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Ask the Vet: Cats, clipping nails and grooming
I asked on Facebook if anyone had any questions. Dee asked this question:
Cat question…is there a safe way to medicate so they can be groomed. Nails etc.
Seeing as though this dealt with medication and grooming, I decided to ask Dr. Casey of McDowell Mountain Animal Hospital. Within an hour I had a response.
First, they need to have an exam with a vet to make sure that they are 1. healthy enough for sedation and 2. have no other medical problems that would make them sensitive to stressful situations- diabetes, heart disease, thyroid issues, anemia. . .
Next, there are multiple options depending on the level of stress/pain. 1. Mild sedatives (usually oral)- these are the first level and can be effective in simply grouchy kitties- tablets are usually given orally 30-45 minutes before an appointment and will usually last 8-12 hours. These cats are still awake the whole time, just a bit foggy. 2. Injections (these need to be given by a vet and the grooming supervised be a tech or vet – we do this all the time to minimize stress)- these are usually good for healthy adults who come un-glued- hissy, biting and dangerous to themselves and the groomer, they are reversible and usually completely out of the system in 6-8 hours. These cats are mostly asleep- but can be roused with strong stimulation. 3. Inhaled anesthetics- we use these for feral animals or painful animals (like matted cats- the grooming can actually be quite painful if the mats are in contact with the skin)- this is equivalent to “twilight” anesthesia- kitties are fully asleep. The medication is inhaled and then exhaled and usually are out of the system in 30 minutes.
Most of these things need supervision- but oral medications are usually tried first. Some kitties are just grouchy about being handled- I might be if I was a cat:) I tried to start my male cat as a kitten with nail trimmers- it just never worked and now it takes two of us to do it at the hospital – he still doesn’t need medication, but he sure tells me about it:)
- Dr. Caroline “Casey” Magargle
Owner/DVM
Might I suggest that you pop in and check out her place? Go on in for a get aquainted visit. I am sure that her and her staff’s bedside manor and ability to hold your hand thoughout everything will impress you. Her and her staff sure did impress me and Rocco!
Dr. Casey  McDowell Mountain Animal Hospital 480.419.6300
Great Post, thanks for the great Post. I will come back soon ! Great tips also : stop biting fingernails
We have a 6 month old kitten and trying to clip her nails is almost impossible; she claws and hisses. I have heard about an herbal spray called pheromone. do you know if this is worth a try? If this doesn’t work, what would be our next best options?
Thanks,
Jack
Hi Jack
Some kitties are jut born feisty!! That just means that they are survivors
The pheromone spray that you had mentioned is most likely Feliway (this is a brand name). Feliway is a calming pheromone that mimics the odor of face marking (you see your kitty rubbing her face on stuff- this can be affectionate, but mostly she is claiming that item as hers 
This scent can be calming, but most likely will not be strong enough to trim her nails. There is also an oral holistic formula called Rescue Remedy (brand name). This is a Back Flower extract that could help, but again, has very mild effects. If these don’t seem to work out, try doing one nail at a time when she is all loved up on the couch – all the nails at once can be too much for a kitty. The next step would be going to a groomer or a vet for a nail trim- sometimes, just being out of your home can make kitty less confident and she may allow a stranger to trim her nails without any need for medications!
Dr. Casey
McDowell Mountain Animal Hospital
480-419-6300
Dr. Magargle,
It is SO NICE to have you help us out. Thanks for your quick reply (in less than 24hrs!)!!!!
Jack, I have used the product that Dr. Magargle recommends and endorse it as well. You can get it at any whole foods health store like Wild Oats or Sprouts
Thanks for your comments!
Bella
appreciate for sharing these tips