How to Clip Your Cat's Toenails - One at a Time!

Several months ago, my husband and I became the proud parents of a lovely Siamese Cat, named Baby. She is a chocolate seal point with soft blue eyes. Baby can be very affectionate and loving when she chooses to be so, but Baby also has a will of iron.

Shortly after we got our cat, we discovered that she was in dire need of a toenail clipping. I had clipped toenails on our dog without much difficulty and I figured it wouldn't be much different with a cat. I was so wrong! For one thing, I was quickly reminded that cats use their claws to defend themselves against anything or anyone who poses a threat. That includes me approaching her with toenail clippers in hand.

After several attempts at nail clipping, and since the cat was fairly new to our home, I opted to take her to the vet for a thorough clipping. I was told it took two people to contain Baby in order to get those nails clipped. I breathed a sigh of relief, paid the $16 and was happy that I didn't have to participate in that battle!

My husband and I talked about it and wondered how often those nails would require clipping. We agreed that if it was only an occasional thing, it would be worth the $16 each time. However, in about 5-6 weeks time, we found that Baby needed another toenail clipping. This could get expensive in a hurry, so I decided it is time to win this battle of clipping her toenails.

I approached her, clippers in hand, and stroked her little head. Her blue eyes turned dark brown as her pupils dilated. Her ears were pulled back and she took on a fierce, wild look. From somewhere deep inside my pretty little cat, there came a low rumbling sound. That will of iron was present in an instant and Baby was ready to show me that she is the boss of her toenails and not me!

So the battle began and I knew this was one battle I could not lose. I determined that she would not pull away from my grip and run to another room. I determined that she would sit in my lap and allow me to clip at least ONE toenail. Baby hissed and attempted to bite me. I pulled her up eyeball to eyeball and pointed my finger in her little face, saying "No!" firmly yet as lovingly as possible under the circumstances. She flinched . . . she actually backed down just a little, so I again took her paw, pressed it to expose those dangerous claws and touched it with the nail clipper. Again, she hissed and bit at me. Again, I repeated the same procedure and resolved in my heart of hearts that Baby would not win this battle. Finally after about 10 minutes of this same procedure, I actually clipped one toenail. Baby and I were both exhausted!

I had her favorite bag of kitty treats nearby and gave her several pieces, stroking her head and telling her how good she is. She ate the treats and then I allowed her to get down and go about her business.

I don't know if this is really a true victory, but I feel like I won this round. Maybe tomorrow I will try it again and maybe tomorrow I will get at least one more toenail clipped. The main thing is I suffered no loss of blood in the process and my cat still adores me! She didn't get all huffy and refuse to be friends. She submitted just slightly and now I feel like I am in control of my little Baby. Of course, I'm sure she has other ideas about it, but that is better left for another day.