12 Best Cat Nail Clippers Reviews And How To Use Them November 2024 (2024)

Being a cat parent is one of the best “jobs” out there. But like any job, feline ownership comes with a few duties that are necessary but not exactly…enjoyable.

Take the process of nail trimming. Lots of kitties don't like this chore, and we can't really blame you if you don't either!

But here's the thing:

Trimming your cat's nails regularly is important for several reasons—not the least of which is her health and safety.

This article is all about the process of trimming your cat's nails. We'll begin by discussing what cat and kitten nail clippers are how to use them properly.

We'll share some tips on how to find the best cat nail clippers (reviews) in your household, and clarify exactly why it's so important to pay attention to your cat's claw length.

Lastly, we'll take you through a thorough best cat nail clippers review and introduce you to the top products for cat nails.

Our review is based off customer reviews, quality and price, and the overall ease, comfort, and effectiveness that these top tools offer.

Top Rated Cat Nail Clippers

A Review of the Best Cat Nail Clippers

The following cat nail clippers are among the best of the best when it comes to nail care for felines. Remember what you've learned so far about pet nail clippers as you read through the reviews and the pros and cons of each one to see which one may be right for you and your feline.

1. BOSHEL Nail Clippers and Trimmer

This tool is a popular choice among pet parents to keep the nails trimmed. It's been designed for safe use on both cats and dogs, and it comes highly recommended by professionals. Among its top features includes locking blades and a built-in safety guard.

The manufacturers even add in a mini nail file to help smooth down cat claws after you cut them.

2. Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless

Unlike guillotine or scissors style nail scissors, this cordless nail grooming and grinding tool takes a different “spin” on the pet nail grooming experience—literally! The device is light in weight and features a variable-speed rotary design (6,500 RPM and 13,000 RPM) to easily sand down rather than clip your pet's nails.

Effective yet gentle, the cordless design is a breeze to use and stays comfortable on your animal's paws.

3. Epica #1

This pair of stainless steel blades pet nail clippers from Epica offers ergonomic rubber handles for confident handling and a safety mechanism. The semi-circular blade design is sharp and easy to engage with just a gentle squeeze. This keeps it from being a scary experience to engage the pliers—no more worrying about hurting your little girl!

These clippers aren't the best for small kitties with small claws, though, so they're best used on slightly larger cats.

4. Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder

Thiselectric pet nail grindersure looks fancy, but it can still get the job done! It features three port varieties that you can easily switch out to take care of all your kitties—large, medium, and small. It also features a durable grinding material and design that dramatically reduces the risk of accidentally cutting a cat quick.

Many pet parents prefer grinders to clippers because they feel more in control of them. But keep in mind that if your cat is sensitive to vibration or noise, she may be easily afraid of this type of device.

5. Pet Republique Dog and Cat Nail Clipper

These clippers from Pet Republique are reportedly well-used among professional nail trimmers, including groomers, veterinarians, and vet techs. These small clippers are among the best choices for tiny kittens and cats.

The company also pledges to donate 15% of their profits to the American Animal Rescue Society!

6. GoPets Nail Clippers for Dogs & Cats with Nail File

These clippers from GoPets are sharp, strong, and tough. They cut your cat's nails smoothly while also being easy on your grip due to great anti-slip handles. Like many of the other top choices on this best clippers review, this device also features a safety guard blade to reduce the risk of injury to your cat and help you stay far away from that precious quick!

7. Gonicc Dog & Cat Pets Clippers and Trimmers

For the best experience with cutting your cat's claws, you'll want to make sure that both you and your kitty are comfortable. This is why lots of reviewers enjoythese clippersfrom gonicc. Sharp blades with a safety stop allows you to get the job done quickly.

They also come with a nail file to use on your pet's freshly cut claws and cut down on the risk of snags and splinters.

8. Millers Forge Stainless Steel Dog Nail Clipper

These pet clippers from Millers Forge are about as simple as they come. Reliable and sharp, they're safe to use on cats, too. And since nobody wants their fingers accidentally cut, these pliers come with a lock to keep the blades safely closed when not in use.

9. Petural Pet Nail Grinder and Clippers

For cat parents who prefer nail grinders instead of clippers, thisnail care toolfrom I-pure is a great choice. The device was recently upgraded by the manufacturer to include a more powerful motor for better speed without a sacrifice on safety. This can help you trim your kitty's nails more efficiently and get the job done quickly.

Compared with others on the market, their brass motor have upgraded to 9000RPM which increased 22% and reached more effective results.

The diamond bit grinder creates less than 50 db of noise on average, and comes with three size options to accommodate all the different cats in your household.

10. CleanHouse Pets Dog and Cat Nail Clippers

These clippers from CleanHouse come with a lifetime warranty, but the stainless steel blades add a lot of durability to your purchase! The clippers are safe to use on cats of all sizes and include a safety switch to help protect your fingers and your cat's claws.

