8 Best Cat Claw Clippers in 2024

Posted in: Cat Care, Cat Supplies - Last Updated: January 8, 2024 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Care, Cat Supplies 
Last Updated: October 5, 2021  
Author:  Rebekah Carter
cat getting her claws clipped

There are a few tricky jobs that us cat owners simply have to get done at times!

Those dreaded owner tasks range from the odd occasion when Tiddles needs a bath to Tabatha having to get her matted fur combed out, all the way through to clipping Milly's razor sharp lethal weapon claws! 

When it comes to clipping,  trimming your cat’s claws doesn’t sound like a lot of fun.

Chances are you know how sharp those nails can be, mainly when directed towards your fragile fingers. However, keeping your cat’s claws properly trimmed can be more important than you think. 

Just like your nails, your cat’s claws can become overgrown and uncomfortable over time. This often happens when your feline friend doesn’t get enough use out of his or her scratching post. However, claw issues can happen for a variety of reasons. 

Even if your cat does scratch regularly to look after its claws, trimming those pointy nails can protect your family from unwanted injuries, and defend your furniture too.

The Types of Cat Claw Clippers

Since all kinds of cats can have issues with their claws, various professional companies have created unique claw clipping solutions to help. The result is a variety of different styles of clippers to choose from, including:

  • Scissor style nail clippers: These are similar to standard scissors, but they have a slight curve to them to protect the cat’s nails. If you need a pair of cat claw clippers that are easy to adjust into the perfect position, you can try a pair of scissor-style clippers. The handles are often awfully familiar, so much easier to get used to.
  • Guillotine-style clippers: A guillotine-style scissor is often quite like a standard pair of scissors but with a safer design. I use these kinds of clippers regularly because they often allow for a quick and clean cut. They’re also great for avoiding splintering with a healthy nail. These clippers come with an easy-to-grip handle and sometimes have features that make them safer to use for all kinds of cats.
  • Pliers: Plier-style scissors may not appeal to everyone, but they have a lot to offer. These clippers combine a scissor-type blade with the comfortable handles of the guillotine-type clipper. The handles feature thick, rugged rubber that’s easy to grip.
  • Electronic clippers: These are generally better to avoid unless you have a lot of experience using clippers. Although they’re designed to be very efficient, these clippers can be a little tricky to get used to if you’re not familiar with them. Plus, it can be a little easier to make mistakes that could injure your cat.

H&H Pets Professional Nail Trimmer

Our choice is the H&H Pets Professional Nail Trimmer, the best Clippers for your cat!

H&H Pets Cats and Dogs Nail Clippers Series - Razor Sharp Blades Sturdy Non Slip Handles - Cats & Dog Accessories Professional at Home Grooming - Stainless Steel - XS (Cats & Birds)

What to Look for in Cat Claw Clippers

As mentioned above, cat nail clippers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you’re not sure which one will work best for you, it’s often a good idea to put safety first. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

  • Safety features: Always look for features that help you to protect your cat against over-cutting. Having a set of scissors that prevents you from cutting too close to the base of the claw could prevent dangerous injuries and infections. Always make sure you avoid cutting too much of the nail, as this can cause serious injury.
  • Ease of use: The better and more comfortable you feel using the clippers you buy, the less likely it is that you’ll end up injuring your cat. Look for a set of clippers that you’ll feel confident using. A good set of handles often makes life easier.
  • Durability: Your scissors need to be strong enough to stand the test of time. You don’t want your clippers to end up breaking mid-cut and causing damage to your feline friend’s paws. A pair of weighty, high-quality scissors will often be best.
  • Quality of the blade: Although it can be worrying using a pair of sharp clippers to cut your cat’s claws, the blades do need to be sharp. The sharper the metal, the easier it will be to slice through nails at speed, which means you get the task over and done with faster.
  • Sound: This point is often overlooked, but it can be essential to a good clipping experience. Cats aren’t going to be comfortable with clipping in the first place. Avoid using a pair of clippers with a loud noise, which could frighten your kitty.
grey cat getting claws cut back

How Do You Use Cat Claw Trimmers?

Just like with your kids, cutting your cat’s claws effectively can be a tricky process. It takes time to get used to the blade, and its functionality. For your pet’s sake, make sure your clippers remain sharp, and that they’re working properly before you start cutting. 

Start by making sure that your kitty is in the right mood for grooming. If your feline friend is already running around, playing with toys, then that’s probably not the best time to grab them. A calm, even sleepy kitty is often easier to work with. Hold your cat carefully, using the fur at the scruff of the neck to help keep him or her still. This is not a sensitive area on your cat, so it’s easier to get a good grip without causing any pain. Try to be as careful as possible.

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If you’re worried, you’re going to end up holding your cat too hard, try wrapping him or her in a towel or blanket to stop them from getting away when you tackle one paw at a time. To start clipping, carefully squeeze the pad of the cat’s paw to expose the claw

You should be able to see a slightly darker portion of the nail (the root), which is the area you absolutely want to avoid. Do not cut close to this darker point, as you can hurt your cat and cause them to bleed. Trim a tiny portion of the nail, making sure you’re not going to hit anything painful. 

