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The SHINY PET Cat Nail Clipper & Claw Trimmer is my top choice for cat nail clippers after some trial and error maintaining my cat’s nails.
- Easy to use and smartly designed scissors
- Sharp, stainless-steel blade
- Small, portable size
- Ergonomically designed handle, no safety guard
- Lifetime guarantee
I’ve tested out brands and styles to find the best cat nail clippers and the SHINY PET provides a great experience for both my cat and me.
But what works for my cat may not work for yours. Preferences vary – maybe you want an electric trimmer or are new to clipping. That’s why in this post, I review clippers of different types, along with a buying guide and tips.
I cover everything from features to look for, to techniques to avoid injury.
These are the products we review in this article (not all shown):
Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper
- Scissor Type
- Safety Guard
- Small/Medium, Large Size
- Best Overall Cat Nail Clippers
- Super Popular
- Veterinarian Recommended Nail Clippers
- Best Cat Nail Clippers for Beginners
- Best Cat Nail Clippers with Safety Guard
- Best Guillotine Cat Nail Clippers
- Best Cat Nail Clippers for Thick Nails
- Ideal for Kittens
- Best Automatic Cat Nail Trimmer
- How to Choose Cat Clippers?
- The Types of Cat Clippers
- Why Do Cats’ Claws Need to be Trimmed?
- Why are Special Cat Clippers Necessary?
- Tips on Clipping Nails
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overall Best Cat Nail Clippers
- Easy to use and smartly designed scissors
- Sharp, stainless-steel blade
- Small, portable size
- Ergonomically designed handle, no safety guard
- Lifetime guarantee
The SHINY PET Cat Nail Clipper & Claw Trimmer is my pick for for the best nail clippers for cats. I use these in between grooming sessions with my cat and it’s basically not a big deal for her anymore.
These small, scissor style clippers feature both a sharp, stainless-steel blade and ergonomically designed comfort grips. The semi-circular, angled design of the blades means that you will be able to keep the nail in your view while cutting, helping you to avoid the quick.
This will help ensure that the nail trimming session will be expedient and comfortable for both you and your cat. The compact size will be easy to store without taking up too much space.
Even better for first time cat owners, these clippers also comes with a free eBook, providing tips and tricks for trimming your cats’ nails with this specific tool.
Thousands of cat owners rave over this tool with one user hailing it as the “holy grail of cat nail clippers”. A sweet lifetime money back guarantee provides additional peace of mind too.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 10/10
- Safety 8/10
- Durability: 10/10
- Price: 10/10
- Overall Score: 9.5
What We Liked:
- Easy to use and smartly designed
- Sharp, stainless-steel blade
- Small, portable size
- Ergonomically designed handle
- Lifetime guarantee
What We Didn’t Like:
- Compact size could be less effective for larger claws
- The handles do not open super wide, so can be difficult for people with hand mobility issues
Super Popular Cat Nail Trimmer
- Scissor Type
- No Safety Guard
- Small Size
With over 6,000 reviews from happy owners, the JOFUYU Cat Nail Clippers has to be included on any list of best cat nail trimmers.
It hits all the high notes of quality nail clippers from the super sharp, stainless steel blade to the comfortable and easy to grip handles while maneuvering. The size is nice and compact, perfect for cats of all sizes.
But the best thing about the JOFUYU cat claw trimmer is that you choose from an angled or flat blade. Either version performs but it’s great to get a version that works best for your cutting style or nail situation.
This tool even includes a file, perfect for if your cat still has a ragged edge to a nail after clipping.
Users love these sturdy clippers, saying how well made, excellently designed, and easy to use they were. All good things to keep in mind while you simultaneously try to keep your cat calm.
Definitely one of the best nail trimmers for cats in my opinion.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 9/10
- Safety 8/10
- Durability: 10/10
- Price: 10/10
- Overall Score: 9.25
What We Liked:
- Flat or angled versions
- Perfect size for cats
- Easy to grip and control handles
- Sharp stainless steel blades
What We Didn’t Like:
- Smaller size can be difficult for larger human hands
Veterinarian Recommended Cat Nail Clippers
- Scissor Type
- Safety Guard
- Small Size
Veterinarians and vet techs alike recommend the Millers Forge Steel Pet Nail Clipper based on its great and smooth cutting action.
