Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

3 cat claw trimmers under $30 (and how to use them)

Debbie Clason
By

Don’t tell your indoor kitty, but she isn’t the wild animal she pretends to be. Feral cats use their claws to hunt and defend themselves, while domesticated felines — especially those who live indoors — have those amenities taken care of by their humans. The result is a domesticated cat whose nails aren’t worn by life’s demands — and a human who gets to trim them.

gray-cat-paws-human-hands
V_Lisovoy / Shutterstock

Fortunately, there are a variety of inexpensive trimmers available to make this chore easier. Here are three of our favorites:

Recommended Videos

Epica Professional Clipper

red and black handle nail clippers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lots of safety measures make these clippers attractive. The semi-circular blade ensures you’ll see exactly what part of the nail you’re clipping and the stainless-steel blades cut quickly and effectively. Rubber-coated handles ensure a firm grip and a safety lock keeps the tool closed when not in use.

SHINY PET Nail Clippers

These multi-use clippers work on your kitty as well as other small animals living in your home, such as rabbits, birds, or ferrets. The ergonomic grip and stainless-steel blades provide a secure grip and clean cut. Bonuses include a lifetime warranty and instructional “how-to” ebook.

Pet Republique Cat Nail Clippers

Here’s a grooming tool that gives back. In addition to a 90-day, money-back guarantee and four-year warranty, 15% of every purchase goes to the American Animal Rescue Society. Stainless-steel cutting blades and non-slip handles help you perform this activity with confidence.

Tips for trimming your cat’s claws

Nail trimming time isn’t a big favorite for cats or their humans, but it doesn’t have to be unpleasant. Here are a few tips to make the process more enjoyable:

  • Introduce your cat to the process by getting them accustomed to having their paws handled before you try to clip their nails.
  • Gather your supplies. In addition to a nail trimmer, you might want to have styptic powder and a towel on hand.
  • Choose the right time. Kitties may be more agreeable when they are sleepy, after they have played with catnip, or have a full stomach.
  • Get situated. Hold your pet against your body and gently take their paw in your hand. If they become wiggly, try wrapping them gently in a towel.
  • Expose the claw by pressing firmly on the pad of the foot with your thumb and forefinger.
  • Identify the quick. It’s the pink part of the nail where all the blood vessels and nerves are located. That’s the part you do NOT want to clip.
  • Gently trim the part of the curved claw that extends beyond the quick. If your cat becomes agitated, don’t force it. Put the clippers aside and try again later. If you accidentally cut the quick and draw blood, apply the styptic powder.
  • Reward your kitty with a small treat and praise after the process is complete.

tabby-cat-face-and-nail-trimmer

Is it necessary to trim my cat’s claws?

Not all cats need their claws trimmed, so assess your cat’s lifestyle. Outdoor cats use their claws on a regular basis for defense as well as hunting and climbing so may not need to have their nails trimmed. And some indoor cats are good at using a scratching post to maintain their nails.

If you have a willful cat that uses everything except their scratching post to sharpen their claws (such as your furniture and curtains), shortening them may help lessen the damage. Less active cats, especially those who are older, might need your help, too. Claws that grow too long can curve under and penetrate their pad, which can cause sores and possible infection.

Cats sharpen their claws as a part of their natural instinct. In addition to helping them shed worn outer claws, it also serves as a way to mark their territory and signal other cats. By examining your cat’s claws every few weeks and clipping them as needed, they can preserve that inherent wild part of their nature without damaging your furnishings or their health.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Debbie Clason
Debbie Clason
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Debbie Clason's work has appeared in Family Life Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Lutheran Witness, Massage Magazine…
When can kittens eat dry food? The lowdown on what you should feed them
Tips on feeding your new kitten
A tabby kitten standing in a bowl of kibble

Caring for kittens is hard work, but it's one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. Not only are you responsible for the most adorable little lives, but you get to watch them grow and thrive! Preparing to keep them fed and happy, however, is a lot more work. 

Just like human babies have different nutritional needs than adults, kittens have different dietary requirements than adult cats. With few exceptions, your new feline fur baby is considered a kitten for the first year of life. (Large cat breeds like Norwegian forest cats and Maine Coon cats mature more slowly and don't reach adulthood until they're two years old.) Have you ever asked yourself, "When can kittens eat dry food?" We'll give you the full scoop on what you should feed your kittens — and when to change their diet.
Do kittens need wet and dry food? 

Read more
Why do cats lick themselves? It goes beyond just cat grooming
This totally normal behavior could mean a few different things
A cat licking his paw while lying in front of a blue background

Cats spend the majority of their time doing one of a few things: eating, resting, grooming, using the litter box, or causing havoc. Their routines can become predictable at times, so it's not even worth a second glance when you catch your cat licking themselves as obviously -- and loudly -- as possible. Cats groom themselves all the time, after all, but when does licking become a bit too much?
Even though cat grooming is completely normal, if it becomes noticeably excessive, your kitty may be licking themselves -- or even licking you -- for another reason. Luckily, we can help you understand why cats lick themselves and how you can tell what may be going on. Here's what you'll want to know and what to look out for.

Is my cat grooming? When licking is normal

Read more
Why do cats open their mouths when they smell? It’s for a really cool reason
The Flehmen response is a little-known reaction in felines that allows them to take in more of their surroundings
A white and tabby cat with their mouth open

Think of the last time you smelled something foul. How did you react? If you're truly made of steel, you may not have reacted at all, but for most people, it's impossible not to flare your nostrils at least. You may have even made a face! All of these reactions are perfectly natural, though humans aren't the only species that reacts to smells, both good and bad. Even your cuddly cat sniffs out the world around them sometimes,
If you've ever noticed your cat reacting to a smell, you're not alone. Some folks have even noticed their cat opening their mouth -- and even sticking out their tongue -- while smelling, but it's not so clear what this means. Is this a reaction to a scent, or is it just a way to get an extra thorough sniff? Whatever it may be, we're here to find out.
Needless to say, you're not alone if you're wondering, "Why do cats open their mouths when they smell?" We've scoured trusted sources to find out, and this is what we know.

Why do cats open their mouths when they smell?
Watching your curious cat open their mouth in a kind of sneer while they get a good sniff of something can raise a lot of questions -- it's understandable. When people do this, it's usually a response to an unpleasant smell, but when cats do this, they're actually trying to get a better understanding of the scent in the air.

Read more