The Best Cat Nail Clippers

What to Look For

To find the top cat clippers on the market, we considered a few characteristics. How large are the finger holes? Is the hinge action smooth and reliable, and are the blades sharp? Finally, are there any special features? For the most high-tech pair of clippers on our list, Allstar Innovations’ PetiCare clippers win hands down. Its LED and magnifying glass make claw clipping a breeze. Meanwhile, for the most affordable pair of clippers that has excellent hinge action and super sharp blades, JW tops our list. Read on to find the right clippers to give your cat the claw care they deserve.

JW GripSoft Cat Nail Clippers

Veterinarian-level clippers

These durable cat nail clippers have sharp cutting blades that won't dull over time.

Best Overall

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Minimizing the time it takes to trim your cat’s claws makes all the difference. With the GripSoft clippers from JW, you can count on quick, clean cuts every time. Veterinarians use these clippers because of their dependability. You won’t get any jagged edges or partially-clipped nails. The rubber grips keep them from slipping away, and they’re easy to use whether you’re right- or left-handed.

Pros:

• The strong hinge always works smoothly, and it’s difficult to misalign. The finger loops don’t overlap when closing, either; they align perfectly every time.
• The short length of these trimmers makes small, precise cuts easier. You’ll be less likely to cut into the quick.

Cons:

• If you have larger hands, these may be a bit unwieldy.

Pet Republique Professional Stainless Steel Claw Trimmer

For quick snips

Using textured rubber grips, these clippers won't slip as you cut your cat's nails.

Runner Up

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Time is of the essence when clipping claws. By using these professional nail clippers for cats, you can make your next clipping session as speedy and efficient as a Formula One pitstop crew. We like the large finger holes that work well for various hand sizes. The triangle-shaped holes use a rubber surface, which provides excellent grip when clipping. Plus, these are ambidextrous, so anyone can use them.

Pros:

• These are much sharper than cheaper models. The hinge is also a lot stronger and doesn’t flex or bend.
• The rubber grip keeps these from slipping while cutting, and they won’t catch halfway through cutting because they’re so sharp. When dealing with a rowdy cat that hates getting its nails trimmed, the rubber grip and blade sharpness are crucial.

Cons:

• These may not work as well on smaller cats with thinner claws.

Necoichi Purrcision Feline Cat Nail Clippers

Clippers that don't get in the way

With super-thin blades, this pair of clippers gives you excellent visibility when clipping claws.

Thin Blades

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One of the main struggles in clipping cat claws involves actually seeing the claw you’re clipping. With these extra-thin clippers, you’ll get a better shot at a clear view of the target. They have a smooth, quick action, and they’re sharp enough to snip claws lightning fast. Once you use these, you might wonder how you ever got by with dull blades — the difference is definitely noticeable.

Pros:

• These clippers are ambidextrous. They work for either dominant hand.
• The thin profile lets you cut at the proper angle. This leads to quicker clippings with less chance of causing pain.

Cons:

• Though definitely worth the price, these are on the pricier side of cat clippers.

Gonicc Cat Nail Clippers With Safety Guard

Worry free

These heavy-duty clippers cut through cat claws like butter, and they include a safety guard to prevent hitting the quick.

Most Safe

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Do you ever put off claw clipping because you’re too worried about cutting the quick? With this pair of clippers, you can cut safely every time thanks to the built-in safeguard. It prevents the blades from going too far into the nail. If your cat loves a good manicure, these clippers even include a pullout nail file. Their claws will be trimmed, soft at the edges, and ready for cuddles.

Pros:

• We found that these are strong and sharp enough for dog nails too. Their heft and durability make them a great long-term investment.
• These have a smooth spring that doesn’t creak. It’s not too hard to squeeze down, too.
• The handle includes a locking mechanism to keep the clippers closed when not in use.

Cons:

• You won’t be able to trim claws as short as other types of clippers.

Allstar Innovations PetiCare LED Light Nail Clipper

Light the way

With four bright lights and a magnifying glass, these clippers let you see the claw you're clipping in great detail.

Best With Light

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Avoiding the quick is all about being able to see the nail. By using this LED cat nail clipper, you’ll be able to clearly see where the quick ends. It should appear as a slight pinkish area around the bottom of the claw. This brilliant pair of clippers even includes a magnifying glass to make it easier to see what you’re doing. No longer will you have to squint and guess at where you’re cutting.

Pros:

• Because of the angle and style of cutting, you won’t have to worry if your cat jerks away when squeezing the clippers. This is helpful for fidgety cats.
• The bright LED lights and magnification make it easy to cut nails as short as possible while still always avoiding the quick.

Cons:

• These are on the larger side of clippers and may not work as well on kittens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make it easier to clip my cat’s nails?

Every cat is different, of course, but our first suggestion is to use two people. One person holds the cat while the other holds its paw and trims the nails. Another way that can occasionally work is to wait until your cat is asleep or very relaxed and gently clip its nails. It helps if you get them used to handling their paws, and treats always facilitate getting comfortable with paw handling and nail clipping.

What is the quick?

The quick is the part of a cat’s nail that includes blood vessels and nerve endings, meaning it can cause them pain if you accidentally snip it. You should be able to see the quick as a pink area when protruding the claw. We recommend clipping with a good light source behind your cat so you can easily spot the quick and avoid cutting it.

About the Author

Dave is, admittedly, obsessed with his two Siamese-Lynx cats. In fact, he's always had feline companions growing up, so he's privy to the joys and challenges of cat ownership. He's picked up a vast knowledge of cat care through the years, and now he wants to help cat owners give their cats the best home and life possible.

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