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“After scolding one’s cat, one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference.” ~Charlotte Grey~
This is Bella, NOT amused…This morning it was time to clip the girls’ nails and if you have ever successfully tried this, then you know only the most patient cat will willingly put up with it. I used to be a pet-groomer and I know I had some pretty mad skills when it came to grooming any type of dog. Poodles with their pom-pom’s? No problem. Cleaning up a matted Old English Sheepdog? Yep, part of the service. But when a cat “owner” and we all know cats own us, I would put on the heavy artillery. The minute they even saw a comb without it touching them, it would have a well…hissy fit! I can’t say that I blame them at all, though. I know I hate to be prodded, primped and touched when I’m in a bad mood. I want to either scratch some one or hide under the covers. Observe, Miss Bella attempting to hide while shooting her mom, an-oh-so-dirty look!
I sometimes refer to Miss Bella as “The Dragon Lady” when her nails grow too long and she starts with the attitude. Even though I know how to quickly clip her nails with out drawing blood, she gets SO mad at me. Sele, her sister, doesn’t like getting her nails clipped, but she’s the type of kitty who just couldn’t even think of scratching or biting. She’d probably feel too guilty for even imagining it! I lovingly refer to them as “Sele, the Sweet” and “Bella, the Bit–” (use your imagination what those two letters are…)
Bella and Sele have an “aunt” and “uncle” who always help me with this joyous task of trimming the nails. We usually take on Bella first to get it over with. Alex, (the uncle) holds Bella while I hold Bella’s paw and press down lightly on it, this helps to extend the nails for clipping. Surprisingly enough, Bella, didn’t put up a fuss at all! No sooner had Alex turned around to say to Lupita (their aunt) how surprised he was that Bella was so cooperative, she struck out at him while his back was turned. She missed him, but her intent was clear. I wish I had a video of her batting him. He turned around and was so surprised and then we all started laughing so hard. “Miss” Bella was sitting on the table, where we perform the operation and was doing her best imitation of a pissed-off lion. I love how some cats make NO apology for the way they’re feeling and you just better put up with it. I think I need to cultivate some of that honesty when I’m not in the mood to be fussed with. Sele as usual made a little meow and quickly forgave everyone.
While I was writing this post, the diva herself graced me with her presence and came out from the covers and went to her little bed, smiling at me, (when cats slowly blink at you, that means they’re happy and are showing their satisfaction with you). So, all’s well, that ends well. Next month will be the next adventure in grooming 101.
“A dog will flatter you but you have to flatter the cat.” ~George Mikes~
© 2010 – 2011, Wendy S.. All rights reserved.
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I’ve never been brave enough to attempt to clip Her Royal Highness’s nails. I bought her a huge cat tree instead and she uses that as her scratching post.
I didn’t even know there were brave souls who clipped cat’s nails. You’re a brave, brave woman!
I think this post is a pretty good example of why I am a dog person!
A coworker once told me a story about how his girlfriend somehow got it into her head that their cat wasn’t clean enough, and nagged him until he agreed to wash the (adult and previously unwashed) cat. Blood, pain, and a slashed arm later, he declared that if she wanted the cat washed, she could do it herself.
Henceforth, the cat remained unwashed. I think everyone was the happier for it!
Debra, I have three post scratchers, but their nails still grow too long! Believe me, I wouldn’t cut MY royal higness’ nails if I didn’t have to.
Lyn, I bet if you had a kitty you’d be a lion-tamer and just buckle down and do it…If you know what you’re doing, you don’t get scratched…that bad at least
Ummm, D.R., actaully I should have pointed out, that unlike DOGS, cats are self-grooming creatures, thereby making them cleaner. And I also got bit more by dogs than cats, lol…Cats just don’t like being bothered, sound familiar?