I have a family cat that is 18 years old with dreadlocks and claws that are way tooo long. I am sick with stage 4 melanoma, my family is over run with keeping up with my care and the household care. My 19 year old daughter refuses to think of the cat being put in harms way if he has to be put under in order to shave him etc. ANyone have any advice? We are in Basel. ANyone heard of this being done on old cats? He needsto be shaved completely and nails cut very short.
Please advise.
Shelly

My cat had to have some of her fur shaved off because she was too fat and wasn't washing her back properly and I don't recall that the vet put her under in order to do it... I think that they just had someone to hold her still and another to wield the razor.

Similarly, when we cut her claws we manage at home with two people (and a towel to wrap her in).

I'd check with your vet, but I'd say that both of those tasks could be done without anaesthetic.

Hope that helps.

I am so sorry to hear about your illness. Really your vet is the best place to enquire. Failing that, perhaps there is a SPA refuge near you who'd be prepared to help in the circumstances. Take care.