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Most cats are not big fans of having their nails trimmed. Investing in cat nail clippers sets you up for success and will make the process go smoothly. After researching dozens of brands, the best nail clippers for cats are from Pet Republique. They are professional-grade stainless steel and are sharp.
This article covers how to trim a cat’s nails, how often they should be cut, and our top five best cat nail clipper candidates. We also dive into whether they need to be trimmed at all!
Our top 5 best cat nail clippers:
- Pet Republique Cat Nail Clippers
- JOFUYU Cat Nail Clippers and Trimmer
- Shiny Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals
- JW Pet Company GripSoft Cat Nail Clippers
- H&H Pets Dog and Cat Nail Clippers & Scratch Tape
Do I need to trim my cat’s claws?
It depends on your cat’s lifestyle and age:
Outdoor cats
Outdoor cats need their claws! Kitties who spend most of their time outside need their nails to climb trees, hunt, and defend themselves.
An outdoor cat’s claws are generally shorter than an indoor kitty’s nails. This is mostly because they naturally wear them down from the terrain and climbing.
Indoor cats
It’s essential to trim your indoor cat’s nails once or twice a month. How often depends on if they have scratching places available and how often they’re using these to shorten their claws. Also, it may depend on the cat! Some cat’s nails may grow faster than others.
When trimming your cat’s nails, you’re essentially getting rid of the sharp tips. This prevents them from inadvertently tearing up furniture.
Overgrown nails are painful for any animal. Getting a nail stuck in the carpet can lead to a broken claw, which is horrible and can be prevented.
You may be able to avoid monthly trimmings if you have a cat tree or scratch pole at home. They can use the cat tree to self-maintain their claws, wearing down the tip.
Senior cats
Senior cats are less active, and trimming their nails regularly is essential to their overall wellness.
Seniors are prone to issues like overgrown nails, and neglecting this will cause them to curve inwards. Once this happens, the nails could penetrate the pads on their paws, leading to an infection.
Essential parts to check are the dewclaws (thumbs) on the front legs. Your older cat may rarely use them, so they’ll need a trim.
Polydactyl cats
Also known as Hemingway cats, polydactyl cats are known for their extra toes. We’re not talking just one or two extra toes either. Polydactyl cats can have as many as nine toes on each front paw!
Many of those extra toes don’t make contact with the ground, which means their nails often grow very long and sharp and painfully dig into their footpads.
This makes clipping their claws a bit more of a challenge than maintaining the nails of cats without this physical anomaly. Because of their unusual condition, cats with polydactylism benefit from the help of a professional like your veterinarian when trimming time comes around.
How often should you trim your cat’s nails?
As we mentioned, exactly how often you should trim your cat’s claws depends on your feline friend’s lifestyle.
In general, look to do a trim every 10 to 14 days. Kitty claws grow continuously, like human nails, so it’s essential to stay on top of manicures and pedicures.
What is declawing?
Declawing is a highly debated practice, often seen as unethical and inhumane.
Declaw surgery (also known as onychectomy) is an elective surgery that removes the distal (tip) part of the bone. Research suggests that declawing cats increase the risk of long-term or chronic pain, leading to negative behavior problems.
Rather than surgery, The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), The American Association of Feline Practitioners, and the United States Human Society suggests attempting to train the cat to direct their natural scratching behavior toward a scratch pad or pole.
With that in mind, declawing is now banned in Denver and 10 California cities. A recent bill passed made New York the first state in the country to ban declawing cats.
That said, there are less painful procedures that are sometimes medically necessary.
A guide on how to trim cat nails
You should begin slowly, even if your cat is calm and allows you to cut their nails. If you’re unsure about trimming, you can always ask your vet to do it. They’ll be happy to help trim your cat’s claws or show you how to do this at home.
5 Preparation steps:
- Favorite treats
- Sharp nail clipper
- Towel
- Styptic powder (stops bleeding)
- Talk to your vet about a safe sedative before trimming nails if you believe your cat may need something to take the edge off
How to trim nails and create a positive experience for your cat
- Get everything ready. You want all your tools within reach. Find a quiet room and a comfortable chair allowing you to hold your cat correctly. You may benefit from having someone help you! A person to hold the cat and then someone else to clip the nails will make this easier.
