly nicely to being spoiled and is even a giant softie more often than not—besides on nail trim day.
I see my justifiable share of cats who’re “tough” in relation to pedicures. Some cats have had a nasty expertise previously, whereas others simply resist any type of restraint. Some growl, and a few attempt to chew. Mojo does each. So how do you trim an offended cat’s claws? Maintain studying to seek out out extra.
How you can Strategy the Tough Cat’s Nail Trim:
Whether or not I’m working with Mojo or another cat who doesn’t like nail trims, preparation is essential. Listed below are some issues to recollect:
• Cats have an incredible means to choose up our power. In the event you’re nervous or anxious, your cat will know. Keep in mind to take a deep breath and attempt to keep calm.
• Maintain the whole lot as optimistic as doable. What does your cat like? Perhaps it’s a favourite toy, meals, or treats. Make sure that they’re accessible and prepared earlier than you get began.
• Get your whole provides prepared. Collect your nail clippers, styptic powder (simply in case you want it), a towel or blanket, and calming merchandise (see beneath).
• Gown for achievement. Be certain and shield your self with lengthy sleeve shirts and lengthy pants, ideally denims. In the event you’ve been round unfamiliar animals, turn into clear garments so that you’re not bringing a scent that will upset your cat.
Setting the stage
Through the use of your atmosphere to your benefit, you’ll be able to assist hold stress to a minimal for each you and your cat.
• Decrease distractions. The very last thing you need is your cellphone ringing simply as you’re getting began. Make sure you silence any telephones, ask individuals to talk quietly, and switch off loud music. Are you anticipating anybody to ring the doorbell or activate the lawnmower? Keep away from any surprises!
• Play music designed for cats. Simply as music can calm our nerves, it has additionally been proven to assist ease nervousness in cats. Contemplate taking part in some comfortable music to assist calm down everybody and cancel out exterior noise. There are even choices for calming music designed particularly for cats*!
• Get the treats prepared. If doable, have another person round to distract your cats with favourite treats, meals, or a shiny toy.
• Location is essential. For many cats, it’s finest to do the nail trim in no matter room they’re most comfortable. Just remember to have sufficient gentle, after which sit wherever you’re most snug, whether or not it’s cross-legged on the ground (my most popular method) or on a settee or chair. A blanket or towel can be utilized to “swaddle” the cat, and you’ll lean ahead and use the light stress of your physique to assist hold him nonetheless. For these cats who don’t reply nicely to being on the ground, putting them excessive up on a countertop or desk can distract them sufficient to get the trim finished.
Instruments to ease stress
Minimizing stress is the aim with each nail trim. Through the use of a number of of the next, you’ll be able to assist ease your cat’s nervousness:
• Flower energy is actual. Flower essences can have a dramatic calming impact. Whereas Bach’s Rescue Treatment* is a generally used mixture essence, there are various different choices. Mojo responds nicely to Stress Stopper by Spirit Essences. It’s utilized topically a number of occasions earlier than his nail trim, both on to his fur or sprayed onto a brush.
• Clothes is optionally available (for cats). Most individuals have heard of a ThunderShirt to ease nervousness in canines, but it surely’s additionally a fantastic product for some cats. The ThunderShirt* applies stress to assist calm your cat. This method works wonders for Mojo. You possibly can even spray the ThunderShirt with a chilled spray like “Stress Stopper” to get additional benefit!
• Therapeutic massage the scruff. Whereas this doesn’t work for all cats, its impact will be dramatic. Strive massaging the pores and skin over your cat’s neck to seek out out if this system relaxes her. You’ll know inside a number of seconds. If she relaxes, proceed the therapeutic massage. Then get the nail clippers prepared and check out one nail. Return to the therapeutic massage and repeat. If doable, a pal can take over therapeutic massage responsibility when you trim the nails.
• Some prefer it sizzling. Similar to a heat bathtub can calm down us, a heat towel can work wonders for a pressured cat. Strive swaddling your cat in a towel that’s contemporary out of the dryer.
• Calming treats* could assist. There are quite a few treats accessible that may assist ease nervousness in cats. It may be difficult to seek out one that’s palatable and truly works, so it’s finest to check them upfront of the nail trim. An alternative choice is a topical cream like Bach’s Rescue Cream. It accommodates a mix of 5 flower essences that assist ease stress. Apply a small quantity of cream to the within of each ears flaps (the place there isn’t fur) about an hour earlier than the trim. Repeat about quarter-hour earlier than the trim.
• A drained cat is an efficient cat! In case your cat enjoys interactive toys like Da Chicken* (my favourite!), get him drained earlier than his nail trim. A ten-15 minute session ought to do the trick!
Since all cats are distinctive, you’ll need to experiment to see what works finest. Mojo responds nicely to flower essences, a ThunderShirt, and many treats. Do not forget that even in the event you solely get one or two nails at a time, that’s okay!
Laura Cochrane, aka “Dr. Sort Klaws” is the proprietor of Roar, a Portland, OR primarily based enterprise specializing in cat wellness and enrichment merchandise.
Editor’s Be aware: Sadly, Mojo handed away in November of 2016. He shall be missed.
