Scared of my cats :(

etherize

I have two black cats but I'm not scared of them because they're black, I'm now scared of them because they have claws! :-(

One of them (Buddy) has big, long claws.  He's a real sweetheart but if I'm holding him and he gets startled, he can leap out and leave big scratches.  (I have scars from some).

The other (Peanut) has less lethal claws, but as anyone with cats knows, it's almost impossible to live with them without being scratched sometime.

Ever since my SNB and now ALND I've been afraid they'd scratch me.  I can't let them roll around in my lap, for fear something will startle them and they'll scratch me ... 

I take them outside with a leash and harness, but Peanut gets so nervous/excited about going out that she sometimes nips at me when I'm putting the harness on.  I have to pick them up to bring them inside.  Today I wore a gardening glove and pulled down the sleeve on my shirt to pick up Buddy, but Peanut was too excited and I was too afraid of getting bitten to even get the harness on her.

I won't declaw them, can't clip their nails, and can't afford to pay somebody else to do it.  I also won't let them outside to roam around ... too many dangers with that.

So ... any tips for protecting my arm/hand?

crystalphm

Oh my goodness, I just visited my daughter who has a cat and I found myself just walking past him, afraid for the same reasons.

I would call your vet about this. I remember reading once that cats can take antibiotics now and then, which help reduce the infection/bacteria on their nails. Ask your vet. Explain how important it is to not get a cat scratch.

I also remember that never allowing them outside is best for you...please post the answers when you get them!

christina1961

There are some new tips that can be put on their claws -can't think of the name but they are available at pet stores - one of my relatives uses them so they won't claw her furniture.  I can clip a couple of my cats' claws - I have to do it one or two claws at a time - but also, the vet can do it for you - usually the vet tech actually and they don't charge very much at all - and it lasts a good month or two.  It is also good for the kitty because if they ever scratch at their ears, their back paw claws can break their skin.

Binney4

Etherize, for another line of defense, Kevlar gloves and sleeves are not expensive:
http://www.stepup-speakout.org/How_You_Can_Cope_with_Lymphedema.htm#Special_Needs_Protective_Garments--dog_groomers,_gardeners,_etc._

Not exactly convenient, but not as inconvenient as getting scratched.

Here's a site for the claw covers:
http://www.softpaws.com/
Yikes! They even come in purple!

Be well,
Binney

etherize

Thanks very much for the tips, everybody!  

I'll let you know what works.

I hope you all are doing well! 

NatsFan

I have arm and truncal LE, so I absolutely understand your concern.  I also keep my cat's nails clipped very short. As Christina says, you don't have to clip them all at once - do one a day and soon you'll have them all done. 

Start out gradually too.  We started out by just getting the cat used to having his feet handled - when he's in our laps and we're petting him, we gradually started handling his feet, pressing lightly on the knuckle to pop out the nail so he got used to that sensation.  We keep the clippers on the table next to the couch where we sit, and once he got used to having his feet handled, we put the clippers near the feet - not clipping the nails, but just having the clippers near the feet and opening and closing the blades.  After he got used to that, one day we casually popped out a nail and clipped it, before he even realized what was happening.  Just one.  A few days later we did another one, and he tolerated it.  We've followed this acclamation process with all of our cats (we adopt adult strays so don't get a chance to start them out as kittens) and have had pretty good luck in training them to accept nail clipping. 

Also, don't know if there's a PetSmart near you, but I saw a sign in their grooming place - $15 for a nail clip and ear cleaning.  Maybe you could try something like that or as Christina says, check your vet's prices.

Good luck!

Celtic_Spirit

I have five indoor cats, and I've always kept their claws clipped, even before cancer/lymphedema. Clippers are inexpensive, and if you don't know how to clip a cat's claws, ask a groomer or your veterinarian to show you how.

I've been scratched numerous times (usually during play) on my bad arm and have never had a problem. Immediately after a scratch, I wash the area with soap and water, put some rubbing alcohol on it, and then maybe some Neosporin.

mumito

My advice is exactly what Celtic Spirit does.Especially trimming the claws regularly.I buy the cheap triple antibiotic gel from walmart and use it diligently on any scratch i get.I love my kitty.

kriserts

Yes, I do what Celtic Spirit and Mymayan do. Also 5 indoor cats, and a revolving circus of foster kittens. I was worried at first, but have had no problems.

etherize

Thanks all of you for the great tips.  I do have clippers, and have clipped a couple of Buddy's toenails once or twice ... but it's not something I can do regularly (especially since I'm looking to start chemo soon).

But $15 at PetSmart is a great price.  I'll look for one around here.

And mumayan, thanks for the tip on the cheap triple antibiotic gel from Wal-Mart!  I'll definitely get that!