A person in a white shirt holds a ginger tabby cat and trims its claws with blue-handled nail clippers. The cat looks alert and calm while sitting on the person's lap.

How to cut your cat’s claws: a guide to trimming cat nails

Not all cats need their claws trimmed

Active outdoor cats often keep their claws short naturally through climbing and scratching.

Cats have 18 claws

Most cats have 18 claws in total – five on each front paw (including the dew claw) and four on each back paw.

Clipping isn't cruel

Despite the popular belief that clipping cats’ claws is cruel, it’s a normal part of grooming when done correctly – especially for indoor cats or older cats with reduced mobility.

Does my cat need their claws trimmed?

Cats who spend time outdoors usually wear their claws down through climbing, scratching, and general activity. This means they may rarely need any help from you.

As for indoor cats, they usually keep their claws at a good length through their use of scratching posts and blocks. But it’s possible they’ll still need trimming from time to time.

Older cats, or those with mobility issues who are less able to maintain their own claws will often need regular trimming.

Signs that your cat’s claws may be too long include:

A clicking sound when they walk on hard floors.
Claws catching on carpets or blankets.
Visible curling of the claw tip.
Your cat pawing at their feet.

If a claw grows too long and curves, it can grow into the paw pad, which is painful and can lead to infection, so it’s worth keeping a regular eye on them.

It’s important to know that clipping claws can cause shedding to become more difficult due to how blunt the claw is afterwards.

If they can’t shed their claws, they’re more likely to become thickened. This can cause an ingrown claw, infection, pain and potentially ripping of the paw.

Claw clipping should only be done when really needed – usually as they get older. This is because their claws become thickened and risk growing into their paw pad.

How often should you trim your cat’s claws?

For indoor cats, we recommend checking their claws every two to three weeks. Some cats will need trimming at every check, others less frequently.

Older cats often develop thicker, more brittle claws that need more regular attention. If you’re unsure, read our guide below. Or if you’d still rather not do it yourself, ask your vet who should be able to help.

How to cut your cat’s claws safely

Follow these steps for a calm, safe trim:

1.Choose the right time

Wait until your cat is relaxed and sleepy, ideally after a meal. Never attempt to trim their claws when they’re clearly unsettled or on edge.

2. Use the right clippers

Always use clippers designed specifically for cats. Human nail clippers or scissors can crush the claw and cause it to split, which can be very uncomfortable.

3. Extend the claw

Gently press the top of the toe to push the claw forward. This exposes the full claw so you can see what you’re working with.

4. Avoid the ‘quick’

The quick is the pink section inside the claw containing blood vessels and nerves. Only cut the white tip. If you nick the quick, apply a small amount of cornflour with gentle pressure to stop any bleeding.

A close-up of a person trimming a cat’s claw with nail clippers, gently holding the cat’s furry paw.

Only cut the white tip of a cat's claws

5. Take it slowly

There’s no need to trim all the claws at once. Trim one or two, give your cat a treat, and continue when they’re looking settled. Reward them throughout to build a positive association with trimming.

6. Don’t forget the dew claws

These sit higher on the front legs and do not touch the ground, so they’re less likely to wear naturally and can curl if left untrimmed.

Helpful claw care tips

If your cat resists having their paws handled, spend a few days simply touching and massaging their paws during calm moments, without any clippers present. This helps them get used to the sensation before you introduce the trimming process.

It’s normal to find what looks like a whole claw on your cat’s blanket or near their scratching post. This is a claw sheath – the outer layer that cats shed naturally through scratching. It’s a sign that your cat is maintaining their claws well and nothing to worry about.

Find out more about understanding your cat’s behaviour.

Three things you can do today

Check your cat’s claws

Examine each paw and look for curling, splitting, or claws that seem longer than normal. If in doubt, ask your vet at your next visit.

Pick up the right clippers

If you do not already own cat nail clippers, buy a pair designed specifically for cats. Keep them sharp – blunt blades can crush rather than cut cleanly.

Make sure your cat has a scratching post

A good scratching post helps your cat maintain their own claw condition between trims. Place it somewhere they already like to scratch for the best results.

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