A real professional’s tool the spring-loaded mechanism applied cutting pressure evenly, thereby decreasing chances of the nail splitting.
I really like that these cat nail cutters are quieter than other models, with no loud clipping noise. This can help keep your cat calm during their manicure. The more they are trained this routine is a nothing-burger, the easier it comes in the future.
The handles are simple and smooth, best for those owners who have no issues with grip or hand strength.
And while used by cat groomers, the ease of these professional cat nail clippers make them a solid choice for owners who want to handle nail trims themselves.
Its even equipped with a safety guard, to prevent one from cutting too much nail at once. These clippers are low on bells and whistles but high on user satisfaction, another one of the best cat nail clippers.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 9/10
- Safety 9/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Price: 10/10
- Overall Score: 9
What We Liked:
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable option recommended by professionals
- Low chance of splitting nails due to cutting action
- Safety guard
What We Didn’t Like:
- Handle is a little thin and not grippy
Best Cat Claw Trimmers for Beginners
- Scissor Type
- Safety Guard
- Small/Medium, Large Size
The Epica Professional Pet Nail Clipper are the best cat nail trimmers for beginners to at-home nail grooming for all the right reasons – it’s affordable and focused on ease and safety.
The semicircular blade design makes it easy to lay your cats’ nails against the blade and then quickly remove excess length with a light touch.
The handles are designed with no slip rubber handles, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The plier design has excellent response to squeezing, those stainless steel blades are sharp and effective.
When not in use, a gentle squeeze locks the clippers into a safe mode, keeping these extra sharp trimmers locked. Like the other cat claw trimmers on this list, the Epica comes in a perfect “small” size for all cats.
A common sentiment among owners was that these clippers were easy to use as first timers, and that it made learning this skill easy! Good things for both new cat parents and kitty dealing with a kitten nail trimmer for the first time!
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 8/10
- Safety 10/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Price: 9/10
- Overall Score: 8.75
What We Liked:
- Build quality
- Strong, sharp semi circular blades
- Rubberized, easy to squeeze handles
- Perfect size for cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviewers question the durability of the rubber handles
Best Cat Claw Trimmer with Safety Guard
- Highly reviewed safety guard
- High quality stainless steel
- Hidden nail file
- Well designed and comfortable handles
I love the safety guard on the BOSHEL Cat Nail Trimmer. It’s a very welcome feature that prevents you from over-clipping nails and cutting into the quick. No one wants to cause pain and bleeding to their fluffy friend.
Besides the guard, this nail clippers for cats performs on all levels and helps make the trimming experience fast and painless.
High quality, 3.5 mm thick stainless steel sharp blades cuts through every time with one snip. The bright turquoise handles are easy grip, no slip, and ergonomically designed.
You even get a nail file cleverly tucked inside the handle for smoothing things out after.
The locking mechanism helps to make sure these are some of the best nail clippers for cats that you won’t have to worry about endangering any young ones in the home.
Many purchasers liked how easily this cat claw trimmer cut nails and quick it made the process! Note these clippers are a little bigger than most on this list, so it’s better for larger adult cats and not smaller ones.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 7/10
- Safety 9/10
- Durability: 7/10
- Price: 10/10
- Overall Score: 8.25
What We Liked:
- Highly reviewed safety guard
- High quality stainless steel
- Hidden nail file
- Well designed and comfortable handles
What We Didn’t Like:
- May be too much clipper for some more delicate cats
Best Guillotine Cat Nail Clippers
- Guillotine design
- Made in the USA
- Strong steel material
- Sharp and efficient
- Rubber handle stays on
If you’re looking for the best nail trimmer for cats in a guillotine design, the Resco USA-Made Cat Nail Clipper is definitely our pick for that.
The Resco company originated the guillotine style design for cat clippers in 1937 and has continued to lead the pack for this style of clippers.
Designed to last forever, these trimmers are unique in that the blades are replaceable. A big issue with clippers in a scissors or plier style are that the blades dull over a few years and the whole thing has to go.