If you’re particularly anxious about trimming your cat’s claws, speak to a vet.

Cat Clippers FAQ

Still uncertain about nail clipping?

These questions and answers may help.

Q: What kind of nail clippers are best?

This depends largely on you and your preferences. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to keep to something simple, like a guillotine or scissor pair of clippers. You can consider speaking to a groomer about your options and asking them to talk you through how to use certain clippers.

Q: How often do I trim my cat’s nails?

Generally, you’ll trim your cat’s nails at least a couple of times per month, but it depends heavily on how fast the nails grow. Do keep an eye out for any split or broken nails that might need dealing with earlier.

Q: Can I use my own scissors to cut the claws?

No! Although you can use a pair of human nail clippers to trim claws, you should use the ones you use on yourself, as that’s not hygienic. You might also find that it’s easier to damage the claw or your cat by using human clippers.

Q: Can I use nail clips instead of clipping?

Using a set of nail caps can stop you from having to clip your cat’s nails as often, but you will still need to trim them before applying the caps. Make sure you follow the instructions available on how to use nail caps carefully before you get started.

Q: What if my cat won’t let me use clippers?

Figuring out how to clip your cat’s claws successfully can be difficult. You’ll need to be patient, and even a little creative. However, if no number of treats and time will make clipping easier with your cat, you may need to speak to a groomer.

image of tabby paw and the cat clippers

The Best Cat Nail Clippers

The ideal set of claw clippers for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, including which types of clippers you enjoy using most.

1. H&H Pets Professional Nail Trimmer

Simple, small, and affordable, the H&H pets professional clippers are an easy-to-use set of scissors that allow you to trim your kitty’s claws in seconds. These clippers come with a satisfaction guarantee and warranty, giving you up to 3 years of protection. The lightweight claw clippers are ideal for smaller animals, including cats and kittens. 

To make your life as easy as possible, these clippers come with a durable stainless-steel blade that constantly remains sharp. There’s a slip-proof coating on the handle to help you securely and comfortably grip your clippers to prevent painful accidents. The company even sends a donation to non-profit animal rescue charities for each purchase.

H&H Pets Cats and Dogs Nail Clippers Series - Razor Sharp Blades Sturdy Non Slip Handles - Cats & Dog Accessories Professional at Home Grooming - Stainless Steel - XS (Cats & Birds)

Pros:

  • Satisfaction guarantee and warranty
  • Designed especially for small pets
  • High-quality, easy-to-use design
  • Slip-proof coating
  • Donation to animal charities with each purchase
  • Instructions included

Cons:

  • Feel a little small for bigger fingers

2. CleanHouse Pets Cat and Dog Clippers

These high-quality clippers from CleanHouse pets come with a fantastic set of grippy handles, making cutting nails quick and simple. The stainless-steel frame ensures a consistently sharp cut, as well as giving you the reassurance that your investment will stand the test of time. The built-in safety mechanism also ensures you don’t cut too far. 

Intended to suit animals of all sizes, these clippers are perfect for keeping your animals’ nails in great condition. There’s also a lifetime warranty included with the purchase, so you have peace of mind too. We recommend the small size for your cats.

Dog Nail Clippers & Cat Nail Clipper with Nail File - Small Pets - Cat Nail Clippers with Safety Guard to Prevent Over-Cutting - Sharp & Stainless Steel

Pros:

  • Professional grade stainless steel frame
  • Easy-to-use with built-in safety switch
  • Nail clippers for all pet sizes
  • Lifetime warranty included
  • Great grippy handles

Cons:

  • Can be a little challenging for beginners

3. Alinana Cat Nail Clippers

Cat claw clippers don’t have to cost a fortune to be effective. These budget-friendly scissors from Alinana are excellent for beginners. The scissor-style handle is easy to use, while the clippers themselves come with a slightly curved blade to make safe cutting easier. The sharp design ensures that you can slice through nails without crushing them. 

Alinana cat nail clippers come with a 20-degree curved blade, so you get a better view of the nail to avoid the quick. There’s also a slip-proof soft handle for more comfort when you’re snipping. These clippers are a little smaller though, so be careful if you have bigger fingers.

Alinana Cat Nail Clippers, Cat Nail Trimmers with Curved Blade, Cat Claw Trimmer, Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals, Sharp, Safe

Pros:

  • Sharp stainless-steel blade
  • Easy-to-use for professional nail clipping
  • 20-degree curved blade for easier viewing
  • Slip-proof soft handle
  • Portable size

Cons:

  • Very small handles for bigger fingers

4. Ruff ‘N Ruffus Slicker and Clippers

One of the best-value purchases on the market, the Ruff ‘n Ruffus slicker and nail clipper set is the perfect bundle for grooming your furry friend. This kit comes with a high-durability slicker brush, ideal for getting rid of unwanted knots and matts. The slicker brush has a textured handle for easy gripping, and pain-free bristles for gentle grooming. 