- Place your kitty in your lap. Let them face away from you and cradle your forearm over their neck. If they start to squirm, wrap a towel around them.
- Your kitty may struggle: If they don’t like being restrained in a towel, quit for a while and try again in a few days.
- Take a paw. Massage it gently and press lightly on the footpad to extend the claw. Take one nail at a time—patience is key. Reward her after doing this with yummy treats!
- Find the quick. This is the pink part of the cat claws that hold blood vessels and nerves.
- Get ready to clip. Place the nail clippers at a 90-degree angle over the claw. This way, you’re cutting from the top to bottom, not side-to-side, which can split the nail. Open and close the clippers a few times, so she gets used to the clippers’ noise.
- Cut the tip. In a fast motion, with gentle pressure, clip the tip. Do this with just one nail. However, don’t cut the quick. This will cause pain and bleeding. That said, if you accidentally clip the quick, apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
TIP: A cat’s claws retract into a protective sheath unless they’re extended. When you apply gentle pressure, you may need to squeeze the top and bottom of her foot lightly!
Finding the best cat nail clippers
To help you find the best cat nail clippers, we’ve put together some criteria to help with research:
Blade quality
The first thing you need to consider is the quality of the blade. Using a poor blade can crush the nail instead of making a clean cut.
It’s essential to look for sharp blades. We recommend reading consumer reviews as almost all manufacturers state that their clippers are sharp.
Besides the sharpness, consider the material.
You want something that doesn’t rust after cleaning and remains intact. Stainless steel is generally the best; it’s durable and easy to sanitize.
Safety features
Trimming cat nails when your pet is calm is no big deal. For cats that don’t enjoy having their nails trimmed, having safety features built-in is imperative.
The most common feature is a “quick guard.” Such a component protects the quick, preventing you from cutting off too much of the nail.
Quick guards can make it tricky to get the nail, so not all manufacturers include one. If you’re nervous about trimming, we recommend products with this feature.
Rubberized handles
If you’re choosing a scissor-style clipper, rubberized handles are worth considering. These allow you to get a secure grip and ensure comfort for your fingers.
Ease of use
In addition to the above, the nail clippers must be easy to use. There are fancier options on the market, but these can be tricky to use.
Also, make sure that the finger holes are large enough to fit your fingers. We recommend reading reviews if you’re unsure. You may want to explore some of the options available at your local pet boutique.
What are the best nail clippers for cats?
To find the best nail clippers for cats, we researched dozens of brands.
1. Best overall: Pet Republique Cat Nail Clippers
The nail clippers from Pet Republique are professional claw clippers. They’re suitable for all small animals.
These nail clippers are sharp and durable.
The blades consist of stainless steel and should last for years. Pet Republique also includes a four-year warranty.
The manufacturer recommends that you apply baby oil to the nails. This makes the quick visible. Included are also clear instructions on the back of the package.
Pet Republique donates 15 percent to animal rescue organizations with every sale.
Pros
- Professional-grade nail clippers
- Made of durable stainless steel
- 90-day money-back guarantee and a four-year warranty
- Donations via purchase
Cons
- The nail clippers are a little stiff yet might loosen up with the use
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2. JOFUYU Cat Nail Clippers and Trimmer
The nail clippers from Jofuyu are another professional-grade option.
Consisting of thick stainless steel, the blades are strong and sharp. They’re also durable and should last for a long time.
They feature a semi-circular design that follows the shape of your cat’s claws. This makes it easier to see where to cut, preventing accidents.
A great feature is the ergonomic grip. It includes rubber handles, making it easy to hold onto and comfortable.
You can choose between blue or green and between a flat or curved clipper.
Pros
- Professional-grade clippers
- Blades consist of thick stainless steel
- Sharp and cuts easily
- Durable
- Ergonomic grip and rubber handles
- Lifetime money-back guarantee
Cons
- No protective guard
- The blades might be too long for precision work
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3. Shiny Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals
If you’re searching for small clippers, we recommend looking at this option from Shiny Pet. These are shorter than most, and they’re excellent for kittens and small cat breeds.
