What can I do to make it easier to trim my cats'claws?

My cat used to always be a fight as well. Back when I was single, I typically had to pick her up, sit down on the couch with a gap between me and the armrest just wide enough for her, and drop her in that gap on her back with her facing the back of the couch. That way, I could use my elbow to pin her down and still have access to her back feet (she is front-declawed). Now that I have someone else in the house, One of us cradles the cat like a baby while the other clips the claws.

Another option would be Claw Caps. They are basically press-on nails that keep the cat from scratching, and typically last about 5 weeks before you have to replace them. Eventually, you still have to trim the claws, but it becomes infrequent enough that you can make that part of a normal vet visit.

I talk to mine as I do it, make sure I'm not clutching them in the wrong position (no pain for them) and give them a pat as I release them, then open a can of cat food to get their mind off of it.

My cat is an outdoor type , so she deals with it herself .

THAT IS WRONG AND SHOULD NEVER BE DONE!!! Read about how wrong it is ...!

How often are you trimming? This should be done (check and trim as needed) weekly or every other week. I've only had one cat that took me two days to trim his nails! The rest I can do within 5 mins or less.

First handle the cat's feet without the clippers as much as you can when you are petting or playing with the cat. Try wrapping the cat up in a large towel and do one foot or even one or two claws. Stop and pet the cat and give a treat. Continue this until all four feet are done. Even if you do two paws one day and the other two paws the next day.

Watch this video on trimming cat's nails. I do not believe in waiting till the cat is sleepy to trim nails.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAkrqbILQhE

You need two people and a large bath towel. One person uses the towel to put the cat in a kitty burrito, the other trims. And you do it fast without hesitation, if you need to only one paw or even one nail at a time. Don't fart around saying, "Nice kitty, nice kitty pet pet pet"because it just winds them up. Wrap, trim what you can, then release.

Well, if you can get it done yourself, then do it. Your cats will be a bit unnerved for a while afterward, but i'm sure they don't hate you.

We have had cats in the house all my life (60 years).

Often more than one.

Some have lived more than 20 years.

Never needed to trim their claws.

One of the easiest ways I've learned to trim them myself is...a process. It really is, but worth the effort. My husband read that simply touching their paws a few times a day then treating them after builds trust, as cats HATE their paws being touched, period. Do this for a few weeks to get them used to your touch and get them expecting a treat after for being calm and good.

Once they've accepted paws being touched and handled, you can then try to trim the claws. I do the side-by-side method; I never look them in the eye or tower over them with my body, but I sit next to them, grab a paw, gently press the pad down to expose the claw, and go to town. It helps if they are sleepy (like just woke up from a nap or just going down for one) and also if you are quick with the trimmers.

Sometimes, they get squirrely and my hubby has to hold them, but most times, I just get in, out, done within a minute and everyone is happy, treats afterwards, no shredding.

If you cannot get their trust with holding their paws, many groomers and vets will be willing to do this for $5-$10 every 6-8 weeks or as needed.

Get it done at a vet,my cat makes no fuss at the vet, but will not let any of the family get near him, a vet knows how to do it.

That was supposed to say declawed, not declared.