The 10 Best Cat Nail Clippers

Most cat parents fear hurting their feline companions during regular manicure sessions. This fear is fully justified to anyone who knows the stubborn nature of cats. If they don’t like your intentions, they will struggle to break loose. The point is, you cannot choose your kitty’s personality, but you can decide which product to purchase and turn your furry friend’s nail-cutting experience from struggle to a spa day.

Luckily, we’ve selected and reviewed TOP-10 cat nail clippers. Our reviews cover a wide variety of options, from claw trimmers for small breeds to those that work best for breeds that are on the large size and everything in-between. We are sure that among our TOP-10, you will find the perfect match for your favorite ball of fur.

Quick Look at Our TOP-3 Picks

In a hurry? Here are our top three picks:

The Best Cat Claw Clippers Reviews

1. Coastal Safari Stainless Steel Cat Nail Trimmer

The Coastal Safari Stainless Steel Cat Nail Trimmer offers an easy way to help keep your favorite ball of fur healthy. Made of high-quality stainless steel, this tool holds a sharp edge over many uses. Its sturdy design makes it reliable and cost-effective.

In addition to durable blades, this nail trimmer comes with nice handles. The handles ensure that the clipper fits comfortably in your hand, providing a good hold while you are trimming your kitty’s claws. It gives you peace of mind that your hand won’t slide off and harm your sweetheart. Also, the curved blade lets you place claws in the perfect spot before cutting.

Plus, this clipper features a safety guard, which prevents injury. Not all cat nail trimmers include this, but this manufacturer prioritizes safety.

Features:

• Pliers-like.
• Stainless steel blades.

2. Epica Cat Nail Clipper

If you are on the hunt for a high-quality product, then this product is a great option. This tool offers perfectly positioned blades for smooth clipping. Made from stainless steel, it is designed to last for many years. Thanks to a spring action, you only need to squeeze this clipper a bit for a clean cut.

The handles feature a nonslip coating that makes this product even more comfortable and ensures that your hands won’t slip and hurt your favorite ball of fur.

Another feature of this trimmer is rounded blades. They allow you to place claws at the perfect spot before you trim. Precision is very important, and this product meets the challenge.

The icing on the cake is a lifetime warranty — a confirmation that the product will last a long time.

Features:

• Pliers-like.
• Stainless steel blades.

3. Shiny Pet Cat Nail Clipper

Shiny Pet Cat Nail Clipper is scissor-style nail trimmer that can be used both professionally and at home. Cutting nails is little to no hassle, thanks to the sharp stainless steel blade. The ergonomic and nonslip handles provide the best cutting experience. They offer a secure grip and comfort even for people with large hands. This clipper also has a windowed opening that keeps nail visible.

Made of high-quality plastic, it comes with instructions to help you manage your first clips. Plus, the manufacturer provides a lifetime money-back guarantee that allows you to try this nail clipper risk-free.

Features:

• Scissor-style.
• Suitable for professional and home usage.
• Steel angled blades.

4. Pet Republique Cat Nail Clipper

Pet Republique Cat Nail Clipper boasts professional-level quality. The company uses only the finest stainless steel blades that are thick, durable, and sharp.

Handles have a rubber texture for easy and comfortable trimming. Two half-circle blades provide a clear view and precise cut. The wide curve in the blades makes it possible to clip all types of claws, from kittens to big felines. Another addition to this tool is a blade safety lock to store the clipper safely when not in use, so it will not harm your kids or pets.

Also, the company donates 15% of its profit to the American Animal Rescue Society. Not only will you get a quality product, but you will feel good about contributing to animal care. This tool has a two-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can give it a try at no risk.

Features:

• Scissor-style.
• Stainless steel blades.

5. JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Nail Clipper

JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Nail Clipper is a great scissor-style trimmer that offers extreme precision and comfortability.

It is small enough to cut your furry friend’s claws without any problem but large enough to stay securely in place. The steel blade’s angled edge provides a clear view before clipping, so it gives better control over the cutting process. Plus, it is finished with a nonslip coating to optimize comfort while grooming your favorite ball of fur.

Keep in mind not to cut feline claws too far because you can hit the quick; this nail clipper is perfect for this. It is small, maneuverable, and cuts nails quickly.

Features:

• Scissor-style.
• Steel angled blades.

6. Soft Claws Nail Clipper for Cats

Soft Claws Nail Clipper for Cats has a rubber-sheathed design for a nonslip grip, so it is ergonomic and comfortable to use. Also, it is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed pet owners.

