Easy Guide to Cutting Your Cat’s Nails

Easy Guide to CutKeeping your cat’s claws healthy is an essential part of their overall grooming routine. While cats are excellent self-groomers, they often need a helping paw when it comes to claw maintenance. At Pets Warehouse, we guide you through safe, stress-free ways to trim your cat’s claws while keeping both you and your feline friend happy.

Why Claw Maintenance Matters

Overgrown claws can cause a variety of problems for your cat, including:

• Injuries from nails curling into paw pads
• Joint or gait issues from altered walking
• Getting stuck in furniture, carpets, or collars
• Accidental scratches to you or your loved ones
• Damage to household furniture

Regular claw trimming keeps your cat comfortable, healthy, and safe — and it can also protect your home from unwanted scratches.

Recognising When Claws Are Too Long

A cat’s claws are usually retractable, but if you notice:

• Claws visibly sticking out when walking or sitting
• Very curved or sharp nails
• Damage to furniture from scratching

…it’s a sign your cat’s claws need a trim.

Essential Tools for Claw Trimming

Before you start, gather the following supplies:

• Cat nail clippers or grinders: Options include scissor-style, guillotine-style, plier-style, or electric grinders. Each has pros and cons.
• Styptic powder: Stops bleeding in case you accidentally cut the quick.
• Treats: Reward your cat after every successful trim.
• Towel: Helps safely restrain your cat if needed.
• Calm environment: A quiet space without distractions ensures a stress-free session.

Check out our full range of cat grooming supplies at Pets Warehouse.

Preparing Your Cat for Trimming

Practice is key. Start by:

• Handling your cat’s paws gently to get them comfortable
• Introducing the clippers or grinder without cutting initially
• Rewarding calm behaviour with treats and praise

Creating a relaxed environment using cat calming sprays or diffusers can make a huge difference.

Step-by-Step Claw Trimming Guide

1. Position your cat comfortably: Options include on your lap, against a flat surface, or wrapped gently in a towel.
2. Extend the claw: Press the paw pad gently to expose the claw.
3. Avoid the quick: The pink or black vein inside the claw is sensitive. Only trim the clear tip.
4. Trim at a 45-degree angle: This angle ensures a natural claw shape for walking.
5. Take it slow: Start with small trims and progress gradually.
6. Don’t forget the dewclaws: Located on the inside of the front paws, these need regular trimming too.
7. Reward after each claw: Use treats, petting, or play to create positive associations.

Repeat this process for all paws. If your cat becomes stressed, pause and continue another day.

How Often Should You Trim?

• Indoor cats: Every 2–3 weeks
• Kittens: Weekly
• Outdoor cats: Less frequent, a few times a year depending on wear

Providing a cat scratching post or pad helps maintain claw health between trims and offers an alternative to your furniture.

Extra Tips for Stress-Free Trimming

• Practice with your cat to build tolerance
• Use a towel to gently restrain squirmy cats
• Introduce grinders gradually to get them used to noise
• Monitor for stress signals: tail twitching, growling, stiffening, or panting

Keep Claws Healthy Between Trims

Encourage natural claw wear with:

Regular grooming: Brushing removes dead fur and keeps paws cleanting Your Cat’s Nails

Interactive play: Keeps your cat active and their claws naturally worn down