Most pet parents don’t know how to cut their cat’s nails — or if it’s even necessary to begin with. Unlike dogs, many cats can effectively maintain the length of their claws through activities like scratching or climbing.
Therefore, before following the steps on how to trim cat claws, we recommend pet parents look through the following criteria to know if clipping a cat’s claws is necessary. This complete, vet-approved guide by Sploot discusses everything you need to know!
Fundamentals on Clipping a Cat’s Claws
Clipping or trimming a cat’s nails is a safe and humane way to keep them from becoming too long and sharp. This is completely different from declawing, which is an inhumane procedure that involves amputating the last bone of each toe. Declawing can lead to numerous problems, such as chronic pain and behavioral issues like increased aggression and litter box avoidance due to discomfort.
A. Is It Necessary to Trim a Cat’s Claws?
It’s not always necessary to trim a cat’s claws. Here are some factors to consider:
1. To Prevent Nail Overgrowth or Remove Sharp Nail Tips- Yes
Sploot veterinarian, Dr. Deluty, talks about the two situations where regular nail trimming may be necessary:
“Active cats file their nails from scratching, playing, and grooming, which can result in sharp nails that may cause accidental injuries. In these cases, we recommend trimming your cat's nails regularly to remove the sharp tip.
Older cats and inactive cats that rarely use the cat scratcher, climb, or do other physical activities that will naturally file down their nails may be at risk of nail overgrowth. If you have a senior or sedentary cat we recommend checking their claws frequently so they do not overgrow and curl into the paw pad.”
Note: If the cat’s nails are already overgrown or curling inward, we recommend taking them to a trusted vet that clips cat claws. When a cat’s nails are severely overgrown, trimming them would likely cut the nail’s quick, a sensitive part of the nail with blood vessels and nerves. They may also have traumatic wounds from nail overgrowth that require further medical care.
2. To Stop Destructiveness - Temporarily
Some pet parents may also opt for grinding or clipping a cat’s claws if the cat is aggressive or destructive. Trimming the cat’s nails may help prevent scratches, cat scratch disease, and claw marks on the furniture — however, this is only a temporary fix.
If your cat has a behavioral problem, we recommend consulting a vet. Vets will rule out cat pain — and, if needed, refer you to a suitable pet behaviorist who can help restore harmony between you and your cat.
3. For Outdoor Cats - No
Though we, at Sploot, do NOT encourage or recommend keeping cats outdoors or allowing unmonitored outdoor time, we acknowledge that this is the situation for some.
An outdoor cat would need their claws to climb and defend themselves. It is generally NOT recommended to clip their claws — unless the claws are overgrown or at risk of becoming overgrown.
B. What if I Never Cut My Cat’s Nails?
If you have never cut your cat’s nails and they have never become overgrown, then that means your cat is doing enough scratching and physical activity to wear their claws down naturally. In such cases, you won’t need to cut your cat’s nails.
In addition, Dr. Deluty recommends: “Check your cat’s nails regularly as they age to ensure everything is looking healthy. Your veterinarian will check at their annual wellness exams as well.”
How to Cut Cat Nails [Step-By-Step]
1. Choosing a Nail Clipper or Nail Grinder
Nail clippers and nail grinders offer different benefits. You can try both and see which one your cat is more comfortable with.
Benefits of Using a Cat Nail Clipper
A cat nail clipper is quieter than a nail grinder. For cat parents who try clipping a cat’s claws while the cat is relaxed and sleepy, a cat nail clipper may be the better choice.
One commonly preferred type of nail clipper for cats is the guillotine-type nail clipper, which has a hole where the cat’s nail should go and a sliding blade to trim the nail. However, some cat parents may prefer the scissor-type nail clipper as these may be easier and more intuitive to handle.
Benefits of Using a Nail Grinder for Cats
Nail grinders for cats work by gradually filing down the cat’s claw, resulting in a rounder edge than the edge created by nail clippers. Though these are louder than nail clippers, they may be better for cats that are averse to the sensation that nail clippers produce.
2. How Do I Train My Cat for Cutting Cat’s Claws
Can a cat be trained to be okay with getting their nails trimmed? In many cases, yes. However, unlike with dogs, the process of training cats generally takes more time and patience.
Cat parents must understand that it is not natural for a cat to be alright with getting their claws trimmed. Therefore, it takes several days or weeks of training with positive reinforcement to get them to accept the process. Treats are a strong motivator, especially when paired with praise and affection.
