Hi, so this isn't really about Bengals in particular, but some of you may have experience with older cats. My parents own a cat who has gotten so old she can't retract her claws anymore. She is constantly getting them stuck on things and I think it is seriously reducing her quality of life. I would like to clip them shorter, but she is not very trusting of humans and meows constantly if I hold her. I would get the vet to do it, but car trips are just as stressful to her as being held.

I'm so worried I will hurt her accidentally... she seems really fragile.
What is the least stressful way I can restrain her? Or should I take a chance and take her to the vet? Can old cats die from stress?

Thanks

Stress can affect a kitty's health. You might want to try nail tips, which only last 4 to 6 weeks as the claw grows out. I think you can find them all over the internet. Some are called "soft paws." Even my kitty gets his claws stuck into his favorite blanket that I've put on the bed, but he is able to get out of it. You might want to find fabrics that won't catch the claws. Clipping them is an option and some cats tolerate it better than others. An older cat certainly does not need any additional stress. Getting old is stressful enough (believe me, I know that as I'm getting quite old).

It's so wonderful that you are concerned over this cat's well being. I know you'll find a solution.

Catch her when she is sleepy and just do a couple of claws at a time, no need to hold her.

Soft Paws would be a lot more trouble as you have to clip the claws first then glue them on!

Make sure you only take the tips off, as if you cut too far down it is very painful and will bleed.

Good luck!


Heather

We had to clip our old ginger tom's claws more frequently once he lost the ability to retract them. Yes, it annoyed him, but so did catching everything in his claws. he would even glare at us as if we had made him do it. Ultimately, they are happier with them shorter once they can't pull them in.

It can help for two of you to do it. My husband would pick him up, lay him on his back on his lap and hold each leg out for me in turn to do the clipping. If the cat struggles a lot, try wraping him in a towle and bring each leg out at a time. Sure, it made him disgruntled but it was all over in a minute.

Good luck!

One of our old cats, Boomer, made it to 23.5! He used to just lie on the floor or armchair / sofa, and let me cut his claws using normal nail clippers - I only ever took the points off the ends, 1-2 mm max - nothing more. He was happy to have this every few weeks for several years leading up to his long sleep. I found clippers easier to control than the cat claw trimmers!

There is no reason to worry - As long as you are slow and gentle, he/she will accept you doing it as he cannot wear them down him/herself any more!