11. Zerhunt Nail Clippers, Grooming Tools

Here we have another rechargeablepet nail grinderon our list that features multiple-sized ports for multiple sized cat claws, as well as that all important safety guard to keep you from accidentally cutting an animal's quick.

The grinder mechanism features an impressive 6,000 RPM that allows you to safely sand down your kitty's claws. It has low vibration and low noise which maximizes your kitty's comfort. This is important, because it can help make sure that she'll stay still while you're using them on her.

12. H&H Cat Nail Clippers

Last on our list are these sharp andprofessional grade trimmersfrom H&H. They're cheap, simple to use, and come with a basic design. A word of warning: a lot of reviewers note that these clippers squish or splinter their animals' nails rather than cutting them cleanly.

So, they may not be best for a multi-cat household where they would need a lot of use, or for animals with thicker stronger claws.

One major bonus? A purchase with this company is another opportunity to provide to animals in need, since they too pledge to donate 15% of their profits to non-profit animal rescue organizations.

What Are Cat Nail Clippers and Why Should I Use Them?

Cat nail clippers are the most hygienic, safe, and humane way to trim cats' claws. You may figure that you could use dog nail trimmers or even human nail scissors in a pinch.

But here's the truth:

In most cases, using any blade other than professional nail clippers for cats on your feline's claws can be ineffective. It may even cause your little lion serious pain. This is because if you cut your kitty's nails too short, you may damage the quick inside her paws.

What's the quick? It's the pink bed of her nails where blood vessels and nerves are. Snipping this area can lead to serious pain and lots of bleeding. When you cut this deep into your kitty's claw, you may increase her risk for infection, too.

This is why pet nail clipper made with safety features like locking blades and nail guards are better to use on tiny cat claws.

The most popular nail trimmers to use on feline claws include guillotine style and scissors style. Scissor style is best if a cat's claw has grown so long that it starts curling in on itself. Meanwhile, a stainless steel blade guillotine cat claw trimmer allows you to easily cut a cat nail with an even pressure and pace like a professional.

A pet nail trimmer designed with a stainless steel blades guillotine feature can also give you a visual guide that will help you stay away from the quick. When in doubt, it's better to cut pet claws a little less than you should rather than a little more than you should.

Believe it or not, some people actually use human fingernail clippers. But until you get really good at keeping your animal's nails trimmed, you should leave this technique to a professional nail trimmer, or at least make sure a vet or groomer teaches you how to cut properly.

Trim Your Cat's Nails Like a Pro: How to Use the Best Cat Nail Clippers

Learning the technique of cutting your cat's claws is a simple but effective way to keep her healthy and safe—and these aren't the only benefits! Proper pet claw care is better for your kitty's health, your family's health, and your home.

So, beyond using the right type of cat nail trimmer for your feline, it's also important to know how to use cat claw clippers correctly. Of course, getting your cutie to sit still while you cut her cat claws can seem nearly impossible. Plenty of kitties see those sharp stainless steel blades and go scampering off!

If you're really unsure about how to cut your cat s nails, you can always consult with a professional nail trimmer or even your veterinarian. They should be able to give you some helpful pointers.

In the meantime, keep the following tips in mind have your cat nails trimmed with success:

• Start 'em young! The earlier you introduce your kitty to the experience of having her paws handled, the better. When she's little, gently touch her paws and nails so she gets used to it.
• Make it rewarding. Give your feline special food after her nails are trimmed or even while touching her adorable little feet. This provides positive reinforcement that will teach your cat how to stay comfortable during this chore, even if she doesn't necessarily like it.
• Your pet should be still while you cut her nails so the task is easier and safer to do. If she won't sit still without a little help, you can hold her in your lap with your forearms resting firmly but gently on her neck and hind-end.
• Gently squeeze your cat's toe between your thumb and forefinger to expose her claw (which normally retracts into her paw).
• Hold the cat nail clippers perpendicular to the end of her nail. If you hold the locking blades parallel to a nail, the claw can easily split and splinter when the blade cuts.
• If you're using a guillotine cat nail trimmer, make sure the sharp blades face you. And no matter what type of clippers you're using, make sure they're positioned so that you cut the kitty's nail from top to bottom—not side to side.
• Gently squeeze the clippers until they snip the nail. You're looking to cut about 2 millimeters away from her quick.

Remember: the goal is to keep the process of the claw trimming experience as comfortable as possible for your little one! So keep yummy food handy, use a soothing voice, and be firm but gentle. And make sure you're watching out for your own health, too—find a way to do this task without having to maintain a lot of tension or awkward posture in your body.