The blades are sharp enough to make a quick job of trimming without any trouble. Soft Claws promises that the product will last for years and will not fall apart after several clipping procedures.

This clipper does not have any safety features such as a protective cover or blade safety lock. However, the blades are tight, so they cannot be easily opened. This can make it difficult to trim claws on a writhing cat; otherwise, it can help avoid accidents. You can position the clipper the way you want, and it won’t move until you cut your kitty’s nail. This tool’s size may also work on small mammals like rabbits, chinchillas, and guinea pigs. 

Features:

• Scissor-style.
• Solid stainless steel.

7. Quick Finder Nail Clipper for Cats

Quick Finder Nail Clipper for Cats will tell you when to cut the claw and when you shouldn’t. 

Amazing sensory technology detects the difference between the quick, nerve bundles, and dead nail skin. The tool lights up green for Go, red for Stop, and yellow for Caution—so you know exactly when to trim your sweetheart’s claw. You no longer have to worry about hurting your fluffy friend by accidentally going too far, as this clipper ensures safe and quick clipping. 

Features:

• Guillotine-style.
• Sensory technology.

8. Millers Forge Pet Nail Clippers

Millers Forge Pet Nail Clipper brings ease and simplicity to the whole process of clipping feline claws. Because pet parents are looking for a solution to make trimming their cat’s nails as painless and comfortable as possible, this tool ticks all the boxes and does a quick job of trimming. The spring-loaded cutting mechanism with comfortable plastic handles provides a secure grip and enables more efficient cutting. Another addition is the built-in safety stop that will help you not go too far and cut the quick. It is a perfect choice even for squirmy cats.

Features:

• Pliers-style.
• Solid stainless steel.
• Spring-loaded cutting mechanism.

9. Dremel 7300-PT Cat Nail Grinder

Make manicures and pedicures a breeze with Dremel 7300-PT Cat Nail Grinder. Regular claw trimmers can cut too close to capillaries and nerve bundles and cause bleeding. This rechargeable rotary tool makes it easy to grind your sweetheart’s nails down to a perfect length. Because this clipper is cordless, you can let your furry friend take any position he wants. 

Also, using two rotation speeds, you can sand sharp and overgrown claws in stages. To make a long story short, this product has everything you need to get started in minutes!

Features:

• Electric grinder.
• Two rotation speeds.
• Made of high-density plastic.

Final Thoughts

As pet parents, we want the best for our furry friends. Cat nail clippers are no exception because nail trimming is vital to any house cat’s health. So if we don’t want this process to result in a disaster down the road, it’s better to choose a high-quality tool.

After reviewing all the features, we have decided to give pride of place to the Coastal Safari Professional Nail Trimmer. This nail clipper is definitely a quality tool made from durable materials. The sharp-angled edge of the semicircular steel blade lets you rest your kitty’s claws at the best spot for a clean cut.

We love that this nail trimmer is sturdy and reliable. This tool is designed with an anti-slip feature that gives cat owners the confidence that they won’t slip off and harm their feline companions. Thanks to the spring-loaded cutting mechanism and safety guard, you will avoid accidents.

Now that we’ve selected our favorite nail clippers, it’s high time for you to choose yours. Whether you purchase one of the above tools or choose something different, remember to prioritize safety and comfort. And if you have any doubts, always consult your vet.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Restrain a Cat to Clip Nail?

Types of Cat Nail Clippers

There are four types of cat nail trimmers on the market: scissor clippers, pliers-style nail clippers, guillotine clippers, and electric grinders. You should choose the one that suits your requirements the best. Always remember that cats are individuals, and they probably won’t like the same tool.

Let’s claw our way to the options available to cat parents.

Scissor Clippers

These cat nail clippers look like small scissors. They feature rounded blades with a notch that holds the kitty’s nail in place while you cut it.

Scissor clippers are a perfect choice for both professionals and first-timers, but they may not work if you have generously sized fingers. The grips are comfortable for small hands but a poor choice for those with larger hands. 

Pliers-style Nail Clippers

This is the most popular variety of cat nail trimmers. Both beginners and experienced users often use pliers-like clippers. They are shaped like pliers and have comfortable, long handles that will fit in any hand. They come with sharp and sturdy blades to ensure a clean and precise cut. Such a tool is the right solution for felines with thick claws tending to split while clipping them.

Their practical design gives you good strength, allowing you to make a quick job of trimming.

Guillotine Clippers

This style has a loop in which you should put the nail tip. After squeezing the handles, the blade goes through the loop and slices off the claw beyond that point.

