Speaking of Nail Clipping…

Trimming cat claws is a really big concern of cat owners, whether their animals are strictly indoor or a combination of indoor/outdoor. People are always asking for advice on this chore and someone recently left a comment referencing this very issue. Since the rear claws don’t retract and so tend to get worn down more than the front claws (even on indoor cats), the front ones are the real problem. These are the babies that will ruin your furniture,
drapes and chair cushions, not to mention your skin if they get carried away with play or are just feeling ornery (which hopefully doesn’t happen often).

If you’ve already trained your cats to accept nail clipping, then you are all set. If you have not, they are not just going to take to it. Cats generally don’t like having their paws handled, and can get very panicky if you try to insist. This is why some owners opt for the nasty solution called “declawing”. Please, don’t even consider this option! The first time I saw this operation performed, I nearly fainted. It is very brutal, and, even though the animal is under anesthesia, they must have some serious pain once they wake up. I worked at this clinic for 18 months and never got used to it. I am not squeamish, either; abdominal surgery didn’t faze me. So, believe me when I say that you can teach both yourself and your cat to consider nail trimming a pleasant experience! In addition, think of the money you’ll save by not having to take one or more cats to a groomer or the vet’s every few weeks for a manicure.

Next week we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of kitty-claw clipping (try saying that 3 times, fast)!

Slice of Life: After many years of wanting to, but not doing so because of the sheer size of the novel, I finally read Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. Excellent book—really well-written and a story that kept me interested, despite its length. Keep it in mind for your summer reading list!
Chat later!