Some cats can keep their front claws worn down and others can't, especially older cats that tend not to be active as in their younger days. Scratching posts won't help shorten long nails since it only aids cats in removing a sheath from their nails.

My oldest cat is one that has to have his front nails trimmed regularly for the reasons you listed in your post. My other cats never need their nails trimmed. If your cat will let you handle his paws you could probably trim the nails, but you need to know how to trim them correctly without hitting the 'quick'. You should only need to trim the front paws since the back ones tend to wear down on their own. There are lots of videos on the web showing how to trim the nails but you can always call the vet and make an appt with the technician to trim the nails. Another option is to call a mobile vet and have them come by your house. Here's a video I found with a quick search.

I find it's easy to trim nails when the cat is curled up and relaxed in my lap. I gently take a paw and extend a nail and cut the tip off. You may only get one or two nails done at each sitting, but that's fine. If the cat won't let you handle his paws at all then you'll have to have someone else do it.

If he's paw-shy, then you can work on getting him used to having his paws handled as he becomes more comfortable with you.

Edit: Just saw on the other tread that your daughter runs a grooming business. Give her a call! :) I'm sure she'll know what to do.

She said he walks with his claws out, maybe indoor kitties have learned not to do that. He won't let me touch his paws, he definitely doesn't trust me that much, nor do I trust him much, he sometimes tries to bite and claw me. He's a friendly affectionate cat but definitely is used to doing as he pleases.

Hmmmm...never heard of cats walking with nails out.

annztoo - do you think as an outdoor cat that getting his nails trimmed would be a problem for him? I guess I am thinking self-defense if it is needed. I don't know if he will ever be an indoor cat, he has lived 90% of his life outdoors.

Thanks annztoo, that's good to know about the claws. It sounds like theres hope for him not clawing and biting as much. This cat seems moody - from what I can tell, sometimes he just doesn't want to be touched. I would not dare pick him up, that's not allowable. He does love to be petted but even when I am doing that he will sometimes bite - not breaking the skin though. I just will never figure out cats, they have always baffled me. Last night I had work to do at home and had to make my dinner and do dishes and he didn't like that because he wanted all my attention. There's only me so nobody else to pay attention to him. I talk to him while I am doing things because he follows me around, so he knows I am not ignoring him. I wish I could set him up with a window perch but no window in the garage. Sounds like your cat condo is pretty sweet. I don't think this cat would like other cats either and my daughter said the same thing. He seems ticked off half the time, like a grouchy old man!

When petting him try to determine if he prefers head pets and cheek/chin scratches vs petting along the back.

Over stimulation can occur when petting certain areas so that may be why he’s biting.

For a cat that’s probably rarely lived indoors he’s seems to be doing well In such a short period of time.

Does he have any toys to play with? Play time can help burn off any excess energy.

Since you’re new to cats I suggest you watch the show My Cat From Hell with Jackson Galaxy. The show really helps owners understand cats.

My last cat, a Siamese, was 100% indoors from the moment I got her and brought her home. So instead of the wildlife a cat would normally catch as prey, she would 'kill' my scrunchies, pens, and other small items around the house and then drag them under the bed where she'd stash her hoard of other 'prizes'. This was when she wasn't jumping from the second floor loft to the sofa which scared the ever-loving cr&p out of anyone sitting on the sofa, or from the edge of the loft to a big bookcase, for access that she could jump from to the window above the sliding glass door to the patio to snooze in the sun for a couple hours each morning. But petting her was always on her terms and even when it was where/with the tempo/for the time length she liked she would usually bite to signal she was done and *then* jump off the lap or wherever she was sitting during the petting. Quite persnickety she was. :P I miss that black-hearted little beast every day.

Oh for goodness sake.

Trim the nails. It's not like you are "declawing" him!

annztoo - I will try to find that video, My cat from hell, that would be helpful so thanks for the suggestion. I have to get a few toys since now he is creating new habits and coming into the house more - he still hasn't gone in the litter box, last night he took a swipe at it but then wanted out. But for the first time this morning he was at my door when I was going out to work. I haven't had him in the house all day so I put his food and water out on my deck and left him outside. I need to see him go in the litter box before I trust him in the house all day alone. But he is definitely making the transition from the neighbors house to mine, they were living right next door so he goes back and forth right now.

Jenn-I knew of a cat like that, he used to be under the stairs of the porch of a neighbors and wait for the kids to come home from school, then he would claw at their ankles when they went up the stairs. Cats entertainment I guess!

Salti-easier said then done, I don't think he's ever had his nails done. I think he's going to put up a fight.

If you can't handle the cat, get someone that can to do it for you.

I was addressing your going on and on about being concerned about trimming nails presenting a problem for the cat when it goes outside.

Continue feeding the raccoons and squirrels et al with food on the porch.

@Katrina_ellen

She did that ankle attacking from her hiding spot under the bed, oh, and she loved going up the stairs by climbing up the UNDERSIDE of the treads. It was an open staircase with no risers a-la-1970s style staircases (the place was completed in 1978 so the use of that stair design makes sense) and was carpeted for the duration of her life with me, so she was able to climb up like a little feline mountaineer using her claws. :p