I inflicted a minor injury on Cammie this week. I cut one of her claws too short.
I brought her into the bathroom - upon which action she knew something she wouldn’t like was about to take place - and started trimming her claws. She didn’t approve of this in the slightest, but allowed me to proceed - slowly. I would have to stop every couple of claws and reassure her. But at one of the claws, she jerked her foot at the moment I clipped and I cut too much off.
Cammie let out a cry and I knew I’d done something wrong. The claw bled freely for a few minutes, then the flow diminished and stopped. I comforted the princess as much as possible and, great-hearted creature that she is, she forgave me my misstep and spent about twenty minutes purring on my chest.
The next morning, the claw was bleeding again. I determined to take Cammie to the veterinarian hospital if her toe was in the same condition a couple of hours later. I returned home at mid-morning to find that the blood had ceased to flow. I suspect that she had opened up the wound during the very early morning, perhaps while cleaning it. I consulted with others who know much more about cats than I and decided that though Cammie was probably feeling pain, it was not serious enough an injury to take her to a doctor.
I know that trimming claws too short occurs now and then, but I was anxious about infection or possible permanent mutilation of the claw. My mind is more at ease about these possibilities now, though I still try to convey to Cammie how regretful I am for my action.
The princess will probably be even more wary of having her claws cut in the future. But, to her credit, she allowed me to examine the damaged digit without too much fuss; its claw was not abbreviated as much as I had feared. I suspect I will be able to continue to trim her nails in due course. She is a blustery, crotchety lady at times, but when it comes down to it, she is forgiving and trusting. And she may know that that particular claw won’t need cutting for a long while anyway.
If it happens again, you could put a little corn starch or even flour on the nail to help staunch the blood flow. http://princetonvet.net/stop-nail-bleeding/
ReplyDeleteI'd heard about corn starch; flour I definitely have in stock. Thank you!
DeleteOH sweet Cammie you are a darling girl and so forgiving.
ReplyDeleteFYI going through some life changes and just not sure what my future holds for me or where I may be living.
We're glad Cammie didn't need a stressful visit to the vet. Will the clinic techs or vets answer questions over the phone? If so, sometimes a quick call is all you need, even just for reassurance. Especially if you've been a long-time patient (the cats, I mean). I know when we were sorting out Nicki's asthma meds, I called/emailed the vet quite a bit, in a panic about one thing or another or just to ask a question. They were great, and I always told them I didn't expect Dr B to do that via the phone or email for nothing, but they never charged me extra. (They charge enough as it is. LOL.)
ReplyDeleteMy veterinary hospital will answer inquiries over the telephone, though it may take a couple of reminders, so a quick call will probably not bring results but otherwise they are helpful in that way. They also have an emergency service, with a doctor on call.
DeletePoor Cammie! But, I'm sure the accident hurt you more than Cammie. I think everyone who clips their cat's nails has occasionally cut a nail a little too short. But the good news is that the injury will usually heal without a problem, and lucky for us, our cats will eventually forgive us.
ReplyDeletemost of us don't mind our toes trimmed. don't worry - accidents do happen. be glad she isn't like Ivy - she's a screamer
ReplyDeleteCammie; we all are sorry, but we also know your dad didn't mean to do that, and he's right....that particular nail wont need attention for a long while yet ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteDarn it! I have the same problem with Mazie. It never fails that I nip one too short about ever other time and I feel horrible but she jerks her paws too.
ReplyDeleteForgiving and trusting, that's our Cammie.
ReplyDeleteI think she could tell by your touch and the emotions conveyed through the touch that you ment to love and comfort her. That's why she let you check her injured nail. Cats often understand our touch better than our words especially when they're upset. Give her a kiss from me , please.
Oh my poor Cammie. She seems to have forgiven you. I am sure it will be fine. Jessie never let me clip her claws and this meant many trips to the vet to have this done. Cammie certainly seems more patient with you. My poor Holly does not have front paw claws🙁 So I haven't had this challenge.
ReplyDeleteI am always sorry for declawed cats, but I am glad Holly is safe with you now.
DeleteMany years ago, I did the same thing to Silver and I've been too frightened to try clipping the cats claws since. I make certain they have lots of scratchers to use and hope that is sufficient. Probably not the most appropriate reaction but I just can't bring myself to try it again.
ReplyDeleteCammie knows how much you care about her...all is forgiven.
Happy Tabby Cat Day :) Glad you stopped by so we could come honor three of our favorite fellow Tabbies! Tucker, Josie and Angel Tungsten :). If you ever find time on your hands, you might pop over to the Tabby Cat Club, you can join and never have to post!
ReplyDeleteHaving seven dwarfs here we forego he trimming. Too much for too many who are too touchy to touch.
ReplyDeleteGlad Cammie is back to almost better