The blades are razor-sharp, made of stainless steel, and they’re durable, too.
They feature an ergonomic grip and are made with top-grade plastic. The handles feature a rubberized coating. This makes the experience a lot easier, giving you a better grip.
Shiny Pet includes an instructional ebook if you’re unsure how to trim your cat’s nails. There’s a QR code on the back of the package, leading you to the full guide.
Pros
- Short blades, suitable for small cats
- Sharp blades
- Stainless steel
- Rubberized ergonomic handles
- QR code on the packaging for instructions
- Lifetime money-back guarantee
Cons
- Handles aren’t durable
- The blade is difficult to open up fully
- It might be awkward for someone with larger hands to use
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4. JW Pet Company GripSoft Cat Nail Clippers
JW Pet Company makes another small option for trimming your cat’s claws. JW Pet is a long-time manufacturer of pet accessories, including toys and tools. This is a mini clipper, and suitable for most cat breeds of different sizes.
The nail trimmer is designed with a small head and short blades shaped to suit a cat’s claws. They allow for precise trimming in quick motions for a stress-free experience.
What we like are the rubberized, non-slip handles. They’re comfortable to hold and won’t slide around, causing accidents.
However, keep in mind that these might not be suitable for large breed cats due to the size. So if you have a Maine Coon at home, consider a larger clipper.
Pros
- Fantastic for small cats
- Short blades, excellent for precision trimming
- Sharp blades
- Curved to suit the shape of the claw
- Rubberized handles
Cons
- Not suitable for big cats like Maine Coons
- The finger holes are relatively small
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5. H&H Pets Dog and Cat Nail Clippers & Scratch Tape
Last, we have the cat nail clippers from H&H. These are lightweight trimmers suitable for small cats.
The nail clippers include a scissor-like design with a short blade for precision cuts. They’re easy to use as they are sharp and should cut right through without needing excessive force.
We like the durability of the blades. They are stainless steel, hypoallergenic, and easy to keep clean.
The handles are comfortable too. They are made from rubber, making them slip-resistant, allowing you to cut with a secure grip.
H&H donates 15 percent of the purchase to a non-profit animal rescue organization.
Pros
- Lightweight materials
- Durable stainless steel blades
- Sharp
- Rubberized, slip-resistant handles
- Instructions included
- Satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- The finger holes are small
- The blades might be too thick for small nails
- Clippers are tight but may loosen with use
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
The takeaway
Trimming your indoor cat’s claws is essential. This will keep your cat from having any unnecessary paw injuries or issues.
But knowing how to cut cat nails seamlessly is an integral part of your toolkit and an important skill to learn if you own a cat. Try to trim their nails every 10 to 14 days. Always be patient as some cats may need a week or even a month to feel comfortable.
Finding the right nail cutter for cats is also essential. Our winner for the best cat nail trimmer is the Pet Republique Cat Nail Clippers. They are professional-grade stainless steel and are sharp.
FAQs
1. What are the best nail clippers for cats?
It depends on your level of expertise. Whatever brand you choose, make sure the blade is sharp! We researched dozens of brands, and our favorite is the Pet Republique Cat Nail Clippers.
2. How often should you trim your cat’s nails?
In general, look to do a trim every 10 to 14 days. Kitty claws grow continuously, like human nails, so it’s essential to stay on top of manicures and pedicures.
3. What happens if you don’t trim your cat’s nails?
If you don’t trim your indoor cat’s claws regularly, they can curl into the footpad, causing your cat a lot of pain.
4. What about using baby oil to see the cat’s quick?
To find the quick (the pink part of the cat claws that hold blood vessels and nerves), you can apply baby oil to the nail if you can’t locate the quick.
5. Should you use human clippers?
Though it is possible to clip your cat’s nail using human clippers, we don’t recommend it because you can damage your cat’s claw. If you decide to try it, follow the same steps as above or in the video below, and make sure your nail clippers are sharp.
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