Instead, buy the Resco once, and just swap blades!
I also really like the lifetime guarantee, it lets you try this style of clipper with assurance that you are covered if you run into any issues.
Manufactured in the USA, these cat nail clippers are clinical grade, American made steel recommended by veterinarians and pet groomers alike.
These guillotine cat nail clippers are similar to the Furminator Deshedding tool – made here in the US, amazing quality, and the original in its category.
Current users say that this unique design makes accurate, speedy clipping a breeze, with no worries of nails splitting.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 10/10
- Safety 10/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Price: 7/10
- Overall Score: 8.75
What We Liked:
- Guillotine design
- Made in the USA
- Strong steel material
- Sharp and efficient
- Rubber handle stays on
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can crush the nails easier than a scissors or pliers
Best Cat Claw Clippers for Large Cats with Thick Nails
- Scissor Type
- Safety Guard
- Small Size
The Safari Professional Nail Trimmer is a great pick for thick nails and claws due to its efficient sharpness and slightly larger size. I will say this is not for smaller cats, only bigger ones.
The main thing to note are the high grade stainless-steel blades which cleanly slices through thick nails, and reduces the possibility of splintering nails. Smaller and more compact trimmers would just split thicker nails.
To keep things safe, there is a guard to guide you from cutting too much. Though you still need to be mindful of the quick, especially with a tool like this.
These tough clippers come with rubberized comfort grip handles. The spring loaded mechanism makes the clipping action very smooth and tactile.
Coastal Pet is a large trusted brand and I know they make a good product – I love their slicker brushes. Same with this one.
Users rave that this product is wonderful to have in a household with mixed types of pets, and can be used with equal ease for their large cats or dogs. It’s sharp, effective, and some people find no fault with it at all.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 8/10
- Safety 7/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Price: 9/10
- Overall Score: 8
What We Liked:
- Sturdy enough for very thick claws
- Rubber handles
- Safety guard
- Spring loaded mechanism makes squeezing easy
- Easily locks into safety mode
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be too much clipper for more delicate paws
Best Kitten Nail Clippers
- Scissor Type
- No safety Guard
- Small Size
The Pet Republique Cat Nail Clipper is just so cute and small! Fitting in the palm of your hand, this kitten nail clipper is also recommended by thousands for the delicate task of clipping the nails of your new kitten.
Cutting nails can be anxiety inducing with an adult cat, and that is compounded when dealing with a young kitty and their little razor like claws.
That’s why I like the sharp stainless steel blade of these kitten nail clippers that snip through nails clean and easy. Developed specifically for small pets, these compact 1.12 ounce clippers are the perfect size and weight for tiny paws.
The smooth experience also trains your kitten to be used to routine nail maintenance. The Pet Republique Cat Nail Clipper’s small size also makes them easy to handle for you.
15% of profits from this product is also donated to the American Animal Rescue Society, meaning that a purchase useful for you also helps animals in need.
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 8/10
- Safety 10/10
- Durability: 9/10
- Price: 9/10
- Overall Score: 9
What We Liked:
- Compact size perfect for tiny claws
- Sharp stainless steel
- Low noise helps cat anxiety about clipping
- Designed specifically for small animals
What We Didn’t Like:
- May not be for left handed people
Best Automatic Cat Claw Clippers
- Grinder Type
- Safety Guard
- Variable Size
For cat paw-rents who find regular clippers split nails, or can’t get their little buddy in the right position to comfortably trim nails with a manual clipper, this Dremel Cat Nail Grinder is a great alternative.
Compared to traditional metrics (safety, effectiveness, ease of use) the Dremel totally ticks every box.
This automatic nail trimmer has a nail guard attachment ensures just the right angled grind that is protected from being cut too short. If you’ve ever clipped the quick, this may prevent that from happening again.
The cordless design and soft grip handle make this tool portable and easy to use.
Most of all – it has a quiet operation with 4 speed settings. You pick the best one for your cat! Purchasers say the motion is effortless grinding and super easy to do.
Another cool thing is how you don’t need to manually file jagged edges after using clippers, since you’re making it smooth the entire time.
