Cuddles Was Not So Cuddly

After making several unsuccessful attempts at trimming Cuddles nails myself, I finally broke down and made an appointment with the vet. His assistants actually do it and it costs $13.

I have to admit I thought the vet would have some secret way of doing it and things would be easier. I mean they are professionals who deal with animals all day, right. Boy was I ever wrong.

Cuddles put up quite the fight. I heard noises out of her that I had never heard before (like the screaming cats make in a fight). Reinforcements were called in to hold Cuddles down. Cuddles did not appreciate this and she quickly scratched the girls hand. Bright crimson blood was dripping on the shiny metal table. I felt bad for the girl. Then Cuddles backed herself into a corner and wouldn't let anyone touch her. She would even swipe and hiss at me. Finally the girls said they didn't think it was a good idea to continue as they were obviously stressing Cuddles out. I think the real reason was more for their own safety than for Cuddles. I don't blame them.

I think part of the problem was that the girls were not expecting such a fight and so were not prepared for it. And I don't think the Vet's office does much nail trimming. Most people just get their cat declawed or have out door cats.

I am reserving the right in the future to declaw Cuddles, but I really want to do everything before considering it. When they declaw a cat they have to cut away bone as well. It is likened unto cutting off a humans finger at the first knuckle. Ouch, can you imagine. It does not seem very humane. I truly want declawing to be a last resort.