Time for A Paw-Dicure

Posted on August 7, 2025

Clipping a cat’s nails can be a challenging job. Most don’t like their nails clipped. If you have a kitten, start getting them acclimated to this process as soon as possible.

There are a variety of clippers on the market: scissors for cats, guillotine, or pliers. Whatever you use, please do not use human nail clippers. Nails can get caught and this will make it a more traumatic experience than it must be.

Choose a time when a cat is content and sleepy.

Gently touch a paw while giving a food treat.

Continue to gently touch the other paws rewarding the cat with a treat while touching.

Once the cat has accepted touching, briefly hold each paw for 3 – 4 seconds rewarding the cat after each paw is held.

You then gradually increase how long you hold each paw until you have reached enough time that will allow you to clip the claws on one paw.

Clip a single claw and treat. If the cat is comfortable continue to clip additional claws.

This does not need to be completed in one sitting.