Most vets and pet care specialists recommend clipping your cat’s claws every 2-3 weeks. And, using the best cat claw clippers is more than worth the cost as it’ll make the process easier and less stressful on your kitty (and you).
It’s not a complicated decision, it’s really all about finding the right type of clippers designed for cats. Then it’s a breeze snipping off those razor sharp tips on their claws without causing your cat any discomfort.
I’ve been clipping my cat’s claws for years and been through the best and the worst clippers. I’ve also found out what does and doesn’t work when it comes to putting your cat at ease.
So, if you want to know everything about clipping your kitty claws read on for a review of 3 of the best nail clippers, tips on how to cut your cats claws safely, why you should be clipping their nails, and much more.
3 of the Best Cat Claw Clippers to Snip Those Nails
Safari Professional Nail Trimmers/Clippers
These cat claw clippers from Safari are the gold standard of pet clippers and the pair that I’m currently using with my two kitties.
Don’t just take my word for it though. Head over to Amazon via the link below and you’ll see loads of feedback from other owners.
I also noticed these are the clippers my local pet groomer uses when I took my dog in, so plenty of validation all around that they are about as good as it gets.
These clippers/trimmers are listed as being for small dogs, but take my word that they are perfect for cats as well.
They have a sharp stainless steel cutting edge and a strong spring to help you get that leverage and string back into place.
Rubber handles make them easy to hold and make precision cuts. There isn’t a lot of boxes to tick when choosing clippers for cats nails, but these tick them all.
[thrive_link color=’green’ link=’https://www.amazon.com/Safari-Professional-Stainless-Trimmer-Standard/dp/B0002RJM8C/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1520506219&sr=8-3&keywords=cat+claw+clippers&linkCode=li3&tag=upgradecat-20&linkId=c69d0128269940f70126f3b94226417d’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Click here to see these cat clippers on Amazon[/thrive_link]
Pet Republique Professional Cat Nail Clippers
Don’t be put off by the cats slightly bemused look on the packet of these clippers. These are high-quality clippers that are perfect for trimming cat’s nails.
They have rubber handles with finger loops so you’ll have a good grip on these if you have a fidgety cat.
They have a short nose too making it easy to clip difficult cats as you don’t need much space.
The cutting edge is sharp, stainless steel, and you have decent leverage enabling you to make a nice quick and clean cut.
Something that I really love about Pet Republique is that they donate 15% of their profits to the American Animal Rescue Society. A worthy cause and a reason to buy from them and support them.
They come with a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not happy with them for any reason so that’s a peace of mind worth taking a punt on.
[thrive_link color=’green’ link=’https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Republique-Professional-Nail-Clippers/dp/B01GBSSKVU/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1520506219&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=cat+claw+clippers&psc=1&linkCode=li3&tag=upgradecat-20&linkId=87391a6d09b9111c586f9f1e1a85b330′ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Click here to see these cat clippers on Amazon[/thrive_link]
JW Pet Company GripSoft Cat Nail Clippers
This is another pair of clippers designed specifically for cats claws. I used them a couple of years ago, they felt great and gave a nice clean cut so I have no problem recommending them.
They are more of a budget option I think I can say. There are no frills and the handle doesn’t have as much grip as the other models but this doesn’t affect the performance.
The blade is stainless steel, I wouldn’t accept anything less be honest. They are super sharp and easily capable of trimming any cat’s claws without causing them any unnecessary stress.
[thrive_link color=’green’ link=’https://www.amazon.com/JW-Pet-Company-GripSoft-Clipper/dp/B0002DK09G/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1520506219&sr=8-6&keywords=cat+claw+clippers&linkCode=li3&tag=upgradecat-20&linkId=3cd37c954087b257b66914064e063778′ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Click here to see these cat clippers on Amazon[/thrive_link]
How to Clip Your Cats Claws
This video shows you how to clip your cat’s nails and explains some of the do’s and don’ts really well:
If you can’t watch the video here are some written step-by-step instructions:
Pick a good time – It’s important there are no distractions and it’s best to pick a time when your cat is nice and relaxed.
Cats pick up on bad vibes, so keep the mood relaxed. No sudden movements, noises, sit somewhere comfortable, etc.
Test extending their claws – Gently massage your cat’s paw for a couple of seconds extending their claws to see how they react.
Try and follow their paws if they pull them back rather than holding it firm or pulling their paw back.
Start gently clipping – Gently press the pads by their toes to extend their nails and clip the end off one making as little noise as possible.
Offer your cat one of their favorite treats as a reward if it will smooth the process.
Be careful! – This is an obvious point but it’s worth mentioning. Do not cut close to or into the pink part of your cat’s nail, this is called the quick and has nerves and blood vessels in.
Cut less rather than more if you’re new to his or nervous about causing any pain. If you do nip the quick and their claw bleeds stop immediately.
Be patient – If you’re trying to clip the claws of an adult cat for the first time they are likely to resist and disappear whenever they hear the sound of the clippers in the future.
Just keep introducing them to the clippers and get them used to the sound over time and they’ll become more comfortable.
Just clip one claw at a time, be patient, don’t get frustrated, and reward rather than punish your cat.
Further reading – Some interesting facts about cat’s paws.
Tips for Trimming Cat Claws with an Aggressive Cat
Clipping the nails of an aggressive cat is a whole different story, and it can be quite stressful for both you and your cat.
This video demonstrates one way to safely clip the nails of a cat that is going to put up a fight.
The key things to remember is that you’re clipping their nails for their own good. If it’s causing them too much distress and they are panting and visibly really stressed then stop.
In extreme cases, you might have to seek the help of a vet. If they have an issue or a nail that really needs clipping because it’s causing them pain or discomfort make that trip sooner rather than later.
Why Claw Clipping Is Better Than Declawing
I have to say right away that I do not agree with declawing a cat unless it’s for medical reasons.
Declawing is a cruel procedure, and for the sake of saving your furniture or the occasional nip on your skin? It’s just not right.
A lot of people are not aware of this but declawing doesn’t just involve removing a cats claws. They also have the last bone on each toe amputated, this would be the same as removing your fingertips!
If your cats are scratching your furniture or nipping you while playing this is all part of being a cat owner.
It’s not difficult to retrain your cat not to scratch furniture, neither to stop them scratching you when they are playing.
Just put in the time and effort to redirect these behaviors. Plus, clipping their claws is a perfectly humane method to solve these problems and good or your cat’s health!
It’s also worth pointing out that if your cat has horned paws or cutaneous claws you can use these clippers to help keep this condition under control.
I’ve started clipping my cat’s claws after the vet recommended I do so, didn’t know before hand it was something I should have been doing but he doesn’t go out much.
It’s not so bad, he got used to it after a couple of times and I have the first cutters you reviewed, they make it quick and easy.
Hi Roland, yes, I haven’t had any problems either so I consider myself pretty lucky. Some cats will put up a hell of a fight, but with the patience and some of the tips above hopefully, no one has too much of an issue clipping their kitties nails.