Top Things to Consider Before Buying Cat Nail Clippers

You may have a lot of questions about keeping your cats nails trimmed, which is perfectly understandable. To help ease your mind about the pet nail trimming process in general, keep the following factors in mind:

• Whether you're a total newbie or an experienced professional pet nail trimmer, the best cat nail clippers for you are whichever ones you feel the most okay with in your hand and fingers. Feel free to head to a pet store or ask your veterinarian for samples to test out and hold first.
• How often do you plan on using your clippers? When sharp blades start to dull, you'll need to replace them. So, if you have a lot of kitties, you'll want to look for durable blades that will last a long time. Likewise, you may want to find a pair of nail scissors that have replaceable blades—or at least a pair that is inexpensive enough to replace with a new pair as time goes by.
• How dark are your cat's nails? If they are lighter, this means the quick will be easier to see. But if your furball's nails are darker, you may have a harder time visualizing exactly where the quick ends and the nail begins. So, you may want to try using a cat nail clippers with guard that will help you stay away from this super sensitive part of her paws.
• How big is your animal? Certain clippers are too large to use safely on the smallest animals and may put too much pressure on your little one's nails.

The Trouble With Long Nails

Most of us know how sharp a cat's nails can be. But if you allow your kitty's nails to grow too long, then serious problems can occur.

Here are a few common issues associated with excessive cat nail length:

• A long nail gets snagged more easily in fabrics, including clothing, rugs, and upholstery. This can damage the fabric itself and increase the risk of the nail being torn and ripped—a major ouch for your feline!
• If your pet has a nail that grows too long, the nail may start to curl inward. Eventually, it may curl so much that it starts to put pressure on your kitty's paw pads and become ingrown. This can cause quite a lot of pain for your sweetie and make it difficult for her to walk, climb, and even groom herself. Over time, this could also lead to an infection in your animal's paws, which in the most advanced cases can become life-threatening.
• Cats with long nails can cause more damage if and when they scratch your skin. Unfortunately, many people have experienced firsthand the dangers of cat scratches—including pain and possible infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Cats Cut or Keep Their Own Nails Trimmed?

Most felines can do a decent job at their own nail care, such as by using a scratching post or biting or chewing at their claws. Outdoor cats also have the benefit of walking on rough surfaces like sand, gravel, and asphalt to help naturally file down their nails.

But cat nails can be notoriously sharp, and they tend to grow in layers, too. This means that cats aren't always able to get all the layers of nails off, even with regular nail-biting or scratching on posts.

If these older layers don't come off fully, your kitty may become prone to ingrown nails, damaged nails, or infections. So, it may be best for your kitty to trim her nails every once in a while.

Can You Use Human Nail Clippers on a Cat's Nail?

You can use human nail clippers on a cat's nail. In fact, many pet parents feel more comfortable clipping theirfelines' nailswith regular fingernail clippers simply because they're more comfortable with them.

If you are going to use human nail clippers on your cat's nails, it is recommended to buy a pair that you'll use only on her.

Also, make sure you're using the appropriate technique, including keeping the blades perpendicular to her nails and cutting top to bottom, instead side to side.

Why Do Cats Claws Get Thick?

A cat's claws can grow thick for a variety of reasons, including:

• Hyperthyroidism, which can cause claws to become overgrown and thick
• Arthritis, which can make it hard for your kitty to do basic self-grooming and apply enough pressure while scratching and flexing her paws
• Diabetes, which can cause poor circulation in your kitty's paws
• Any other condition that causes poor circulation, which can limit the amount of nutrients sent to your kitty's nail bed and make her claws more at risk for becoming thick, overgrown, or ingrown

Will a Scratching Post Help Dull My Cat's Nails?

Your cat will probably love having a scratching post, but this device won't necessarily dull her nails. In fact, when your kitty uses a scratching post, she is likely to scratch off the older outer layer of her nails and therefore reveal the smoother and newer layer of nails underneath.

If I Clip My Cat's Nails, Will She Stop Scratching Things?

Scratching is a completely normal behavior for cats to do, and clipping her nails will likely not stop her from doing it. Like their wild cousins and ancient ancestors, kitties scratch to:

• Exercise their muscles and joints
• Remove the older outer layer of her nails and reveal the deeper smoother claw layers
• Mark their territory (felines actually have scent glands in their paws that secrete odor while scratching)

That's why it's important to provide your animal with an appropriate and safe place for her to scratch, so she can act out her instincts without putting her health (nor your furniture) at risk.

Conclusion

Cutting your cats claws doesn't have to be a dreadful experience—neither for nor your beloved pet! With the right sharp clippers tool, the right techniques, and the right routine, you'll be cutting your cat nails with ease in no time.

Who knows: The process of trimming your cat nails could become a wonderful bonding experience that you both can look forward to!

By now, you should have a better idea of what type of pet nail clippers to purchase for your animal's nail clipping. Keep this list close at hand when you're starting the shopping process and comparing the pet clippers price.

And if you know of other people who would appreciate knowing how to care for their cat's paws without putting their fingers (or their animal's claws) through a guillotine, be sure to share this review with them, too.