- Written by: Sarah
- Last Update: March 1, 2023
The 5 Best Cat Nail Clippers in 2023
If you have a cat, you know that cutting and trimming their nails is quite the task. Getting your feline friend to stay still is half the battle, let alone getting their nails properly trimmed. What if I told you having one of the best cat nail clippers can make the job much easier?
If you’re using a manual clipper, it’s best to make sure that it’s sharp and durable. This will help make the process go a lot smoother. But there are also plenty of safe electric cat nail clippers on the market that work great!
Below you will find a variety of different types of cat nail clippers and grinders. If you’re sick and tired of fussing around with your furry friend, take a look at some of the best clippers available right now. With a product for everyone’s needs and budget, you’re bound to find a product that works perfectly in your home!
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Cat Nail Clipper | INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder Electric Paw Trimmer | 4.9 |
| Best Starter Kit for Pet Owners | Pet Republique Dog Nail Clippers and Dog Nail Grinder Series | 4.7 |
| Quietest Nail Grinder | Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder | 4.6 |
| Best Budget Nail Clippers | Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals | 4.2 |
| Best Battery Operated Nail Grinder | Oster Gentle Paws Less Stress Dog and Cat Nail Grinder | 4.4 |
Our Top Pick
INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder Electric Paw Trimmer
Out of all of the cat nail clippers on the market, our top pick goes to INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder Electric Paw Trimmer. There are several reasons why this particular nail clipper beat the rest, but it comes down to a few features. First, it has two speed settings that allow you to increase the speed slowly, so you don’t startle your pet.
Another great feature is that stands out is that since this is a grinder, it will be a lot harder for you to hurt your pet or accidentally cut their quick. It also stands out because it has a USB charger, so you’ll save money on batteries, and it doesn’t take a long time to charge!
This pet nail grinder is inexpensive and easy to use, primarily if you’ve never used one before!
Table of Contents
Cat Nail Clippers Reviewed
Best Overall Cat Nail Clipper
INVENHO Pet Nail Grinder Electric Paw Trimmer
First on our list is INVENHO’s pet nail grinder. It has a diamond bit grinder tip that makes it safer and easier to use than other types of tips. You also don’t have to worry about replacing the tip, or sharpening it all the time.
With this grinder, you won’t have to worry about cutting your feline’s nails too short, as it slowly and gradually grinds the nail down. It has a powerful motor that is quiet enough not to startle your cat. There is less vibration with this trimmer, which gives you more control and won’t scare your pet.
Not only does this trimmer charge via USB cable, but the tip is easy to clean between uses. It has an indicator light to let you know when it’s charging, or when it’s fully charged. There is a protective cover to place over the grinder when the trimmer isn’t in use.
It’s easy to use and comes with two different speed settings. Start off on the lower speed after letting your pet check out the tool. If you need to and find it okay to do at the moment, feel free to use the faster speed.
Our Opinion:
This is the best cat nail clipper overall. We really enjoy that the diamond tip doesn’t need to be replaced and that the device is comfortable to hold at just about any angle. It has a low vibration which your pet will enjoy, as long as he’s patient.
Best Starter Kit for Pet Owners
Pet Republique Dog Nail Clippers and Dog Nail Grinder Series
This professional nail grinder can be used on just about any animal in your home. It’s great for cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, and bunnies! It comes with three different grinding stones that are interchangeable. There are also two different setting options available.
The motor is fairly quiet, less than 60 decibels. Your pet won’t get scared over how loud this grinder is. It has little vibration, which makes it last longer between charges. The battery is rechargeable via USB and is quick-charging as well.
The company does suggest that you give your pet plenty of time to get used to the grinder with the motor on before you actually start grinding their nails down. This allows them to get familiar and comfortable with the product first.
This grinder is great because it can be used on any size cat with any size claws. It comes with everything you need and is incredibly easy to use.
Our Opinion:
We love that this grinder comes with so much stuff. You don’t have to spend extra money to buy more grinding stones or a charger. We also enjoy that it charges up quickly and that there are two convenient speed options.