Users applaud it as the best cat nail grinder, saying that the Dremel automatic Nail trimmer is quiet enough to not bother your pet (so much). Both cat and dog owners love how this did the trick even for cautious, scaredy-cat pets.
This tool charges via a handy USB port, so no worries about having to switch out disposable batteries over and over.
And think about it, if this grinder does not work for your cat, you still have a sweet rotary tool!
Rating Breakdown:
- Performance: 10/10
- Safety 7/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Price: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7.75
What We Liked:
- Safety guard
- Quiet, adjustable operation
- Wireless
- Rechargeable battery vis USB
- Trusted American brand
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not for owners who prefer a simple solution
How to Choose the Best Cat Nail Clippers?
Here are the main things to look for when choosing a great cat claw clipper.
Sharpness
One extremely important feature when looking for the best cat nail clippers is sharpness. A sharp pair of clippers will trim a nail swiftly and effectively.
However, dull clippers can put too much pressure on the nail without effectively cutting it. This can cause your cats’ nails to painfully splinter and leave jagged edges.
Grip and Control
As any cat owner knows, trimming your pets’ nails is often their least favorite activity. It is imperative to be able to make the cuts quickly and cleanly.
You will want to find clippers with a quality grip, so you will have the most control while undertaking this risky task.
Size
Cat nail trimmers are not a one size fits all. Larger cats, like my Maine Coon, may need a larger and sturdier trimmer in order to effectively cut the claws.
A smaller cat may be able to use a daintier tool but a larger implement could be too much. Be sure to take the size of your cat into consideration when checking sizes of available trimmers.
Safety Guard
An excellent development in the world of cat claw clippers are safety guards. These guards can help reduce the chances that your cats’ nails are cut too short.
If you are concerned about cutting into the quick, a safety guard could help provide you with greater peace of mind.
Materials
When looking for nail clippers for your furry friend, seek out those made from high quality stainless steel.
This durable material will keep a sharp edge, making your clippers more effective at trimming nails for longer than those made from inferior materials.
The Types of Cat Clippers
You’ll find on the market a few different types of cat nail trimmers. These include:
Scissor/Plier
Scissor or plier style cat clippers are styled after the tools of the same name. Many people prefer these types of cat claw clippers because they are used to the feel and motion of scissors or pliers.
It is very important to not use actual scissors to trim cat claws, as they are not the correct type of blade for cutting nails.
Guillotine
Guillotine style nail clippers are a unique design.
They have a hole, known as a stationary ring, that the nail is placed through. When the handle is squeezed, a blade slices across the hole, clipping the nail. It is reminiscent of a cigar cutter, but for cat nails.
Electric
A style of cat nail trimmer for the more technologically inclined would be the electric nail grinder. More affordable than you may imagine, these handy tools cause minimal vibration while trimming the nail.
Some versions even come equipped with LED lights and guards, keeping your pets’ claws safe while shortening their length.
Why Do Cats’ Claws Need to be Trimmed?
This is actually one of the most important maintenance aspects of being a cat owner is trimming their claws. And the answers are more complicated than constant scratching of your carpet or curtains.
Getting caught on things or breaking
Much as a broken nail of ours will get hung up on clothing or furniture, so will the rough edge of a broken cat claw.
Unfortunately, cats will react to a caught claw by trying to pull and tug their paw clear of the obstacle. This causes ripping and tearing of the claw, a painful complication for your pet.
It’ll also leave some damage in your air mattress, sofa, or chair!
Keeping feline nails short in length, with a smooth edge, will help your cat avoid catching their nails on the world around them.
Nails growing into footpads
While one hazard of neglected nails can be splitting or breaking, another would be far more painful. An unfortunate consequence of cat claws growing wild are those claws growing into your cats’ footpad.
The cat claw has a natural curling growth pattern, which allows the cat to use the distinct hook shape while hunting.
If left unchecked, that nail continues to grow downward and can grow into the surface of their footpad, a very painful experience.
Interference with walking
With claws on every paw, neglecting the length of your cats’ nails can seriously harm their mobility.
