Ive never done this before to any of my cats but we are getting a maine coon kitten next week and the breeder recommends taking the tips off to avoid them hurting themselves/damaging furniture etc.
I cant help but feel its a little cruel as they love sharpening their claws on scratching posts etc. What do others think? Are they still able to use scratchy poles?

Just by taking the tips off are fine, especially as kittens. They can't harm themselves while playing.
When I had one of my British the breeder just took the tips off.
I have also done this just a couple of times with my last kitty chloe.
Now she is one year old and goes out in the garden her claws are not so Sharpe.
You can buy the special scissors for the job.
It isn't cruel when they are babies as you are protecting them.
There is no need to do it when they are older.

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It's in no way cruel so don't worry.

Having indoor only cats it's a necessity for us. Even as adults, otherwise the odd one grows quite long and they end up getting caught on things.

It doesn't hurt them and yes they still enjoy their scratching posts and cat tree

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IVe never bothered as they use the posts.

but I do for shows and I have a great pair of nail clippers its a round one you put the nail in it, really quick

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never done kittens but used to do our old Willows (she used to get stuck on the sofa, poor old dear). i just used a pair of nail clippers and take just the end off. If you look at the claw you can see like a nerve ( i think it's a nerve) don't cut into this.

I trim my cats claws - I never heard anyone think it is cruel

Mine are indoor cats so they don't wear down naturally like they would outside and they don't need them for climbing. They still love their scratch post the claws are still there just a bit shorter and blunter. It is very different to removing the claws which is illegal in the uk but is still legal and relatively common (I think?) in the us.

If I let them grow out they start getting caught in the carpet

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Yes I have those. They are very good. Think I got them from the NEC cat show.
Also I have a 17 year old British and she doesn't go out in the garden very much and sleeps most of the time so I have clipped hers when needed too.

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they are arent they! I had them for my dog, and that was a breeze pop it over and clip! Obviously gota be careful not to far up!! just the tips, but is very quick and easy!

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Impulce....why don't you ask the breeder to show you how it is done when you pick the kitten up, or maybe the vet/vet nurse if you are taking kitty straight to your own vet to register. Once you know how to do it, it is very quick and easy and is NOT cruel especially as the kitten has already got used to this at the breeders house ( one of the many reasons to be thankful for a good breeder! )

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Nellie Paddy Mitzy Milo Peggy Murphy

Millie and Monty, the White Devils!

Just what I was about to say! Either the breeder can show you, or your vet can. It's fairly quick and good if they get used to it as early as possible

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Sooty 9.6.1996 - 28.04.2011 Rest in peace my love!
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Benji (Kassaro Benjamin Franklyn) 08.03.2011