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Your kitty needs a claw trim, but all you have on hand are human clippers—are those safe to use on a cat? They sure are! In this article, we'll walk you through the entire process so you can successfully and safely cut your cat's nails. We'll also include plenty of positive reinforcement tips so your kitty's experience will be a happy one. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide to cutting cat nails with human clippers.

1

Choose a time when your cat is relaxed.

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  1. Cats usually aren't thrilled about getting their claws trimmed, but this doesn’t have to be a negative experience! Cats are more cooperative when they’re happy and a bit groggy, so try giving yours a big helping of their favorite wet food or a tasty treat a few minutes before you start.[1]
    • Post-playtime is another good option—just make sure your kitty is worn out enough to be drowsy.
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2

Sit in a chair and put your kitty in your lap.

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  1. Nestling the kitty firmly in the crook of your arm works well, just be sure to leave your dominant arm and hand free to operate the clippers. If your cat is being squirmy, enlist a friend or family member to help you hold the kitty still.[2]
    • If you don’t have anyone to assist you, try wrapping the kitty's body firmly in a towel with its paw extended.[3]
    • Face the chair away from the window, if possible. The last thing you want is for your cat to spot a bird through the window in the middle of a claw trim! If you have other pets, keep them in a separate room for now.[4]
3

Pick up one paw and gently massage it.

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  1. Front paws tend to be more accessible, but it doesn’t really matter as long as you're working on one paw at a time. Hold the paw between your fingers and massage it for about 3 seconds so your cat adjusts to the feeling.[5]
    • Avoid massaging for more than a few seconds since most cats get impatient.
    • If your cat is being squirmy, let them sniff the clippers. Then, give them a treat so they start associating the clippers with good things. Keep the treats nearby since you’ll probably need them again.[6]
    • It can also help to trim a piece of uncooked spaghetti with the clippers so your kitty can adjust to the sound.[7]
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6

Snip the white tip at the end of the claw.

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  1. Remember: anywhere in the white zone near the tip of the claw is safe! Avoid the pink area (the quick) in the center. You won’t be able to measure it exactly, but it’s best to cut about 18 in (3.2 mm) before the quick.[10]
    • When in doubt, err on the side of caution—it's better to cut off less than more.
    • If you accidentally cut into the quick or splinter the cat's claw, stay calm and speak to your pet in a low, soothing voice. Apply styptic powder to the nail to stop the bleeding and finish the trim another day.[11] If you don't have styptic powder, use corn starch.[12]
9

Postpone the trim if your cat resists.

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  1. A wriggly, yowling cat is tough to groom and you’ll be more likely to cut into the quick. If your cat resists, stop immediately and stay calm. Give your kitty a treat and a cuddle session and try again tomorrow.[14]
    • If your cat refuses to let you clip its claws, ask your vet or a groomer for help. These folks are trained and can probably show you some tricks to help you “nail” future trims on your own!
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10

Trim your cat’s claws every 2-3 weeks.

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  1. Check your cat's front paws every 2 weeks or so and trim them once they’ve grown out. If you’re able to trim the back paws during the same session, go for it! If you can’t, the back claws can be trimmed every month or so.[15]
    • Growth varies depending on your cat’s breed, age, and health. Typically, senior cats will need more frequent trims than younger cats.

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About This Article

Marie Lin
Co-authored by:
Licensed Pet Groomer
This article was co-authored by Marie Lin and by wikiHow staff writer, Amber Crain. Marie Lin is a Licensed Pet Groomer and the Owner of Marie's Pet Grooming, a grooming salon based in New York City. Marie has over 10 years of pet grooming experience specializing in dogs and cats. She earned her pet grooming certification from the American Academy of Pet Grooming New York in 2009 and is also a member of the National Dog Groomers Association of America. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Hawaii Pacific University in 2007. This article has been viewed 46,693 times.
21 votes - 87%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: June 3, 2022
Views: 46,693
Categories: Grooming Cats
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 46,693 times.

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