The idea is to gradually make your cat feel that handling their paws is safe and positive — and then slowly introduce the nail clipper or nail grinder. Follow these steps over a series of many days, providing treats and praise for the successful achievement of each step:
- Gently touch their paws — front and back.
- Cuddle with your cat and handle each paw.
- Cuddle with your cat, handle each paw, and gently press the digits to bring the claws out.
- Let them sniff the nail clipper or nail grinder.
- Touch the nail clipper or nail grinder on their paw.
- Handle the nail clipper or turn on the nail grinder without trimming any claw yet.
- Trim one claw.
Once your cat is at ease with all of the above, you can try clipping their nails. If they are comfortable with the above, they will likely be more comfortable with clipping their claws.
Note: You can work with a cat trainer or train your cat by yourself. However, we recommend working with your veterinarian, cat trainer, or pet behaviorist for aggressive or extremely fearful cats.
3. Prepare the Materials for Clipping Your Cat’s Claws
Make sure you have all the needed items before starting. You’ll need:
- Your chosen nail clipper or grinder
- A supply of treats to reward your cat. (Many pet professionals and pet parents opt for wet cat treats in a tube such as lickable mousse and purée)
- Cat-friendly styptic powder to help stop the bleeding in case the quick of the claw gets cut
- A towel or cat restraint bag for restraining cats that are resistant to nail-clipping training
4. Make Sure Your Cat is Calm (or Sleepy)
We advise pet parents to avoid clipping a cat’s claws when they are upset or agitated. Try to catch your cat when they are in a calm mood. Some pet parents wait for their cat to be sleepy. If you opt for the latter strategy, you won’t need to wait long because cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day.
Dr. Deluty advises pet parents: “If your cat becomes stressed the moment nail trimming begins, talk to your veterinarian about behavioral and medical options to help keep them calm through the process.”
5. Get Your Cat Prepared for Nail Trimming
Be gentle with your cat, but firmly hold their paw when trimming their nails. This reduces the chances of sudden movements that can result in accidental cuts. As for the digits, gently hold and press each digit so that the cat’s claw comes out. If your cat has gone through training for this, this type of handling should not be new or particularly distressing to them.
Note: As mentioned earlier, some cats may need a cat restraint bag or a towel. However, if your cat is calm or sleepy (and unbothered about having their paws handled), you can try trimming their nails without restraints.
6. Cut or Grind Each Nail
As you trim your cat’s claws, make sure to avoid the quick. The quick of the claw is a sensitive area — and when hit, the cat will experience pain and bleeding. Cut straight, around 2mm from your cat’s quick.
Don’t forget to praise your cat and reward your cat between each paw to reassure them that the process is positive.
Note: As a reminder, if your cat’s claws are severely overgrown, it is best to take your cat to the vet for nail trimming. Overgrown nails have longer quicks and bleeding is more likely. Such nails may also be broken and at risk of infection.
7. How to Cut Black Nails on a Cat
The quick is relatively easier to spot on light-colored or transparent cat nails. However, if your cat has black nails, you’d need extra precautions to avoid the quick.
Try using a flashlight above or below the cat’s claw to determine where the quick ends. If this does not work, clip off only a little from your cat’s claws; this way, you have a larger margin of safety for your cat’s quick. However, if you need to use this latter approach, you’d also need to clip your cat’s nails more frequently if they’re prone to overgrowing.
8. In Case of Bleeding: Using Styptic Powder
Accidents happen. If you accidentally cut your cat’s nails too short and it bleeds, don’t panic. Apply a small amount of styptic powder directly on the cut and gently press it for a few seconds. This helps stop the bleeding. If you don’t have styptic powder, cornstarch or flour can be used as a temporary alternative. Try to also reassure your cat with a gentle soothing voice
Note: If your cat’s claw keeps bleeding after 10 minutes, contact your vet to assess the situation and determine if further treatment is needed.
9. Wrapping Up With Treats & Praise
Throughout the process of clipping your cat’s nails, reward your cat with treats and praise. Positive reinforcement helps reassure your cat and helps them become more cooperative over time.
Final Thoughts on How to Cut Cat Nails
This wraps up our guide on how to cut cat nails. If you have further questions about clipping cat claws or need help with overgrown, broken, or bleeding nails, we’re always here to help.
Sploot Vets is your go-to, Fear Free vet for all-in-one care. We offer primary, urgent, and emergency vet services, 365 days a year, with extended clinic hours every day. Visit us in our conveniently located, vet clinics across Denver and Chicago.
Experience next-level, convenient vet care today! Book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets petcare app. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
