How To Cut Cat Nails

Just like humans and dogs, cats need their nails trimmed. While scratching posts can help keep their claws at bay for a short while, they will occasionally need a clip. 

However, if the prospect of trying to wrangle your feline friend for a grooming session feels impossible, read on for some tips that could keep you from getting scratched up. 

What You Need To Cut Cat Nails

First, get the right equipment. The primary tool you'll need is a cat nail trimmer or grinder. These come in several different types: 

• Scissors-style nail clippers look like small scissors with divots for the nail.

• Guillotine-style nail clippers work by sliding a blade across a small opening, through which you’ll put your cat’s nail. Guillotine clippers stay sharp longer than other clippers, but inserting the cat’s nail into the hole may add difficulty.

• Pliers-style nail clippers have a spring, giving them more strength if your cat has especially thick nails.

• Nail grinders gradually file your cat’s nails down—but they make a sound that is stressful for some cats.

Other items that might be helpful to have include: 

• Cat treats 

• Styptic powder, for treating cuts 

• Cat towel 

How To Cut Cat Nails

Step 1: Hold Your Cat 

Calmly pick up your cat and place them, paws up, rested in the crook of your arm.  

Position them so they’re facing the same direction as you, so you can hold their paws (one at a time) in your hand from behind while holding the clippers in the other. 

If your cat is fidgety and will allow it, wrapping them in a cat towel may help calm you both. 

Step 2: Expose the Nail 

With one paw in your hand, gently squeeze between the top of the paw and the toe beans on the bottom to expose the claws. 

Step 3: Cut the Nail 

Follow the instructions on your clipper or grinder to cut the nail.  

Try to angle the clipper so that the cuts are at a 45-degree angle. This will allow the nail to rest comfortably on the ground when your cat walks. 

Start with small cuts, to ensure you don’t cut too far and accidentally nick the quick. The quick is the part of the cat's nail that contains the blood vessels and nerves. If your cat has nearly clear nails, you'll be able to see the pink-colored vessels toward the base of the nail nearest the toe.  

This is the part of the nail you do not want to cut. Cutting the quick will definitely hurt your friend, so when trimming, cut only about 2 millimeters from the end of the quick.  

If you're unsure or if your cat has darker nails and you can't quite see the vessels, keep the trim very short. 

If you do accidentally nip their quick, stay calm and apply pressure to the nail with a clean towel or washcloth. Always have styptic powder on hand to help stop the bleeding quickly. 

If you don’t have any styptic powder on hand, rake the nail over a bar of soap or pack the end of the nail with cornstarch.

Step 4: Repeat With the Remaining Nails 

Continue clipping until your cat begins showing signs of stress, or until you’ve cut all their nails, whichever comes first.  

If your cat appears uncomfortable, take a break and try again later.  

How Often Should I Trim My Cat’s Nails?

Cat claw growth will vary depending on the breed and health of the cat, but pay attention to them every two to four weeks. 

If you have an active cat that can keep themselves occupied enough to wear their claws down naturally, they may not need trimming as often. 

And if you're lucky enough to be the parent of a polydactyl cat, be wary of those extra nails on those extra toes! 

Are My Cat’s Nails Too Long? 

A cat's claws are too long when they develop into a curved shape. In extreme cases of overgrowth, the claws can curve into your cat's toe pads, which can be painful and cause open wounds. 

Trimming them before they get too curvy will prevent that from happening. It will also prevent ingrown claws, which can be painful and even dangerous if an infection develops. 

While cats' claws are supposed to be sharp, there is such a thing as too sharp. If you notice that your feline friend is drawing blood or your furniture is torn up, give their claws a check and see if they need a trim. 

But even if you don't notice a curve or extra sharpness, keep a watchful eye on your cat's claws. Even if they're just a little on the long side, they could still catch on things and break, which can be painful. 

My Cat Won’t Let Me Cut Their Nails

It might take a lot of training and trust-building between you and your cat before they let you touch their claws. But it is possible, and there are a few tricks you can try: 

Get cozy. Try a towel swaddle, or "purrito," and help your cat feel protected and safe before taking out the clippers. 

Keep things quiet. Don't add to the drama with excessive sounds. Turn off the TV, close the blinds, don't play any music, put your phone on "Do Not Disturb." Close the door. Just you, the cat, and the clippers. 

Bribes. You love your cat. Your cat loves treats. If you show your cat that they'll get a treat after every toe, they might just learn to love their trimming sessions. 

But if you ultimately can't figure out a way for you and your cat to cooperate, take them to the vet or groomer. You can have a professional show you how it's done or let them take care of the job. 

Why Should I Trim My Cat’s Nails?

Good hygiene is important for every living creature, and nail trims are an important part of keeping your cat healthy.  

While some cats may shorten their own nails with playtime on the scratching post, regular trims every two to four weeks will ensure your cat can avoid painful complications that come from overgrowth. 

Letting your cat's nails get too long may lead to ingrown claws that can cause injury and/or infection to their paws. It can also make them prone to breaking their claws, which can also be painful. 

So let them scratch away (where they're allowed), but squeeze in some mani-pedi time for your fuzzy friends.