How To Clip Your Cat’s Claws

Overview

• Make sure your cat is relaxed before you cut their claws.
• Only use special cat nail clippers, not scissors or human clippers.
• If possible, ask someone to stroke your cat and give them treats whilst you clip their claws to make it a positive experience.
• If you struggle to cut your cat’s claws at home, ask your vet for advice.

Step by step guide to clipping your cat’s nails

Step 1 – Wait until your cat is calm

• If your cat is calm, clipping their claws will be easier for you and a much more positive experience for them.

Step 2 – Get some nail clippers

• Always use a pair of cat nail clippers. Don’t use scissors or human nail clippers as they are likely to squash the claws and cause them to split.
• Hold your cat’s paw in a position that is comfortable for them, but also easy for you to see their claws. You might need someone to help you if possible.
• Gently press the top of a toe to reveal the nail.

Step 3 – Look for the quick

• The quick is the bit inside the claw that contains blood vessels and nerves. It’s red or pink so should be easy to see.
• This part of the nail will bleed and be painful if it is cut.
• You should cut a couple of millimetres away from the quick.

Step 4 – Continue with the other nails

• Continue to clip the other claws, and remember the dew claws on the front paws.
• If a nail bleeds, don’t panic - you can dip it in cornflour to help it clot or hold some cotton wool around it until the bleeding stops.

Step 5 – Treats!

• Give your cat some treats to reward them as this will help them to see nail clipping as a positive experience.

Never force your cat to have their nails cut. If you are struggling, get in touch with your vet for advice.

FAQs

Published: August 2022