The set of pet nail clippers that come with this set are excellent too, with an exceptionally reliable textured grip, and a sharp set of blades. There’s even a curved angle on the blade so you can see where you’re cutting easily.

Ruff 'N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush With NO- Pain Bristles Upgraded Gel Handle Gently Removes Loose Undercoat & Tangled Hair For Cats & Dogs Reduces Shedding by 95% + Pet Nail Clipper & Comb

Pros:

  • Excellent set of clippers and brush
  • Reduces tangling and shedding
  • Pain-free bristles on the brush
  • Excellent grip on the clippers
  • Extra sharp cut for accuracy

Cons:

  • Can be tricky to use the clippers at first

5. Shiny Pet Store Cat Nail Clippers

Sleek and simple, the Shiny pet store cat nail clippers offer razor sharp blades, so you don’t have to worry about crushing or splintering the claw. Unlike many of the leading clippers on the market, this set also comes with its own handy eBook guide. The downloadable guide makes it easy to discover where you need to cut the claw to avoid injury. 

Suitable for both kittens and fully-grown cats, these safe and easy-to-use clippers have textured handles, to help with improving your grip. There’s also a lifetime money-back guarantee, so you know you’re getting something designed for longevity.

Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals - Best Cat Nail Clippers & Claw Trimmer for Home Grooming Kit - Professional Grooming Tool for Tiny Dog Cat Bunny Rabbit Bird Puppy Kitten Ferret - Ebook Guide

Pros:

  • Easy to use clipper design
  • Professional trimming for dogs and cats
  • Easy to grip with textured handles
  • Instructional guide included
  • Portable compact size

Cons:

  • Can occasionally split claws when used at the wrong angle

6. Jofuyu Cat Nail Clippers

These cat claw clippers from Jofuyu come in two styles, curved or flat. We recommend the curved scissors for your kitty, as it will help to avoid splintering. These professional-quality clippers look and feel fantastic. The thick stainless-steel blades can last for years at a time. The semi-circular design matches the pet nail perfectly, while giving you an excellent view. 

Although it might take a little while to get used to these clippers initially, you should find that they quickly make trimming your cat’s nails easily. The rubberized handles give you an excellent grip, while the 100% satisfaction guarantee offers peace of mind.

Cat Nail Clippers - Professional Cat Nail Trimmer – Angled Blade Pet Nail Clippers for Dogs Rabbit Kitten Ferret - Safe, Sharp

Pros:

  • Lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee
  • Comfortable, safe, and easy to use
  • Top-quality stainless-steel blades
  • Excellent grip
  • Suitable for kittens and cats

Cons:

  • Can be a little stiff

7. Gorilla Grip Premium Clippers

Probably the safest cat nail trimmer clippers we’ve seen so far, the Gorilla Grip premium clippers come in a range of colors. These clippers feature a slip-resistant shield that stops you from overcutting the claw. If you’re nervous about accidentally cutting too far when you start trimming your cat’s nails for the first tip, these are the clippers for you. 

The professional grade stainless steel blades won’t split or fray your pets’ nails. Instead, you can simply slice through nails in seconds, allowing your cat to run free again as quickly as possible. There’s even a nail file included, although we think filing your cat’s nails might be a little tricky for beginners.

No products found.

Pros:

  • Guard included for safety
  • Excellent non-slip clipper design
  • Sharp and precise blades
  • Easy to use design
  • Available in a range of colors

Cons:

  • File can be very difficult to use

8. JoeJoy Cat Nail Clippers and Nail Grinder

In general, it’s best to stay away from grinders for your cat’s nails. That’s because a cat’s claw isn’t as strong as a dog’s nail. It’s very easy to break or splinter the nail using a grinder. However, we still wanted to showcase these cat claw clippers because of the ultra-bright LED light included. There’s a nail collector component included helping reduce mess too. 

Easy-to-use and reliable, these clippers work for a wide variety of grooming needs. The light gives you a good view and more precision as you’re clipping, and you can recharge the device between uses too. Just keep in mind that the strong spring can mean these clippers take a while to get used to.

GHG Dog Nail Grinder Upgraded - Professional Dog Nail Trimmers Rechargeable, Dog Nail Clipper for Small Medium Large Dogs Quiet, 3-Speed Pet Nail Grinders Trimmer with LED Light, Super Low Noise

Pros:

  • Excellent electronic clippers with light
  • Nail collection system
  • High-performance steel blades
  • Strong plastic handle
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Can require some strength to cut properly

The Best Cat Claw Clippers

The best cat claw clippers for your needs will depend on the kind of clipping experience your kitty responds best to. For beginners, we’d recommend either the JoeJoy clippers, or the Gorilla grip, thanks to the safety element included. 

For all-around ease of use, the H&H professional clippers are sleek, slimline, and effective in a range of environments. We even like carrying a pair of clippers like this with us when we’re traveling with our cats – just in case. Good luck cutting your kitty’s claws – and remember – be careful!

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About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

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