Is it safe to trim my 6 week old kitten's claws?

Question

I have a two year old female cat in the house, not the mom of the 6 week old male kitten that I have just adopted. His claws are long and very sharp, is it safe to clip them, and will I be leaving him defenseless against the older female.She currently hisses at him, and has not accepted him into the household. It has only been two days.

Answer 1

it takes a while for cats to get used to each other. the king of our household (ironically named Kitty lol) doesnt like when other cats "invade his house," but he eventually gets used to them and makes friends. and if you do clip your kittens nails, you'll see a kinda dark part called the quick. DO NOT clip near the quick, otherwise you might accidentally cut it and make your cat bleed. it can also be extremely hard to hold a cat still, so it might be a better idea to take him to the vet. they can do it for you. btw, what r your cats' names? i have 3 cats named Smoki (female), Kitty (male), and Frosty (male)  :D

Answer 2

You answered your own question, a 6wk old kitten really has no defense against 2year old unfriendly cat, but you will leave it totally defenseless if you trim it's claws. I have a situation similar to yours. We have a year and 1/2 old male cat and a new 6wk old kitty. both of their nails were long and sharp after 3wks they were like long-lost buddies. But, nevertheless we had the kitty and my older cats nails trimmed at the vets good luck

Answer 3

The question becomes not so much is it safe, as to whether you can do it to a squirming kitten who will have almost transparent claws.  And, yes, they are like little needles.

Use a clipper that is specific for cats, and just take off the very sharp tip.  Better to error on the side of caution than risk clipping off too much.

Your female is hissing at him because he is new.  Time will heal that.  Hopefully, your six week kitten was not separated from his mother at six weeks, as that poses some potential problems, as he will not have been taught everything he needs. But it happens.

Answer 4

I'd let him adapt a bit more to both you and the other cat before trying to trim his claws. Those sharp talons could come in handy if the other cat takes a swing at him!

Answer 5

The first thing the vet did when I took my 2 month old kitten in for shots was to trim down the front claws.  In this case I think I would trim the front claws of both cats.  Remember to hold the claw up to a light to make sure you do not cut the blood vessel in the nail.  Both will need a little time to get use to each other.  My kitten still has reactions from the older cats after a month.  The little ones are so full of energy that they drive the older ones nuts.

Answer 6

No your cat could get a serios infection or worse! That is what happened to my friends cat but there was no hope

Answer 7

Two days is nothing - so don't be alarmed.  It may take a couple of weeks until all is well between them.  And the sooner you start trimming those little claws the better.  Getting him used to it now (and providing him with appropriate scratching things) is the best thing you can do.  Just trim them, a couple at a time, when he's all tired out.  And be careful of course, since their claws are so little.  Just take off a bit at a time to avoid cutting too closely.