Not only is it painful for cats to walk with broken or imbedded nails, but too long claws can have difficulty fully retracting.
This would result in their claws being awkwardly stuck out, throwing off their balance and grip. Trimming their nails every 10-14 days will keep their claws short enough to be out of the way.
Why are Special Cat Clippers Necessary?
Can you use human tools for your cat? I definitely do not recommend it! Here are the reasons why.
Splintering
Cats’ nails grow in layers, similar to the layers of an onion. The blood supply is found in the innermost layers, and the nails grow from that inner layer outwards.
The outermost layer of the cat claw is removed from the blood supply and will eventually shed. In most cases, what may look like a severe splinter is truly just the outer layer shedding off.
Alas, those shedding nails can easily get caught up on things, leading the cat to tug the paw away to get unstuck. This can unfortunately cause a tear in the inner layers of the nail, which can create pain and damage.
Keeping your cats’ claws trimmed regularly can help prevent this from happening. However, poor quality or dull cat claw clippers can actually exacerbate splitting.
Careful of the Quick!
The quick of your cats’ nail is the innermost layer where the blood supply and nerves are located. When you look at the nail, you will see a darker section within the otherwise clear claw.
This is the quick, and should be avoided when clipping the nails. The mostly clear section of the cats’ claws does not have nerves or blood vessels, and so is safe to clip.
When facing the choice to leave the claw a little long or possibly cut to the quick, always leave the nail long. If the quick is accidentally cut, that can cause pain and bleeding from your feline friend.
It can be useful to purchase some styptic powder ahead of time, in case you need to quickly staunch any bleeding from a compromised quick.
Thankfully, the quick is usually easy to spot.
It may be useful to keep a small flashlight in your nail trimming toolkit – shining the light from the back of the nail forward will show the quick clearly and make it easier to avoid.
Tips on Clipping Nails
Best to start as a kitten
As anyone raising kids can attest to, new experiences can often be easier to tolerate when they are first introduced young.
An older cat getting their nails trimmed for the first time will be much more difficult than a kitten who got used to their claws being worked on with a kitten nail clippers.
Go through the motions with your cat as early as possible, even if you barely clip any length at first. Hopefully they will develop a tolerance for the activity once it becomes routine.
Gradually
While to you, trimming all of your cats’ nails may feel like a daunting task, it will also feel like an eternity to your furry pal. Start off with only one claw at a time.
Gradually try to trim two nails in a session, then three. Expand the total nails you clip in one go until your cat can endure a full trim in one pass.
Positive reinforcement and treats
As your cat allows for their nails to be clipped, make sure to give them positive reinforcement. Cats are wonderfully motivated by food, and respond well to treats.
Reward your cat with tasty tidbits when you finish trimming their nails. Soon your cat will associate holding their paw still for a trim with a positive reward, making the process much better for everyone.
Find a comfortable position
Cats are notorious for quickly removing themselves from uncomfortable positions. If the way you are holding your cat for a nail trim isn’t comfy, it will make the entire process more difficult.
Keep your cat in a position where you can easily reach their nails, but they are not stretched or cramped in any way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of nail clipper is best for cats?
The greatest nail clippers for cats will be determined by a number of factors. You will need cat nail trimmers that are the right size, material and cutting mechanism for your cat.
They will also need to be in a style that is comfortable for you to use quickly and efficiently.
Are nail grinders or clippers better for cats?
Both grinders and clippers are effective methods to cut cat claws. One important factor to consider when making your selection is speed.
Grinders are a slower process, so if your cat is extremely averse to manicures, a grinder may take too much time. However, if your cat is fairly mellow and can tolerate their nails being handled, a grinder does leave a smoother, rounder finish on the nail.
What is the best way to trim a cat’s nails?
The best way to trim a cats’ nails is going to vary from cat to cat. I have known cats who need to be straight-jacketed with a towel for a nail trim and I have known cats who barely blink at a grinder on their claw.
But for every cat, you will need to press on their footpad gently, until you see their nails extend out. Clip the nails swiftly, while being mindful of the quick. Once you release your pressure on their footpad, the newly shorn nails should retract back.
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
