Keep the Claws

I've been wanting to write this post for a while now.  I'm actually surprised at my thoughts on the subject.  When you get a new kitten - Keep the claws!

We have had 6 different cats over the years and with our first four, we had them all declawed in the front.  Everyone did it and it just seemed like the right thing to do for indoor cats.  The methods improved over the years with laser removal, but when we got Mr. Mittens last year it was suddenly hard to find vets that would declaw kittens.  And the vets that would declaw were very expensive.

We opted to give his claws a chance and let Mr. Mittens keep his claws.  I was determined to keep them trimmed short and see if he would be okay around our furniture and be nice to the kids.  I wrap him in a soft blanket and do one paw at a time.  He didn't love it, but he's learned the drill and is a mostly happy client now.  I count the claws as I cut them so that I can make sure I end up with 18 claws trimmed.  It's quick and easy and I do both cats back to back to stay on the same schedule.

My sister recommended this pair of nail trimmers.  They were so affordable and are working perfectly almost 2 years later.  H&H Pets Cat Nail Trimmer

We joke that Pumpkin forgets he has claws and teeth because he's such a sweet guy.  He never wants to hurt anyone.  We see his claws, but he rarely uses them.

He's getting fluffier every week so I'm going to have to look into a fur trimmer set.  This one is on my radar for it's price and great reviews.  I think it would be perfect for his fluffy fur to keep it manageable.  He has trouble landing safely when he jumps since his paw pads can't grip the floor with all that fur.

Cat Grooming Clipper Kit - I love all of the trimmer accessories.

We have a cat tree and some cardboard scratch mats that they use often to sharpen your claws.  They rarely sharpen them on furniture.  And if I keep them trimmed short, they don't get snagged on our clothes or on curtains/bedding.  I try to cut their claws twice a month.

So if you find yourself trying to decide - claws or no claws - I'm here to tell you cats with claws are perfectly manageable!  Just buy some good claw clippers for about $6 an you'll be set.  Let me know if you have any questions!