I regularly trim the nails of my cats with some special scissors just for that job.  A couple of the cats won't let me but I take them to the vet every few weeks to have it done there.  The best time is a little bit after they've eaten and are sleepy. Just trimming them to reduce the sting of being clawed but not enough that they can't defend themselves (although all of my cats are completely inside cats).

I have heard of "claw caps".  But since he still is mainly an outdoor cat, I hesitate to consider it.  I also hesitate to consider cutting his claws.  Wouldn't that impair his ability to climb if he had to get away from another animal?

Nomad spends most of his days outside.  He comes in to eat and sometimes rest.  When he's not resting, he's inquisitive about everything in the house.  He likes to climb on anything that will give him a better vantage point - including bookcases, shower curtains and kitchen counters.

I never feel he is aggressive when he goes after the other cats [or myself].  I believe he only wants to play - but, he doesn't know how to.  His claws come out every time.  Nik and Venus just run away from him and hide where Nomad can't get at them.

If I can get him more comfortable inside, then maybe I'll look into the caps for claws.  Thanks for the suggestion.

My vet said there are things called "claw caps". Small plastic caps that attach firmly to the catclaws and last for up to 8 weeks. There apparently is a website with information about them. It is considered a far more humane option to declawing. Good luck.

I have not trimmed any cat's claws.  I don't know how to do it and I'm afraid if I try, I will hurt him.  I've not had any problem with Venus or Nik.  Nomad still doesn't totally trust me when I get close to him.  The only part of his body I can rub is his neck.  Although he did let me rub his tummy once - only once.

I will try the "game" of swatting Nomad playfully.  Maybe that will help.  In the meantime I will find information about trimming claws.  Thanks!

Cat scratches are nothing to sneeze at - they can be very dangerous.  The cat is the only domesticated animal with "cupped" claws that can hold all kinds of nasty things - they did for various reasons and we know the primary reason, don't we?

If you have difficulty or, like me, don't want to take a chance on getting scratched or bitten when trimming the claws, you might be able to get an "Ace" pill from your vet.  Put the recommended amount in canned food so he will eat it then make sure he is in a secure place so when he goes to sleep you can easily find him.  Then you can trim the claws and the nap won't hurt him, either.

I had to "Ace" one of my cats for the move to AZ - she goes completely berserk when put in a carrier - and that couldn't be done without major damage to me!!!!  Also had to use this method when clipping some of the long-hairs in the rescue I had.

Or - you can use the tried and usually true method of the spray bottle when he attacks you or the other cats.  Doesn't hurt the cat and most of the time tells them that this is a no-no.

My two adopted kittens are growing up.,  Molly use to climb up my bare legs this past summer, but now that she is a year old, she just jumps up on my back or shoulder.  She plays nice, she never scratches me or bites me when we play.  She does pretend that she is going to bite or scratch.

Now on the other hand Bella has her claws out when we play, but she don't usually scratch me.

I have thought about trimming her claws, I think hers are sharper as she like to climb trees.  She also likes to chase the neighbors two cats back home again, and they are larger than she is.

Their Vet said to cut a hole in the bath towel to put over their head when I tried to give them medicine, but it didn't work very good.

Amen to that. I have been trying to build trust but she doesn't want me to touch her paws yet. We can only pet her on her own terms.  She was a feral, so she is allowed, even if it takes her whole life. She's not on the streets and she is a sweetie, when her terms are met .

Sounds like you're gonna need a BIG beach towel.  (grin)