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    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #1

    May 8, 2010, 02:30 PM
    How Short Should the Claws of House Cats Be Clipped?
    Hi, All!

    I've been doing it to my cats for many years. Haven't really given all that much thought to it, other than making it easier for them to move around on fabric or carpet and so that their claws aren't cut to the quick.

    What might be some guidelines as far as the length to which to clip their claws, please?

    I know that I could look this up on Google. However, it's much better getting the "live" advice here in order to help enrich the site!

    Thanks!
    Sariss's Avatar
    Sariss Posts: 1,471, Reputation: 244
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    #2

    May 8, 2010, 03:46 PM

    There really are no guidelines. Generally, as short as you can get them without hitting the quick.
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #3

    May 8, 2010, 04:01 PM
    Hi, Sariss!

    I just clipped my cat's claws about an hour ago. This time, I did it quickly without being concerned so much about the length. At least I got all of the points clipped off and completed all four paws without him getting too squirmy!

    Thanks!
    Sariss's Avatar
    Sariss Posts: 1,471, Reputation: 244
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    #4

    May 8, 2010, 04:17 PM

    All you really need is to take the pointy tips off, and ensure that you do the dewclaw!
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #5

    May 8, 2010, 04:22 PM
    I did all of them including the dewclaw!
    hheath541's Avatar
    hheath541 Posts: 2,762, Reputation: 584
    Experts
     
    #6

    May 8, 2010, 05:22 PM

    Yep, the only thing that really matters is that you don't hit the nerve. Other than that, you can cut them as long or short as you want/need to.
    Clough's Avatar
    Clough Posts: 26,677, Reputation: 1649
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    #7

    May 8, 2010, 09:08 PM
    I used to want to cut as much as I could without doing any harm to the cat. However, being so picky made the process take longer and was making the cat very uncomfortable.

    Using speed and not being so picky has seemed to really help!

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