Quietest Nail Grinder
Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder
Another great electric pet nail grinder comes from Hertzko. It has a safe diamond bit grinder that is more effective than your standard nail clipper. You will reduce the risk of cutting the nail too far down when using this grinder, making it perfect for beginners.
What sets this pet nail grinder apart is that it has three different sized openings. This is great if you plan to use this on multiple pets with different sized nails. You can also take off the tip and use it on really large nails if you happen to have a large dog.
This grinder has a patented Super Mute Motor that makes it as quiet as possible while using. Your cat will enjoy that this trimmer has fewer vibrations, making it easier for you to control. It comes with a convenient USB charging cable, and it’s small enough that you can bring it with you wherever you go!
It’s easy to clean, comfortable in your hand, and charges quickly. If you have a pet that’s particularly anxious when it comes to getting their nails trimmed, this is a great option!
Our Opinion:
This is a perfect grinder for those who have pets that are sensitive to sound. The super mute motor helps to make this device practically silent. It comes with a diamond bit that makes grinding down the nail really easy. We also enjoy that there are multiple sized openings that you can use on all your pets, not just your cats.
Best Budget Nail Clippers
Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals
If you’re not looking for an electric option, this pet nail clipper is great for cats, bunnies and small rodents. It is a scissor-like clipper and has an incredibly comfortable handle. You have the option to get a flat or curved blade. Either will work, but it’s suggested to get a curved blade to go along with the natural curve in a cat’s nail.
These clippers are perfect if you’re a vet, or just have a furry friend at home. The blade is made out of thick stainless steel, meaning it’s heavy-duty and durable. If you get the curved design, it helps reduce the chance of cutting into the quick of the nail.
They’re so easy to use and are comfortable to hold for long periods of time if needed. There is a lifetime money-back guarantee with these cat nail clippers. The stainless steel blade also means you’ll have to sharpen it less often, saving you time and effort.
These scissor-like cutters are easy to clean with soap and water. Lastly, these clippers also come with a nail file! Let’s talk about the pros and cons!
Our Opinion:
These clippers are a great choice for someone who's wanting to steer clear of an electric grinder or trimmer. You're in full control, and you won't need to waste any time charging the device. These clippers are easy to use, and the stainless steel blade is incredibly durable.
Best Battery Operated Nail Grinder
Oster Gentle Paws Less Stress Dog and Cat Nail Grinder
The last product we’re going to be covering before getting into the frequently asked questions is the Oster Gentle Paws nail grinder for dogs and cats. This is a whisper-quiet rotary tool that makes trimming your pet’s nails a breeze!
It has two different speed options and can be used on several types of pets. It comes with a coarse stone to file down tough nails. There are also three different bands that come with, one is fine and two are coarse.
There is a convenient safety guard on the tip that keeps your hands safe while using. The unique design of the handle makes it comfortable to hold at any angle. There are also a few different sized holes within the safety guard.
It has a powerful motor that cuts the trimming time in half compared to other grinder options on the market.
Our Opinion:
This is a great trimmer if your pet is sensitive to sound. Trimmers and grinders can be loud and scare your pet; this one is known for being quiet. We also enjoy the fact that it is faster than competitor grinders. Holding your cat down to cut his nails is a task enough already, so the fact that this grinder works quickly is a big plus for us!
What to look for in a Cat Nail Clipper
We wanted to share with you a handful of things you should be aware of when it comes to finding the best cat nail clippers. Below you will find an in-depth buyer’s guide that covers just about everything you need to consider before spending any money.
Type of Blade
The most important part of cat nail clippers is the blade. If it doesn’t have a high-quality blade that remains sharp, it’s not a clipper you should be using. It’s essential to make sure the blade not only remains sharp, but free from rust.
Having a sharp blade ensures that the cut will happen in one swift motion, rather than you having to struggle with a dull blade. Try to find a clipper that has a blade that you can easily sharpen at home.
Safety Features
We want our feline friends to have the most pleasant experience possible when getting their nails trimmed. It’s already enough stress on their body, so you’ll find that some clippers have safety features.
