Skip to main content

How to clip a cat’s nails and not get scratched

When learning proper cat petting techniques, the purpose is not to get mauled. Because when you do get mauled, you can be at the mercy of their sharp nails. So your favorite part of being a cat owner probably isn’t cutting their nails. This task can be daunting or even painful at times. You can choose to have your veterinarian cut your cat’s nails, but this takes extra time and money — it is best to learn to do it yourself. We know you want to enjoy all of your time around your pet, so here are some tips to help make the process of cutting nails a breeze.

clipping cat claws
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Get your cat acquainted

It is ideal for a cat to be introduced to nail clipping at a young age. This way they will quickly get used to it and the act will be easier on all parties involved. You should do the introduction while your cat is calm, perhaps when they are sleepy or right after they eat. Before using the nail clippers, make sure your cat gets acquainted with the sound of the clippers. The sound can be loud and potentially frighten cats. To train your cat to get used to nail clipping, you’ll need the help of a dry piece of spaghetti. Insert the pasta into the nail clippers, and gently press one of your cat’s toes. This should cause them to extend a nail; when your cat’s nail is out, clip the spaghetti. Repeat a few times, preferably with different toes and on multiple paws. Treats will probably be useful in having a successful training session.

If your cat is reluctant to have their paws handled, practice massaging and grabbing toes prior to cutting spaghetti. When they go to pull their paw away, don’t resist — instead, continue holding on and gently move with them. Gently push on one toe pad, which should cause a nail to be extended, then immediately release your grip and give your cat a treat.

How to cut a cat’s nails

By observing your cat’s nail, you will notice the end closest to the paw is pink. This is called the quick of the nail, and it contains blood vessels and nerves. You should never cut so far as to nick the quick. Only clip off the white part of the nail — and if you’re unsure, it’s better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, leave a decent amount of white nail to protect the quick.

Another preparation before cutting nails is having the right tools on hand. Human nail clippers are not strong enough, baby nail scissors can cause pain when used on a cat’s nails, and dog clippers are too big. You should get a pair of nail clippers designed specifically for cats. They should have sharp, stainless-steel blades. For your comfort, consider a pair of nail clippers with cushioned or ergonomic designs.

clipping cat claws
Image used with permission by copyright holder

When you’re ready to begin clipping, place the cat on your lap with their head facing away from you. Take one of their toes in your hand and gently press it, revealing the nail. Decide how far you should cut (remembering to leave a border around the quick), do the deed, cutting at a slight downward angle, and then release your cat’s paw. Now it’s time to give them a treat. Cats who are just getting used to nail clipping should not have more than a few nails cut at one time. Cats have at least 18 toes, so you might start by doing one paw per sitting.

How often do I need to cut my cat’s nails?

A cat’s nails continuously grow. If not trimmed, they will grow downward and sometimes into a cat’s paw. It will eventually become painful for a cat to walk if their nails are not regularly cut. The time between routine nail clippings will depend on how fast your individual cat’s nails grow, but on average it should be every 10 to 14 days.

Keeping your cat’s nails short is an important part of feline hygiene that requires your help to complete. Although they might be reluctant to cooperate at first, with the proper training techniques, your cat will be thankful that you’re around to trim their nails for them.

Editors' Recommendations

PawTracks
How to cat-proof your balcony before the unthinkable happens
Tips to keep your kitty safe while on the balcony
Cat sitting on a sunny balcony railing

It's tempting to spend some time outside with your cat whenever the weather is nice, and taking your cat outside can give him a nice break from indoor-only life. If you love to spend time on your balcony, it's natural to consider letting your cat join you, but balconies can be dangerous for cats. In addition to the potential for a fall, balconies have several other risks that you might not be aware of. Understanding how to cat-proof a balcony can help you to make the space safer, so you and your cat can spend a little time outside together.

Will a cat jump off a balcony?
Balconies can be very dangerous for cats because of the possibility of "high-rise syndrome." Always Compassionate Veterinary Care explains that high-rise syndrome refers to the occurrence of cats falling out of high-rise buildings and needing veterinary treatment. The term originates when the Animal Medical Center in New York City treated more than 100 cats who fell out of high-rise windows. That occurred during just five months in the 1980s and highlights the fact that cats can and do fall out of high structures.

Read more
How to tell if your cat is a Maine Coon mix (and why you should care)
Should you consider a Maine Coon mix? Here's what you need to know
Closeup of a Maine Coon's face

There are plenty of big and fluffy cats out there, but one of the best-known breeds fitting this description is the Maine Coon. These cats are not only impressive in size, but they also tend to have fantastic personalities that make them beloved family pets. While purebred Maine Coons are a little more uncommon in rescues and shelters, it's possible to adopt a Maine Coon mix that still has some of the breed's distinctive characteristics.

While telling exactly which breeds your cat is can be a little tricky, it's worth doing some investigative work to better understand your feline's background and what that might mean for the care he needs during his life.
Where do Maine Coon cats come from?
You may have heard that the Maine Coon Cate originated from a fantastical cross between a feline and a raccoon. Of course, this didn't really happen, but it could be where they get the name. (Another option, from a ship's captain who brought the first of these kitties ashore.)

Read more
There’s a totally normal reason cats throw up after eating grass – here’s why
Learn about this cat behavior and if there's cause for concern
Calico cat lying on its back in a grassy yard

If your cat throws up after eating grass, there's probably no reason to be concerned. Eating grass is a natural behavior for most cats, and throwing up after eating that grass also is pretty common. There are physical reasons for why your cat throws up grass, and aside from dealing with the inconvenience of having to clean up cat vomit in the house, this behavior usually isn't a problem.

But excessive vomiting and unusual grass consumption can be a cause for concern. If your cat likes to munch grass, then it's best to familiarize yourself with what's normal and what might be a reason to worry.

Read more