September 9, 2009

Hello! I want to begin this "Conversations with Obie" column by asking you a question. 98% of cat owners do "this." What is "this?" The answer will be at the end of my column.

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I've had several readers of my column ask me about transportation to and from veterinary visits for people who do not have a car of their own. I can sympathize with them about this situation. When you are unable to get to the vet, it can be scary, because you want to do what is best for your kitty. My suggestion would be to contact a pet-sitting service, such as Pet Nana in Salem, and talk to them. Many pet-sitting services will provide transportation to a vet's office for a small fee, allowing pet owners without cars to still care for the health of their beloved animals!

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Another question I receive concerns trimming cat claws. I've heard all the jokes that surround cat claw trimming, about wearing a suit of armor or having blood ready for a transfusion after the cat claws you to shreds, but in most cases a cat owner can trim his cat's claws without incident. The key is preparation.

It is best to start the process when your cat is young. The earlier you start trimming your cat's claws, the more the cat will view the procedure as simply part of the normal routine, and won't react with stress and fear. Have your vet show you the proper procedure the first time, and then you will know what to do.

Be careful when trimming your cat's claws that you don't get into the area known as the "quick." This is the pinkish area in the center of the claw where the nerves and blood supply for the nail are located. Cutting into this area will cause pain and bleeding.

Make sure you use the correct instruments! Have your vet show you the proper tools. Human nail trimmers are more likely to cause cracking and breaking of the claw, so please do not use those! When trimming, avoid clipping too much of the nail. A good rule of thumb is to clip the claw so that it is even with the paw pad.

When clipping the nails, have someone help you hold the kitty so you can concentrate on the claws. If your cat is not used to having its nails trimmed, be prepared for him to squirm and try to fight you. Hold the kitty firmly but be careful not to hurt him. Gently squeeze down on the paw so that the toes flex and the claw is exposed. Again, make sure you do not cut into the quick!

If you happen to cut into the quick, stop the trimming and place silver nitrate on the nail. Your vet can provide you with silver nitrate or tell you where you can purchase it. Flour or corn starch will also work. If the bleeding does not stop, contact your vet.

Sometimes, a kitty will be so upset at this alteration from its normal routine that it will become very stressed. My sister, Meeshka, absolutely hates having her nails trimmed, and she will fight so vigorously that my humans will let her go to end her stress. What my humans have done as a compromise is to make an appointment every three weeks at the vet to have our nails trimmed. While we are getting our pedicure, the vet also does a quick check of our teeth, ears and listens to our hearts. We also get weighed, and my humans can ask the vet any questions they might have about our health or about specific concerns. The cost is minimal, and regular visits with the vet might help spot a health issue before it becomes a problem.

I have had people ask about the newer rotary nail grinders, and whether they work. It all depends on your cat. Some cats will sit quietly while you grind their nails, and others will be scared of the sound and will fight to escape. Introducing the rotary trimmer slowly is the best way for your cat to become familiar with it.

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So what is it that 98% of cat owners do? They kiss their cats! Isn't that a great statistic? And I'll bet the other 2% kiss their cats, also, but don't want to admit it! Personally, I love my noggin kisses!

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I hope you all had a great Labor Day holiday!
Your friend,
Obie