Why do cats hate having their nails trimmed?

rightiam

I'd say it depends totally on their personality. Oct 11 07, 8:33 AM

zbeckabee

For the same reason humans shy away from people wearing a hockey mask while carrying a chain saw. Oct 11 07, 10:52 AM

Baloo55th

Would you like to be pinned down and have someone many times bigger than you start messing around with YOUR nails? Oct 11 07, 1:01 PM

star_gazer

But my cats do little complaining when I pick them up and hug them, but when I try to trim their nerve free nails all hell breaks lose. Oct 11 07, 1:27 PM

zbeckabee

Cats naturally have a sensitivity of sorts about having their paws touched so you should get her used to this. Touch her paws and gently squeeze them to extend the claws. Do this frequently so she gets used to it and will not associate it always with having her nails trimmed. Kind of like how whenever you pet her, you sort of pay attention to her paws as well so she eventually loses that sensitivity and doesn't think you touching her paws is any big deal. Also, once she is getting used to the idea of having her paws touched, start to get her used to the idea of the nail clippers themselves. Bring them close to her and even touch them to her paws and to her nails without even trying to clip them yet. This will help her realize, once again, that the nail clippers themselves are nothing to be afraid of and she will be less nervous then when you sit her down, touch her paws and bring the nail clippers out. I suspect this will also work on boy cats. http://www.catkb.com/uwe/Forum.aspx/cat-health/1942/Proper-way-to-hold-a-cat Oct 11 07, 3:39 PM

zbeckabee

Here's a better link for my second post. Okay, star_gazer. I give. Why don't your cats have nerves in their nails? Oct 11 07, 4:21 PM

star_gazer

When I am finally able to clip one of my cat's nails and I no longer try to clip any of the other nails the cat becomes calm and shows no evidence of pain. Its the process of being clipped that freaks my cats out, not the sensation of a nail being clipped it self. The Vet is able to do it some way and the cats don't even bat an eye. My cats don't mind it when I massage or squeeze their little paws - which causes their nails to extend, but when I bring out the nail clippers all bets are off! Oct 11 07, 8:47 PM