How to trim a cat's claws without a fight

Trimming a cat's claws can feel nerve-racking the first time, especially if your cat is not keen on having their paws touched. Go slowly, keep the treats close, and you can do this calmly and kindly together.

Biscuit is a brown tabby who lives indoors. His front claws have started catching on the sofa and tapping on the kitchen floor, which are two of the signs PDSA's vets list. Follow Nadia as she gets Biscuit used to it over a week, then trims his claws on a quiet weekend without a struggle. Honestly, patience matters far more than speed here, and a few calm claws are a good result.

Know the claws first

Most cats have 18 claws: five on each front paw, including the dewclaw on the inside of the leg, and four on each back paw (PDSA). The quick is the pink part inside the claw. It has blood vessels and nerves, so cutting it hurts and bleeds. That is why every step below takes only the white tip. Many active cats never need a trim; indoor, older and less active cats are more likely to (PDSA).

Part 1: Get your cat used to it (over a few days)

1. Handle the paws, then reward.

   

   Every evening for a week, while Biscuit dozes on his cushion, Nadia holds his front paw for a moment, then gives him a treat.

   Touch and hold the paws only when your cat is relaxed, and reward each time. Stop if your cat seems stressed. You're aiming for a cat who stays relaxed while you hold a paw. There is no rush, because a relaxed cat now makes the trim much easier later.

2. Let your cat sniff the clippers.

   

   On Thursday she lays the closed clippers on the cushion. Biscuit sniffs them and gets a treat.

   Next time, touch a paw with the closed clippers and reward again. Take it at your cat's pace.

Part 2: Trim

1. Pick a calm moment and settle your cat on your lap.

   

   On Saturday after lunch Biscuit is sleepy. Nadia sits by the window with him on her lap, facing away from her, and drops a cushion on the floor.

   Choose a quiet time, such as after a meal or a nap, in good light. PDSA suggests cushions on the floor in case your cat jumps. Don't hold your cat tightly.

2. Push out one claw.

   

   He dozes while she holds one white paw, her thumb on top of one toe and a finger under it. She squeezes gently and one claw slides out.

   Press just behind the claw, gently. You should see the claw extend.

3. Find the pink quick.

   

   Against the window light Nadia can see the pink part near the toe and the clear, white hooked tip.

   Look at the claw from the side. Only the white tip can be cut.

4. Snip the white tip only.

   

   She places the clippers across the white tip, well in front of the pink, and snips once.

   Cut in one quick, firm squeeze. You should see a clean, flat end with no pink showing.

5. Reward straight away.

   

   Biscuit gets a treat after every claw.

   PDSA says a reward after each claw keeps trims positive.

6. Stop while it's going well.

   

   After three claws, Biscuit's tail starts to flick. Nadia lets him go and puts the clippers away until tomorrow.

   Don't do every claw in one go (PDSA). One or two calm trims beat forcing a full set (Humane World for Animals). Stop at once if your cat struggles, flattens its ears or tries to leave. Stopping early is not giving up; it keeps the next session calm.

7. Remember the dewclaw.

   

   On Sunday she finishes the front paws and finds the dewclaw, higher up on the inside of his front leg. She trims just its tip.

   The dewclaw doesn't touch the ground, so it doesn't wear down and can curl round into the skin (Woodgreen; WSU). Push it out the same way and trim only the tip. If it has already grown into the skin, see your vet.

8. Check the back paws, and trim only if needed.

   

   She looks at his back paws: the claws are short and blunt, so she leaves them.

   Back claws usually wear down through walking (Humane World for Animals). Trim them only if they're long or snagging.

Part 3: Afterwards

1. Check each cut claw for bleeding.

   

   Every end is clean and flat, with no pink showing and no blood, so the cornflour and cotton wool from her kit stay unused.

   If a claw bleeds, stay calm: dip it in cornflour or hold cotton wool on the tip until it stops (PDSA); styptic powder also works (Humane World for Animals). End the session there. If it's still bleeding after about 5 minutes of pressure, call your vet; WSU says bleeding may take about that long to stop without styptic powder.

2. Expect more scratching.

   

   Biscuit heads straight for his tall scratching post and gives it a long stretch.

   Cats often scratch more after a trim (PDSA). Have at least one tall upright post and one flat scratcher where your cat likes to scratch.

Or let a professional do it

There is no shame in handing this job over. If home trims upset you or your cat, ask your vet practice or a reputable groomer (PDSA). Woodgreen says your vet should be able to help, and WSU's vet hospital recommends learning the technique from a vet or vet nurse before trying at home.

If it doesn't work

Don't worry if the first try doesn't go to plan. Find what happened below and take the next small step.