One of the more popular features is a quick guard on the tip of the clipper. Just as the name says, this is a guard that prevents you from getting too close and cutting the quick. Other safety features are unique to other clippers. Either way, we believe that safety should be the utmost important thing to keep in mind when you’re cutting your cat’s nails at home.
Ease of Use
Having clippers or trimmers that are easy to use will benefit both you and your cat. If they’re easy to use, you’ll be able to cut their nails in a smoother and quicker motion. You want to make sure the clippers are comfortable in your handle, especially if you’re cutting at a strange angle.
The easier the clippers are to use, the easier time you’ll have using them. Simple as that!
Why Use Cat Clippers
You may be wondering why you should trim your cat’s nails. For the most part, it boils down to hygiene. Just like how humans have to trim their nails, cats do too! Because our furry friends can’t do it themselves, we can lend a helping hand by using one of the products we’ll talk about later on.
Experience
Another thing you’ll want to consider is what type of experience you have cutting cat’s nails. If you’re more experienced, you could use a guillotine or scissor cutter. For those that are new or nervous, a battery-powered nail grinder may be better. Those will file nails down at a slower rate but may be a bit scarier to your cat as they can be loud.
Weight
You don’t want to be using a heavy, bulky nail clipping. This will lessen your control and can even create fatigue on your hand and fingers. There are plenty of lightweight nail trimmers and grinders on the market that are comfortable to hold and get the job done without weighing a ton!
Sound
If you’re planning on going with an electric cat nail trimmer or grinder, you may want to pay extra attention to how loud it is. A super loud machine will make your cat even more scared than it already is. Try to use a device that is 75 decibels or less to make sure your cat stays as comfortable as possible.
Price
Just like anything else you buy, cost plays a part. You can get a cheap nail trimmer, but it may be made out of cheap materials that can dull quickly or crush your cat’s nails. Most nail trimmers, even the fancy electric ones, are under $25. Higher priced ones may have special grinding heads or come with a lot of accessories. We included a wide variety of budget-friendly options below.
Types of Cat Nail Clippers
Just like everything else on the market, there are multiple different types of tools. This is great since everyone has a different level of experience, and not every cat is going to react the same. Below you’ll read all about the three most common types of cat nail clippers.
Grinding Tool Trimmers
If cutting your animals nails makes you anxious, or you’re scared you’ll end up cutting a quick, you should consider using a grinding tool. There are plenty listed in the review section below. A grinding tool has a small piece of sandpaper that slowly sands down your cat’s nails.
These are great because they’re more gradual than the two other types of clippers you’ll read about. They’re a lot slower and easy to use for beginners or those who have fussy cats. Lastly, when it comes to grinding tools, you won’t have to worry about filing the nails after since the tool does it for you!
These tend to be a bit more expensive, but that can be worth it for the peace of mind the product may bring you.
Guillotine Clippers
As you can tell by their name, guillotine clippers resemble a guillotine due to the circular area you’ll slide your cats nail into as the cutter slices through the circle. The name might seem scary, but don’t be too intimidating. Even though these are the hardest clippers to use, if you’re experienced, you shouldn’t have an issue!
This type of clipper will feel similar to a hole puncher in your hand. The blade is triggered by squeezing the sides of the handles. This puts you in more control and is comfortable to hold for more extended periods of time if your cat is wiggling about a lot.
If you have a larger cat, you may want to skip guillotine clippers. They’re not strong enough to cut bigger cat’s nails as they are designed for small to medium felines. This type of clipper is harder to use and poses a slight safety hazard.
The clipper will cut off the amount of nail you put through the circular area, which increases the chance to cut a quick. If the nail isn’t angled properly, you could also end up crushing the cat’s nails. Both of these are painful for our animal friends and should be avoided.
Scissor Clippers
Scissor clippers are a type of cat nail clipper that have handles that resemble that of scissors, hence the name. These are some of the easiest clippers to use, as you’ll have a little more control because of the unique handle.
They are also incredibly easy to cut with since you’ll be able to see exactly how much you’re cutting, unlike guillotine clippers where it can be harder to judge how far you’re cutting. You’ll also be able to use scissor clippers on any size cat.