For the most experienced users, guillotine clippers have some precision appeal. They help choose exactly which part of claw you want to cut and at what angle you want to trim. But there is more in this than meets the eye. If you are a newbie or have a squirmy cat, the guillotine clippers tend to obscure the spot where the safe zone ends and nerve bundles and blood vessels begin.

This type of clippers is suitable for small- and medium-sized felines but will not be able to cut a larger cat’s claws (they are not strong enough). If you put the nail in a crooked way, it can get crushed. You need some experience with these clippers to avoid hurting your furry friend. To use it correctly, you will have to change the blade from time to time.

Electric Grinders

The truth is that a grinding tool is not a clipper at all. However, this device is very effective, and you can use it to keep your cat’s nails beautifully manicured. Even with scissor-like trimmers, you run the risk of over cutting or clipping too close to nerve bundles. If you go too far or are not sure about clippers, then an electric grinder is the right choice for you.

This appliance has a rough surface that gradually files down a nail while spinning fast. The trimming session does not need much effort. You will see a gradual decrease in length, so there is no risk of suddenly cutting too much. You can stop when you think you have reached the desired length. Plus, they make nails rounded and smooth, so there is no need to file the claws after trimming, which is obligatory with other nail clippers. You can also use an electric grinder on cats of all sizes. 

The problem is that felines are quite sensitive, and most of them will not be happy with the noise this electrical appliance produces.

READ MORE: Things to Know About Kitten Development

Buying Guide

Benefits for Cat’s Health

If not trimmed regularly, cat claws can curl in on themselves and grow into its paw pad, causing severe pain. Out-of-condition nails can also be dangerous for people and furniture, which can be damaged by too-long feline claws. 

Cats tend to use their scratching post or claw your furniture not only because of behavioral traits but also practical reasons. They do it to remove the outer layers of the old nail. Sometimes, felines cannot remove them at all. This can lead not only to painful ingrown nails but also to various infections.

If you have a kitten, you can teach him from an early age that he shouldn’t be afraid of nail trimming by gently clipping his small claws. It is a great way to make sure he will not have any problems with a trimming session when he grows up.

You can also train a mature cat to be calm about claw trimming. But for this, you will need to arm yourself with patience: offer him a lot of treats and start clipping only one or two nails at a time to show there is nothing to fear.

By regularly trimming your cat’s claws, you prevent future health problems. Along with that, your family members will love your fluff ball more when he doesn’t harm them, resulting in healthier relationships.

How to Use Cat Nail Clippers

You can’t trim your cat’s claws whenever you want to. Obviously, our feline companions are not used to having their nails cut by humans, so they might make the fur fly when you try to trim their claws, especially if it is their first grooming session. It is great to get your kitty used to trimming from a young age, as this will ease the process over time.

READ MORE: Raising a Kitten: Guide from Vet

For success, follow these steps:

• Wait for a good mood. Your feline buddy has to have his tail up, or at least be relaxed, otherwise he will try to make mincemeat of you. The right time is when he is sleepy or when he feels good after eating. The wrong time is when he is hungry or is running around.
• Make sure you have all the necessary tools: nail trimmers and a styptic pencil.
• Gently put your pet on your lap with his back toward you. Hold your furry friend and press the trimmers together several times so that he could understand the sound and its source. Hold the trimmers in one hand, your cat’s paw in the other. Squeeze it gently to extend the claw.^[1]
• Look for the quick. It is the pink part of a feline claw where there are nerve bundles and blood vessels. Do NOT clip this area. Cut off only the light-colored part of the claw. It is better to trim less of the claw and prevent the risk of over cutting.
• Trim the claws. Position the clipper halfway between the claw and the quick (the pink part), and trim smoothly in one quick motion. The first time, you may have to cut one or two claws and let your kitty go, but gradually he will get used to it. Take your time; don’t shout at him. If your fluff ball protests, let him go, and try again later, but do not force him to do anything, as he may hurt you.
• Offer some treats to your pet by the end of the grooming session. Felines love rewards, so they will take this process easier in the future!^{[2] [3]}

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. “Cat Grooming Tips.” ASPCA, aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips.
2. “Clipping Your Cat’s Claws.” VetMed, vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/procedures/cats/clipping-your-cat’s-claws.
3. “Clipping Cat Nails and Training Cats to Use a Scratcher.” PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap, pawsbink.org/pet-care-library/clipping-cat-nails-and-training-cats-to-use-a-scratcher/. 
4. “Cats: Destructive Scratching.” The Humane Society of the United States, humanesociety.org/resources/cats-destructive-scratching.
5. “Trimming a Cat’s Claws.” The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/trimming-cats-claws.