How to Properly Trim Your Cat’s Claws at Home

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As a longtime cat lover/owner, I know the importance of keeping my cats’ nails trimmed down. It’s easier to do if you can start them out while they’re still kittens. That way, they can get used to the idea of having their claws trimmed at a young (and more cooperative) age. But, it’s never too late to start, and you can help lessen your feline’s scratching, as well as save money, if you learn how to properly trim your cat’s claws at home.

First, let me briefly explain why I started to do this at home. My vet used to charge me almost ten bucks a cat to trim their nails. That’s way too much money for such a simple task. And, I had to wait until one of my felines needed shots or needed some sort of care to have it done. Otherwise, I would have gotten charged for an office visit as well. No way!

So, instead of paying the vet, the money I saved more than paid for a pair of claw trimmers. (They are readily available at your local pet shop. Or, perform a search on the Internet to buy a pair.) Plus, I can trim my cats’ claws whenever they need done, and not have to wait.

If you’re not sure what brand or type of cat trimmer to buy, ask your vet what he or she recommends. You can also ask a sales associate at your local pet supply store.

With that being said, to properly trim your cat’s claws at home, this task is easier if there are two people doing it. Your assistant can hold your cat while you use the claw trimmer.

I have found that the best time to trim my cat’s claws is when they are in a mellow mood. Don’t try to do this when they are in a playful or rambunctious mood. If you do, they’ll be much harder to hold onto. The best time I have found to properly trim my cat’s claws are when they’re sleepy and are ready to take nap. They’re rather subdued and relaxed at these times.

The first step is to take hold of one of his/her paws in your hand. Gently place your thumb on top of their paw with your forefinger underneath. Now, press down easily, just enough so your cat’s claws are extended out.

Before you start to trim your cat’s claws, look closely at the claws on the first paw. If your cat has white claws it will be easy to see the pinkish color at the base of its claw. Don’t ever cut into the pinkish-colored quick! You only want to trim off your cat’s claws where the claws are whitish-clear in color!

If your cat has black claws, like my kitten does, then you’ll have to be especially careful not to cut into the quick.

Now carefully use the claw trimmer to cut off the very tips of your cat’s claws. By cutting off the sharp tips, your cat won’t be able to claw as much. Follow the instructions on the claw trimmer package in order to achieve the best results. Generally, you place the tip of your cat’s claw in the jaws of the trimmer and then bring the handles together.

Continue this process with the remainder of your cat’s claws.

When you’re trimming your cat’s claws, if you accidentally cut too high up into the quick, and the claw bleeds, have a styptic pencil handy to stop the bleeding.

If your cat fidgets or puts up a fuss after a few snips of the trimmer, talk gently to him or her and pet their fur a few times. Try to keep them calm and relaxed.

If that doesn’t work, and your cat is still putting up a fuss, you may want to release him or her for the time being. Allow them to run around the house and calm their nerves a bit before you try to trim their claws again.