They’re durable, and you don’t have to replace the blade that often as long as you sharpen it regularly. Scissor clippers are also much cheaper than other types of pet nail clippers. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for price either, which is the best of both worlds!
Human Nail Clippers
If you don’t have it in the budget to get specific nail cutters or trimmers for your pet, you can use human nail clippers. It may be harder to get the job done as human nail clippers are much smaller than the ones made for pets.
It can be hard to grip on, and you may lack a bit of control. If you have no other option, it is perfectly fine to use human nail clippers, as long as you’re paying extra attention to the quick while cutting.
FAQ
Can you use human nail clippers on cats?
Yes, you can, actually! If you own a pair that resemble scissors, that’s even better. It is good to note that you should be extra aware of your cat’s quicks in their nails. If you cut into this, your feline friend will bleed and experience some level of pain.
Is it necessary to trim your cat’s nails?
Yes and no. In general, nothing terrible will happen if you don’t trim your cat’s nails. There are a few things to consider that could make it beneficial to keep their nails trimmed. Think about if your cat is an outdoor, indoor, or a bit of both types of cat.
Are they a young kitten who’s really active, or are they ready for relaxation and retirement? You do want to pay attention to make sure that their nails don’t get so long that they curve and pierce into their footpad. If this happens, an infection can begin at the puncture, resulting in pain for your pet and a large vet bill.
How often should you clip your cat’s nails?
If you’re just focusing on trimming, try to remain on a 10- to 14-day schedule between clippings. When your cats are younger, especially when they’re kittens, it’s highly recommended to trim them even more often. Once a week followed up by treats is a great way to help build a positive experience around trimming. Before you know it, your kitty will almost look forward to the process!
When they are young, you can take nail cutting pretty slowly. You can do one pay a day, accompanied by lots of praise and treats to help them get used to it!
Do I have to cut the front and back claws?
It’s really up to you, and what your cat’s lifestyle is like. It’s common only to trim the front claws, but again, if any nail is getting too long, you’ll want to trim it. A way to know if they’re too long without looking at them is if it’s painful when your cat jumps on your lap, or if their nails pierce through your clothing. Start by focusing on the front claws, as cats can get even fussier while you’re cutting their back claws.
Does it hurt my cat when I clip his nails?
As long as you don’t cut the quick, your cat shouldn’t feel any pain. Remember to be as gentle as possible when holding them down as well.
Can I pay someone to cut my cats nails?
Yes! Your vet will do it, or you could also bring your feline friend to a cat spa. These spas offer plenty of amazing treatments, including nail cutting!
Are nail caps bad for cats?
Believe it or not, nail caps are a much better option than resorting to declawing. A few things you need to be aware of is that sweat can build up within the caps and your cat won’t be able to stretch or retract their claws which can make it difficult for them to walk.
Tips and Tricks to Cutting Cat Nails
In general, it’s pretty easy to cut our pet’s nails. It can be intimidating, especially since the process can end up hurting our furry friends. You don’t need to have a professional cut your cat’s nails. This will save you money and gives you an opportunity to bond with your pet.
We did want to include a handful of tips to make the experience a bit easier on you and your cat. Before you know it, you’ll be cutting and trimming nails like a pro!
- Be sure to cut nails in a room that has proper lighting. This allows you to easily see what you’re doing. It helps to ensure you won’t cut the quick and the right lighting can calm down your cat.
- Another thing you’ll want to do is make sure you’re encouraging your cat during the process. They’ll be stressed out so giving them praise and even treats during and after the nail cutting can make it easier for the both of you!
- Make sure to have the clipper blades parallel to the cat’s natural nail when you’re cutting down
- Cat’s nails should be trimmed every two weeks
- Lastly, do not squeeze your cat’s toes. This can hurt and traumatize them, making the next time you cut their nails much more difficult.
Remember that if anytime you feel too uncomfortable or if your cat just isn’t settling down, a professional can do the job for you. It’s relatively inexpensive and shouldn’t cost you more than $30 a month. It is important to try it several times before giving up. Cutting your cat’s nails yourself will, over time, help your pet to trust you more.
