Old Cat/Claws

Hi
My cats about 15 now, & still in good health, except.... when she claws
something, usually my shirt or the carpet, she seems to get 'stuck'. Not
distressed or anything just takes 30 seconds to get loose.

Is this a symptom of old age?

Martin

On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:14:18 +0100, Martin wrote:


Usually it's a symptom of claws that need clipping and/or filing. When
they get too long, they curl back toward the foot like a hook - this can
be difficult for a cat to release. The best way to release a hooked claw
is to lift the foot in the direction the toes point so that the claw comes
unhooked - the cat will try to pull back instead of pushing forward as it
should.

--

T.E.D. ([Registered users can see links. ]) MST (Missouri University of Science and Technology)
used to be UMR (University of Missouri - Rolla).

"Martin" <[Registered users can see links. ]> wrote in message

My cat is only 3 1/2 years old, but once a month when I notice her claws
getting stuck in things (usually my pants leg), I know it's time to trim her
claws.

Most difficult experience with her claws was when she hopped up on my
shoulder once and got her claws stuck. I had to take my shirt of with a 13
pound, yowling, struggling cat attached to it so I could get her free. After
that, I started paying particular attention to "sticking claws" and making
sure they were trimmed at the first opportunity.

On Sep 14, 5:14*pm, "Martin" <[Registered users can see links. ]> wrote:

lol...no, it's a symptom of long sharp claws.

That happens to my cat every once in awhile also.

One time she got caught on a carpeted mat after she stretched
to lick her hind leg.
She kept trying to walk, but she couldn't because she was stuck to
the mat like a fly in fly paper.

"Martin" <[Registered users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Registered users can see links. ]...
It's not really a symptom of old age. However, feeling too stiff to groom
the claws oneself *is* a sympton of old age! You need to get into a regular
routine with her so that you can clip her claws without her minding too
much.

Look closely at her claws and you will see the 'quick' or live internal part
of the claw, with the dead claw material extended beyond it. It is this
dead material that you need to cut back. *Do not* cut into the quick. If
you aren't sure what to do, ask your vet or a knowledgeable friend to show
you. The snip is easy - it's the squirming, cussing cat that is sometimes a
problem!

Since your cat is beginning to feel her age, and having grooming
difficulties, get into a grooming routine with her too. If you've never
brushed her before, she may attack or play with the brush. Use the playing
to encourage her to enjoy being brushed. My cats love it, even though
they're not that old. It will be a great help to her.

It may be worth mentioning to your vet that she's a wee bit stiff now. It
may be that your cat has a touch of arthritis. Your cat won't tell you, but
she may even be suffering some discomfort. This is the time when you
*really* start looking after your cat.

Spider

"Martin" <[Registered users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Registered users can see links. ]...
Yes. - I am 73, and I also frequently get stuck........