Senior Cat Comfort & Care

Let’s use nail trimming as an example. You’ll do sessions of just a few minutes. When your cat is done, you’re done. As they get comfortable, you’ll add steps until you work through the entire process.

The reward can be anything they love — treats, pets, verbal praise, brushing, catnip, play, etc.

Start with handling — squeezing the paw to expose the nails. The lowest intensity is touching the paw with one finger. Do this for just a second, reward, and repeat a few times. Then, touch for a few seconds, reward, and repeat. Then, touch with a few fingers. Then, the whole hand. Next, put your hand under the paw for a second, then a few seconds. Then, give a short squeeze. Then, a longer squeeze. Do each step a few times and reward every calm reaction. Any signs of discomfort (e.g., pulling the paw away) mean that it was too much. Next session, back up and slow down.

Now for the clippers. Let your cat sniff them, reward and repeat. Touch to the paw for a second, then a few seconds.

Now combine them. Give the paw a squeeze and touch with the clipper for a second. Then, a few seconds. Then, squeeze and touch the clippers to 1 nail. Then clip 1 nail. Then 2. And so on.

A few sessions of a few minutes can be all it takes to show your cat an experience isn’t scary — it came with lots of treats and no pressure.