? Split claws

[Roops]

We've noticed Rupie is beginning to get his claws stuck in towels. The back one especially but it has happened with the front paws. He continues to deal with neuropathy (hocks and elbows?) but we have begun Zobaline. On it about a week now. Upping it to 2 pills a day, morning and night.

Not positive but thinking we see some hope or changes. Walking fasting, not stopping to rest as soon, and walking further. Also trying to jump out of the tub by himself. We usually lift and carry him. He cannot climb stairs, or jump on furniture. But is starting to make the effort. He has the desire.

Is there anything we could give him to help with the split claws. A vitamin, a mineral? We also think the trimming of his nails by the vet's office didn't help. But could be wrong.

Many thanks for you insight and wisdom.

 

[Sharon14]

Do you have something for him to sharpen his claws on? Maybe that would help. Colin loved these cardboard scratchers and he got some exercise using them. He liked the inclined as well as the flat ones. There are also ones made from sisal that he used.
https://www.chewy.com/fat-cat-big-mamas-scratch-n-play-ramp/dp/53532

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

Another option is to keep his claws trimmed so they are not sharp. He is probably catching them and splitting when he is trying to get loose.

 

[CandyH & Catcat]

for what it's worth, most of the implements sold for clipping pet claws, don't work well, have a tendency to split the claws, leave them ragged

better to go to hardware store, get well made small wire clippers/pliers, snip any "crescent moons" shorter, with the clippers held vertically, so you are clipping the direction the claws are thinnest through, snip quickly, may annoy the cat but won't hurt

when claws get too long, it's somewhat uncomfortable for cat to walk, and snagging claws upsets them

another thing cats like to claw, is burlap -- most "cat trees" are covered with carpet, but if you add a layer of burlap on vertical areas, they enjoy shredding it

 

[Roops]

Do you have something for him to sharpen his claws on? Maybe that would help. Colin loved these cardboard scratchers and he got some exercise using them. He liked the inclined as well as the flat ones. There are also ones made from sisal that he used.
https://www.chewy.com/fat-cat-big-mamas-scratch-n-play-ramp/dp/53532

I never thought (should have) that Rupie claws are not being sharpened any more. It makes sense. He doesn't claw furniture like he used to. Neither of our cats use scratching posts. And at this point I don't know if he could use one. Neuropathy. We have tried in the past to introduce a scratching post to both of them but they are uninterested. I think it is something that must be introduced when young. Thank you for your input.

 

[Roops]

for what it's worth, most of the implements sold for clipping pet claws, don't work well, have a tendency to split the claws, leave them ragged

better to go to hardware store, get well made small wire clippers/pliers, snip any "crescent moons" shorter, with the clippers held vertically, so you are clipping the direction the claws are thinnest through, snip quickly, may annoy the cat but won't hurt

when claws get too long, it's somewhat uncomfortable for cat to walk, and snagging claws upsets them

another thing cats like to claw, is burlap -- most "cat trees" are covered with carpet, but if you add a layer of burlap on vertical areas, they enjoy shredding it

We've never had to trim their nails but it might be something we have to do. We were thinking of taking a sand paper or file to them. I'm sure he'd like that a lot.

 

[CandyH & Catcat]

ECID -- I know! but it would take a very calm laid-back somnolent cat to put up with sanding or filing on nails

quick snip is the word, you don't have to take very much off, just enough to turn those needle-claws into blunt ends

I've been known to do just one claw at a time, while cat is sleeping off a good meal -- the dew claws are the most difficult, and usually the sharpest too

some cats do fine with those edge-on cardboard strips or rounds, laid on the floor, if you add catnip and yours respond to that, so much the better

 

[Sharon14]

I never thought (should have) that Rupie claws are not being sharpened any more. It makes sense. He doesn't claw furniture like he used to. Neither of our cats use scratching posts. And at this point I don't know if he could use one. Neuropathy. We have tried in the past to introduce a scratching post to both of them but they are uninterested. I think it is something that must be introduced when young. Thank you for your input.

Colin had neuropathy too. The scratchers that lie flat or as a ramp are easier for them to use as they don’t have to stand on their hind legs. I’d put catnip on them and he’d scratch away. I thought the exercise was good for him since he didn’t move around much like he used to. Colin had never used a scratching post before either.

 

[Roops]

ECID -- I know! but it would take a very calm laid-back somnolent cat to put up with sanding or filing on nails

quick snip is the word, you don't have to take very much off, just enough to turn those needle-claws into blunt ends

I've been known to do just one claw at a time, while cat is sleeping off a good meal -- the dew claws are the most difficult, and usually the sharpest too

some cats do fine with those edge-on cardboard strips or rounds, laid on the floor, if you add catnip and yours respond to that, so much the better

Thank you, I will try it. Rupie is a docile boy. Not so our other ginger. We call him, Sir Nips a lot. I will try catnip. Make the experience an enjoyable one.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

I use the large nail clippers and never have a problem trimming them, even the back claws that are usually thicker. Unless they are very overgrown, I just cut off enough to make the tips blunt.

 

[Roops]

I use the large nail clippers and never have a problem trimming them, even the back claws that are usually thicker. Unless they are very overgrown, I just cut off enough to make the tips blunt.

I think we will be trying to clip them. I was looking at nails this morning and was tempted to take a file to them. We will also try a scratching post again.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

I think we will be trying to clip them. I was looking at nails this morning and was tempted to take a file to them. We will also try a scratching post again.

I think you will find it easier to clip them instead of filing them. Most cats don't have enough patience to stay still very long and may not like the feeling of the file on their nails. Using the low carb treat reward will also work for them letting you trim their nails.