You can keep your kitten's claws in tip top condition with a minimum of trouble and expense. The best advice is to start this nail care when the kitten is very young and relatively easy to manage. If we waited until our Ragdoll cats were 15 pounds or more to begin nail care, it would be a daunting task. The only item you need is a good nail clipper. Smaller is better as you have much more control. The pocket folding type is best. You need only clip the very tippity-tip of the claw to blunt it (refer to Figure 1). You do NOT have to remove one-third or one-half of the length of the claw to be effective. You are not declawing your kitten. You are just blunting the needle-like points of its claws.
Figure 1.
Place the kitten on a well-lit sturdy surface (Figure 2); the paw gently between your thumb and forefinger and apply GENTLE pressure to spread and extend each individual claw. Then take the nail clipper and "nip" the end of the nail. Praise your kitten--rub and scratch its head after each claw is cut. Repeat until all claws are done. At first it may feel awkward. (Remember your first attempt driving a car?) Once you have a little practice, both you and kitty will learn to enjoy this simple grooming task. Repeat this procedure twice monthly
Figure 2.
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