How to Cut Cat Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide

A cat’s claws are versatile. They’re for catching and holding prey, climbing, digging, scratching, self-defense, and maintaining balance. So, keeping them groomed is absolutely essential. But can you groom or cut your cat’s nails on your own?

With a bit of patience and the right tools, you’ll know how to cut cat nails easily and safely. Ideally, you’ll have started to nip their claws when they were a kitten. When they’re introduced to nail clipping early on, it’ll be easier to do it as they grow older.

If you’re just beginning to cut your cat’s nails, you’ll need a bit more preparation.

Cutting Cat Nails: Step-by-Step Instructions

We recommend grooming your cat when they’re relaxed. Some cats feel a bit sleepy after a meal, while other cats have more energy. 

Find the best time for cutting your pet’s claws, and follow these steps.

Prep your tools.

You don’t want to stop halfway through trimming your cat’s nails to grab another tool. You’ll want this grooming time to be undisturbed.

Gather your cat grooming tools before you start.

1. Clippers - choose one that doesn’t intimidate your cat. Clippers can come in:

• Scissors-style (ideal for novice groomers)

• Guillotine-style (which stays sharp longer than scissors-style, but can be tricky to use)

• Pliers-style (best for cats with thicker nails)

2. Styptic powder, or cornstarch or flour - if you accidentally snip too much.

3. Towel - to wrap your pet in (if necessary).

Set the mood.

Apart from making sure your cat’s relaxed, use a quiet space when cutting cat nails. Because you need to keep your pet calm, the space must be away from foot traffic and other noises. 

Ensure children (if present) are away and there are no other pets around. Stay away from windows as well because birds (and other wildlife) are likely to distract or startle your cat.

Hold the paws naturally.

Next, hold your cat lengthwise across your lap while you’re seated comfortably. You can also try a few other positions to find what suits your cat best:

• On a flat surface, while you stand

• Face up between your legs while you’re sitting

• On your chest while you’re reclining

Whichever position suits your cat best (so that they’re relaxed), go with that. 

Then pick up one of their paws and hold it in a natural position; never fold or bend their leg in an awkward manner. Next, pick a nail to cut.

Apply pressure to extend the nail.

As a cat’s claws retract, you might wonder, “How can I cut my cat's nails​ if they don’t extend?”

You’ll have to apply mild pressure to the paw pad so that your cat extends their nails, Place your forefinger on your cat’s paw pad and your thumb on top of their toe. Then gently squeeze, and you’ll see their nails extend.

Snip off the top at an angle.

Before you trim, look for the quick. The quick is that pink part that contains the nerves and blood vessels. You do not want to cut this part. 

“What happens if I cut my cat's nails too short​?”

First, stay calm because your cat can sense anxiety and panic. You want to keep them relaxed. When you cut too short, nicking the quick, your cat will likely bleed. 

Second, use the styptic powder, which will stop the bleeding, and apply pressure to the affected part. If you don’t have styptic powder, use flour or cornstarch.

And third, if your cat is in pain, stop the trimming and let them rest. 

Try a 45-degree angle instead of cutting straight across the nail. This technique allows the claws to rest easily on the ground as they walk. Remember: snip only the white part.

Cut the rest, or cut what your cat allows.

When the first cut goes well, cut the rest of their nails. But take your time, so you keep the grooming session comfortable for your cat.

Although cutting cat nails in one session is ideal, don’t stress out if you’re only able to do a few. If your cat starts to fuss when you cut the hind paws, take a break or do them another day. The important thing is not to make the experience stressful for your cat.

Give your cat a treat.

Other than keeping the whole session relaxed and easy, teach your cat to look forward to it. Give them a treat afterward.

Some people give treats before or even during the cutting. Find what works best for your cat.

How Often Should I Trim Cat Nails​?

A cat’s claws grow continually throughout their lifetime. Young cats’ claws grow faster than older cats. And outdoor cats will wear down their nails more than indoor cats. You’ll need to factor in these considerations when deciding how often you’ll need to trim your cat’s nails.

In general, trim your cat’s claws every two weeks. For kittens, trimming is recommended every week, and for senior cats, it’s every month.

How to Tell Your Cat’s Claws Need Trimming

What happens when you forget to schedule your cat’s nail trimming?

Some tell-tale signs will indicate that it’s time to bring out the tools and ready the grooming space.

These signs are:

• Your cat’s nails are sharper than before, scratching your skin during playtime and turning your furniture into scratching posts.

• Their nails appear curved, which could change their gait, create long-term problems, and injure their paw pad.

• Your cat’s claws do not retract completely.

Long nails can affect your cat’s health and leave your furniture with scratches, so cutting them is necessary.

Top 5 Tips for Cutting Cat Nails

Cutting your cat’s nails can be an easy process. It can even be a spa-like experience for your favorite pet. To help you create that sort of experience, consider the following.

1. Pay attention to warning signs.

Your cat will tell you if they’re not up for trimming. They will twitch their tail, stiffen their body, and even hiss. If your cat is agitated, do not cut and try another day.

2. Be firm yet gentle.

When handling your cat, avoid forceful techniques. You’ll want to hold them in a way that’s comfortable for them. If they resist, avoid yelling because it will cause anxiety. Instead, use a calm, clear, and firm voice. 

3. Play music that will calm your cat.

Music has the same effect on cats as it does on humans. Play something soothing, and they’ll be calm. Play something lively, and they’ll have energy to zip about. 

So use music to set the mood for your cat before you start trimming their nails. 

According to The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, feline-specific music in veterinary clinics reduces stress for cats. Cat-specific music is created around sounds cats will find pleasing, such as high-pitched noise, purring, and suckling sounds.

Alternatively, some cats may find Chopin soothing.

4. Trim regularly.

If you weren’t able to cut your cat’s nails when they were a kitten, follow a regular trimming schedule. Whether it’s every couple of weeks or every month, be consistent so that your cat gets used to this form of grooming.

To prevent their claws from getting too long and sharp, get the right cat scratcher and tree.

5. Know when to use a professional.

Finally, if your cat’s fussing has kept you from cutting their nails, book a professional pet grooming service.

Groom to Perfection 

Trimming nails is essential to knowing how to take care of a cat. It will keep them healthy and happy.

Use the right grooming tools for your cat. Make sure they’re calm. Take your time cutting their nails and know when to seek a professional’s help.

With the right tools and the proper setting, your cat will purr with pleasure as you trim their claws.