How to clip your cats claws

If you have an indoor cat that does not wear its claws naturally, it may be a good idea to cut the claws to prevent the cat from injuring itself. Here we explain step by step how to cut the cat's claws.

Whether you need to trim your cat's claws depends on how they live, whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat and how active it is. It's a good idea to get into the habit of checking your cat's claws regularly. This way you can make sure they don't grow into the foot pad.

How to cut your cat's claws - step by step

Use claw pliers you feel safe with
Choose a time when the cat is calm and safe
Hold the cat's paw so you can gently push the claw out of its capsule
Cut off the outermost tip of the claw. If you cut a little bit at a time, it's easier to make sure you don't hit the pulp
If your cat finds it distressing, do just a few claws at a time.

The process can be much easier when there are two of you helping out.

Keep in mind that you likely won't need to clip the claws of an outdoor cat.