Over the past few days I have been “conditioning” Miss Moppet to let me touch her paws. I stroke them gently as I brush or pat her. At first she pulled away. Eventually she endured it. It was too much for her, though, if I pressed the paw to make the claw come out. Or if I tried to hold her paw.
However little breakthroughs have occurred. Most extraordinary was the time she stretched out her front paws to me, claws extended. They were shaking a little. I dared to snip a tip off one claw but it was nerve wracking. My vivid imagination suggests that she knows I what I want but she can’t bring herself to comply, even though she wishes she could. I have also shown her pretend clips on my own hand so she knows what the clippers are for. And I have stroked her paw tops with the clippers too.
Yes I do imagine all sorts of things when I am in close contact with Miss Moppet. She remains a jumpy, hiding sort of cat, and that is probably who she is and will not change. We must find some middle ground with the claw business because I am worried it is not healthy for her to have such long claws.
She is spending time in her electric cat bed, though with it turned off. It has several heat levels and I think when the cold weather comes she will appreciate it. She spent a little time in the Sherpa carrier too. I leave it in the front window, totally unzipped.
For when she and I are ready, we will go to the vet. Besides claws, I have concern over watery eyes and a rough skin area on her back. The drooling is probably a natural thing.
All in all I think we are getting along just fine.
missmoppets cottage 