How to Cut a Cat’s Nails
Whether it’s your first time cutting a pet’s nails or not, it’s important to know how to do it properly. There are plenty of video tutorials online you could watch, but to save you time we’ve included a small how-to section.
If you ask a professional, they’ll likely tell you to begin cutting a cat’s nails as young as possible. Since cats don’t like having their claws cut, it’s best to get them comfortable with it as early as you can. This helps them get used to the process and will make it easier to do in the future.
You can start by having your cat in your lap, or in a spot they find comfortable. Depending on your pet, you may need an assistant to gently keep the cat from wiggling around too much. If your cat is wiggling a lot, it will make it nearly impossible, and even dangerous to clip the cat’s nails.
Since your cat has longer nails at this time, that can mean some nasty scratches can occur. To avoid this, wear long-sleeved clothing and even put some gloves on if needed. Your assistant should definitely be wearing gloves, as they’ll be the one trying to keep your cat calm and is more likely to get scratched.
If you have an assistant, make sure they have cat treats nearby. The treats should be distributed right near their face so that they move less. It’s important to speak softly to your cat to make them as comfortable as possible. Cats often find it most comfy to be lying on their side or back.
The next thing you want to focus on, once your cat is in a comfortable position, is handling his paws. Normally, cats aren’t the biggest fans of people touching or holding their paws. This is another opportunity to bring in and use treats to ease your cat into the process.
Once your kitty is okay with you touching his paws, place one in the palm of your hand. Place your thumb on top of his paw and your fingers underneath to get a good grip. Gently add pressure on one toe to get the nail to come out of its sheath. You’ll be doing this individually for each nail.
When you look at the nail, you’ll see a pink color inside. This is called the quick. Whatever you do, avoid that area and cut in front of it. If the quick does get cut, your pet will experience some pain, and they will bleed. Try to cut in between the tip of the nail and the quick to ensure safety.
After each nail, give your cat a treat and some affirmations to reward him for being obedient during this process. Since cats don’t like getting their nails trimmed, it may take multiple sessions. If you’ve only cut a few nails and find your cat fighting you, let him go and try again in a few minutes.
We do want you to know that if at any time during the process you do end up cutting the quick, you can put a bit of potassium of permanganate on the cut to stop the bleeding immediately. If you don’t have that in your pantry, regular baking flour will stop the bleeding in a few minutes.
Getting Your Cat Used to Nail Trimming Sessions
You’ve already read about how the more often you trim a cat’s nails, the more they’ll get used to the process. You can do this by starting when they’re a kitten, but what if your cat is already grown up?
There are a few things you can do to get your adult cat used to nail trimming sessions. We wanted to share with you three tips and tactics to try if your cat is rather fussy, or scared of the process.
Placing the Clippers
Before anything else, make sure your cat is familiar with the clippers. You can do this by leaving them in a spot where your cat frequents. If they have a cat bed or a particular spot on the rug they enjoy, set the clippers there for the cat to investigate.
This helps them get used to this once foreign object. Another thing this does is allow the clippers to get your cat’s scent on them. This is a sure-fire way to help your cat get used to the nail cutting process.
Make Some Noise
Believe it or not, one of the things that can help ease your cat into getting his nails clipped is by letting him hear the sound of clipping. Just like humans, new sounds can sometimes frighten our furry friends.
A cheap and easy way to get your cat used to the cutting sound is by cutting pieces of uncooked spaghetti noodles near him. Do this when your cat is doing something that they like so that they can associate the sound with whatever they’re doing that is enjoyable!
Take Your Time
The last tip and tactic we can give you is to be patient. You don’t have to trim every single nail on the first go.
As you’ve already read, you can do one paw a day if needed. If you’re one paw deep and your cat is wiggling around a lot, take a ten-minute break and try it again.
Often times, you’ll only be able to get one or two nails done on your first attempt. This can be a scary event for a cat, especially if he’s not used to it, so don’t be afraid to go as slow as necessary. Be patient and dedicated, and you should see your cat tolerate a nail cutting session with ease.
