Cats are known (and loved) for two things… the soothing purrs they make when snuggled up in your lap and their razor-sharp claws on your couch. The unmistakable sound of your cat kneading their claws on your carpet or your favourite jumper – snagging threads one by one – is one that all cat owners instantly recognise.
To keep their claws from becoming too long (and too sharp), it’s essential to trim their nails on a regular basis. This is especially important for:
- Indoor cats who don’t naturally wear down their nails by climbing trees or walking on rough surfaces
- Arthritic cats who may struggle with grooming and scratching due to joint pain and reduced mobility
- Senior cats whose nails tend to grow thicker, curbed and more brittle, and who may be less enthusiastic about scratching post.
Scratching posts can greatly reduce the need for frequent trims by satisfying your cat’s natural urge to sharpen and maintain their claws. For best results, choose a sturdy scratching post at least one metre tall so your cat can fully stretch and scratch as they would on a tree in the wild. A post that’s more appealing than your furniture is far more likely to be used.
How often should you trim your cat’s nails?
Although nail trimming may not be your cat’s favourite activity, regular trimming helps prevent nails from curling into their paw pads, reduces the risk of injuries from claws getting caught, protects other cats in your household, and saves your furniture from being shredded.
“Timing really just depends on the cat and how quickly their nails grow,’ says Veterinary Surgeon Dr Megan from 4 Paws Vet. “While you’re doing it, make sure you’re having a good look at them. Scan for injuries and check the nails aren’t growing into the paw pads, especially cats who aren’t going on walks every day. They’re not getting them ground down by the pavement.”
Let the “quick” be your guide on how often you trim your cat’s nails. The quick is the blood vessel and nerve inside the nail that supplies nutrients and sensation to the nail. If the nail grows more than around 5mm past the quick, it’s time for a trim.
As a general guide:
Kittens: Trim gently every 2 weeks to help them get used to the process early on. They may not actually need their nails trimmed, however these short, calm session helps get them used to the process.
Outdoor cats: Every 4 to 6 weeks to make sure nails aren’t curling and there are no injuries.
Indoor cats: Every 3 to 4 weeks, especially if they don’t use a scratching post on a regular basis.
Senior and arthritic cats: Every 2 to 4 weeks – taking time to check for injuries, sore spots, and joint discomfort.
If you’re a Best for Pet Wellness Plan member, nail care is even easier. Your plan includes four nail trims a year, plus additional benefits like unlimited consults, core vaccinations, $250 off a dental clean, and more.
What tools do you need?
To trim your cat’s nails, you’ll need either a pair of small, spring-loaded nail clippers designed for cats or a cat nail grinder, which is designed to file the nails which can be a safe alternative to traditional clippers. A towel or blanket can be handy if your cat responds to being bundled up like a burrito to keep them calm.
How do you trim your cat’s nails?
The best technique for cutting cats’ nails is:
- Hold the paw: Gently but firmly squeeze or pinch the toe pad and the nail will pop out.
- Find the quick: The key is to avoid cutting the quick, which is the pink area inside the nail that contains the blood vessel and nerve. Avoid cutting within 2-3mm of the quick to avoid bleeding and pain. With light-coloured nails, the quick is usually easy to see, but with darker nails it can be tricky. In those cases, trim very small amounts at a time until you notice a dark spot in the centre of the nail – this tells you it’s time to stop.
- Clip in the right direction: Cut the nail parallel to the walking surface and the paw pad.
- Don’t forget the dewclaws: These are the small extra toes found higher up on your cat’s front legs (think of them like a thumb). While they were originally designed to help hold down prey, dewclaws don’t get much use in domestic life and don’t wear down naturally. As a result, they can easily overgrow, snag on objects, or become damaged.
What happens if I cut them too short?
Don’t worry too much if you cut the quick, or your cat’s nails are bleeding, says Dr Megan. Minor bleeding can be treated at home with styptic powder like Kwik Stop or if you don’t have that on hand, use cornflour. Place the power or cornflour on a small piece of cotton wool and hold it gently against the nail until the bleeding stops, she adds. Then monitor them for a few days to make sure there’s no infection, pain or swelling.
“If your cat doesn’t let you try and stop the bleeding at home, then take them to your vet and they can help you with that,” says Dr Megan.
How can you make cutting nails a positive experience?
The first step is to stay calm yourself. Cats are incredibly intuitive, and if you’re feeling nervous or stressed, they’ll pick up on it straight away. Take some deep breaths before you begin – and remember, confidence goes a long way. You can also:
- Start early: Getting kittens used to having their paws held and touched from a young age can really help. Try massaging their pads for a few seconds each day. This approach is just as helpful for nervous rescue cats, even in adulthood.
- Create a calm space: Choose a quiet room and aim to trim your cat’s nails when they are naturally relaxed, such as after a meal or a nap.
- Taking it slow slowly: If you cat seems unsure, just clip a couple of nails each day or just one paw at a time. There’s no rush; keeping the experience positive is what matters most.
- Use treats: What cat doesn’t like a treat or two? A tasty reward can work wonders. Positive reinforcement helps your little furball associate nail trimming with something enjoyable rather than stressful.
When should you seek professional help?
Vets and vet nurses are experts at trimming nails. It might be time to see a professional groomer or vet clinic team if your cat gets overly aggressive or stressed, if you notice pain or swelling, you’ve accidently cut the quick or you need help with black nails. Professional help can ensure your cat stays safe, comfortable, and pain-free.
