Yeah, I mentioned that, but I believe she said that her husband has to hold the cat down for her just to be able to clip his nails.

I don't know, maybe the vet could sedate the cat slightly and put them on for you. But that might be more trouble than it's worth consider the kitty's age. Wouldn't want him to have any adverse reactions.

About the "old and cantankerous", my mom says that too, LoL.