[JoZ]

I am torn. Kind of literally lol. Friendly barn kitties always on my lap means my thighs always look and feel like a pincushion. But I hate to take away their means of defense or, in the case of rodents, offense. So how critical is the length and sharpness of those little weapons?

[jetsmom]

No.

[Nes]

".

I don't clip our indoor cats during the summer either, for the same reasons.
(just ask my leather couch...)

[SportNCurls]

No, they'd just resharpen anyway

I'd be sure they were UTD on rabies as it can spread form a scratch with cats (from licking/grooming themselves so mcuh). I hate to be such a broken record (aka neurotic) about barn cats and rabies but you would be surprised how many of my neighboring farmers don't bother!!!!! So no offense meant if you have already vaccinated you can ignore this paragraph

[Nes]

They have rabies vaccinations for raccoons in a gel-pack, does anyone know if they ever made these for barn cats?

That would seem like a much easier way to get them all

[Simkie]

My meows are all indoor only, but they have all been taught that their sharp little fingers are not allowed in my flesh. Whenever they start to kneed on me, I tuck their paws down (fold at the wrist) and tell them "easy" and they all understand after just a few tries (and they get dumped with no more pets if they continue to use their claws on me.)

Could you teach the kitties to be gentle with you instead of clipping their claws?

[LavenderFarm]

I NEVER trim barn kitty nails - not even to go to the vet. They are so dependent on having this defense. Whether in a dispute with another cat/animal, or to do their mousing job (like that happens) or to climb a tree to escape. House kitties have regular trimmings.

I do have one barn cat who showed up some years ago who is declawed on the front! He manages very well, but knows to stay near the barn for safety.

[incentive]

NEVER CLIP THE NAILS OF AN OUTSIDE CAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jumpin_Horses]

NEVER CLIP THE NAILS OF AN OUTSIDE CAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I dont clip indoor cats either.... thats why we dont have nice things...

[spinandslide]

I value my life..any sort of contact with my barn kitties outside of normal acceptable petting is a "no no"..

[Phaxxton]

Never.

[mvp]

The whole point of a cat is "maximum benefit for minimal work."

They are trainable. You can have purring without the "love claw"-- you just need to ask a few times.

And a barn cat? No way would I work so hard on the outdoor hunter's/lover's claws.

Oh, yes, and they will resharpen them.