I have a technique very similar to yours, only I hold the cat flatter on my lap, lying down with the top of the head against my stomach instead of half-sitting. I find that this makes the front claws easier to manipulate, since they are not so close to the cat's face and body; I find that it basically give me more flexibility to pose the feet and front legs. Also, a suggestion is to wait to give the first treat until after the cat is upside-down in your lap. That way, the cats will eventually learn that they don't get the treat until they're in place, which makes them more cooperative and easier to position. Then, I usually give another treat as I complete each foot. I was very interested in your tip about using human nail clippers. I worry sometimes about the typical scissors-type cat nail trimmers with the notch in the blade. They seem like they could easily crush or split the nail a little as they cut. Human clippers won't have this problem, so thank you!
I have found that if I cover my cats eyes they are much better! I hold the cat, put my hand gently over their eyes, or let them bury their face in my elbow, and have my friend do the clipping! The cats don't squirm at all! No way to do that without help, of course! Thanks for the great videos!
PhoebeFay RuthLouise cool tip! Vets use that trick in the clinic by putting a towel on a nervous cat’s head and this allows us to do all kinds of small procedures more easily!
oh interesting question! i am left handed but have always used right-handed scissors in life so i don't have this issue. You could consider using human toenail clippers but position them sideways/perpendicular to the nail, if that makes any sense. It's not the ideal tool but that's what i used for years i just had to find the correct angle so it didn't fray the nail, i would also buy a brand new one to make sure it's sharp so it'll cut neatly and reserve that one for the cat :) . hope that helps! but i'll check if they actually make left-handed cat nail clippers!
Love these tips, basically what I already do. However, I use a nail grinder (like an electric nail file for pets) instead of clippers. Do you have any input on whether clippers are a better or equal option to files? I opted for the file instead due to fear I might clip too short on accident (this is my first cat).
ashPTERODACTYL ah thanks for the lovely comment! I’ve known several people that used these grinders and love them. I haven’t personally used them and I don’t know many professionals who do. There must be a difference in durability I imagine ? Or maybe it takes a little longer to trim the nails and we or the pets get impatient? In any case do what works for you! I’m sure there’s a learning curve to both. Do you find your cat is bothered by the sound ?
@@dolittlesden No, actually. I bought one that specifically said it had low sound and not as intense of a vibration. It's sounds kind of like when your phone is on vibrate and laying on a pillow when someone calls you. I don't think the vibration bothers her either, but she won't ever let me do more than one foot at a time.
Thank you so much for this, and particularly the outtakes!!😂😂 I sat here amazed at how well your cat was taking it!!
Brilliant!
I have a technique very similar to yours, only I hold the cat flatter on my lap, lying down with the top of the head against my stomach instead of half-sitting. I find that this makes the front claws easier to manipulate, since they are not so close to the cat's face and body; I find that it basically give me more flexibility to pose the feet and front legs.
Also, a suggestion is to wait to give the first treat until after the cat is upside-down in your lap. That way, the cats will eventually learn that they don't get the treat until they're in place, which makes them more cooperative and easier to position. Then, I usually give another treat as I complete each foot.
I was very interested in your tip about using human nail clippers. I worry sometimes about the typical scissors-type cat nail trimmers with the notch in the blade. They seem like they could easily crush or split the nail a little as they cut. Human clippers won't have this problem, so thank you!
I have found that if I cover my cats eyes they are much better! I hold the cat, put my hand gently over their eyes, or let them bury their face in my elbow, and have my friend do the clipping! The cats don't squirm at all! No way to do that without help, of course! Thanks for the great videos!
PhoebeFay RuthLouise cool tip! Vets use that trick in the clinic by putting a towel on a nervous cat’s head and this allows us to do all kinds of small procedures more easily!
Got a tip on which clippers work best for left handed owners?
oh interesting question! i am left handed but have always used right-handed scissors in life so i don't have this issue. You could consider using human toenail clippers but position them sideways/perpendicular to the nail, if that makes any sense. It's not the ideal tool but that's what i used for years i just had to find the correct angle so it didn't fray the nail, i would also buy a brand new one to make sure it's sharp so it'll cut neatly and reserve that one for the cat :) . hope that helps! but i'll check if they actually make left-handed cat nail clippers!
Love these tips, basically what I already do. However, I use a nail grinder (like an electric nail file for pets) instead of clippers. Do you have any input on whether clippers are a better or equal option to files? I opted for the file instead due to fear I might clip too short on accident (this is my first cat).
ashPTERODACTYL ah thanks for the lovely comment! I’ve known several people that used these grinders and love them. I haven’t personally used them and I don’t know many professionals who do. There must be a difference in durability I imagine ? Or maybe it takes a little longer to trim the nails and we or the pets get impatient? In any case do what works for you! I’m sure there’s a learning curve to both. Do you find your cat is bothered by the sound ?
@@dolittlesden No, actually. I bought one that specifically said it had low sound and not as intense of a vibration. It's sounds kind of like when your phone is on vibrate and laying on a pillow when someone calls you. I don't think the vibration bothers her either, but she won't ever let me do more than one foot at a time.
hi! I have a Lil kitten and I'm making she used to a nail file, it's working great, until this moment. not even a bite.
Rafael bigBoss that’s amazing! I’ve never tried that
My cat be tryna attack me she too scary but today she end up and got her nail stuck in her mouth for licking too much she was so scared and she panic
I’m looking at this in 2019 lol