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Some cats love to file their claws down on scratching boards and sisal-wrapped posts—and some don’t. For the cats who don’t take care of it on their own, nail trimming is in order. It isn’t one of our most relished tasks as cat parents, but it’s an important part of our pets’ grooming routine. And the right pair of cat nail clippers can mean the difference between a stressful catastrophe and a tolerable experience.
The best cat nail clippers will be comfortable to hold, be easy to use, and give you a clean, safe cut. Sharp stainless steel is the gold standard, since it will help you achieve a swift slice without breakage.
You’ll also want to size your clippers to match your kitty. Teeny kittens need clippers designed for smaller claws, and big Maine Coons need clippers powerful enough to snip larger, tougher nails. A non-slip grip helps avoid mistakes, and extra perks like a nail file stored in the handle or a light to improve visibility can make the job easier.
Let’s take a look at some of the best cat nail clippers—for every kind of cat.
Best Budget-Friendly Option: JW Pet Company GripSoft Nail Clippers (Verified Review)
These affordable clippers won’t break the bank—and yet they still offer many of the same perks found with more expensive models. The smaller size makes them easy to manipulate for a quick cut but could be an issue if you have larger hands or if your cat has super thick nails. They’re appropriate for both adult cats and kittens.
Lead Editor Gwendolyn Elliott gave these cat nail clippers a try on her cat Matilda, the 15-year-old grand dame of the Rover blog, and had this to say:
“While I had trimmed dog nails before, I had never trimmed my cats’ claws before. These clippers worked great—easy and light to hold and the appropriate small size for use on a cat. Made a good clean cut, but Matilda’s claws were old and fairly brittle to begin with. The best part is that I used them right after our old gal had her dinner (which had half a pill of gabapentin in it), and she didn’t flinch once. I emerged from the experience scratch-free to prove the approach works!”
Features we love:
- Smaller blades offer accuracy
- Rubberized handles provide a stable grip
- Affordable price
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Best Scissor-Style Clippers: Pet Republique Cat Nail Clippers
Scissor clippers are a good choice for beginners: they’re easy to handle and control, which is critical if you and/or kitty are on the jittery side. The half-moon design allows for easy claw placement, and the small size makes this tool suitable for other small pets like bunnies and guinea pigs.
Plus, you can feel good about purchasing from Pet Republique, as the company donates 15% of its profits to the American Animal Rescue Society.
Features we love:
- Ergonomic shape
- Rubberized handles for better grip
- Conveniently compact design
- Affordable price
Best Plier-Style Clippers: Clawper Pro (Verified Review)
Typically, plier clippers require less force to get through a cat’s nail than scissor clippers. The Clawper Pro features a center spring that lets you apply controlled pressure for a safe and even cut every time. These clippers also include a built-in nail file for a clean, aesthetic finish.
Our testers found them easy to use and especially appreciated the eco-friendly packaging. Rather than using wasteful plastic or cardboard packaging, these clippers arrive in a cute cotton drawstring bag.
Features we love:
- Includes a free 50-page grooming eBook
- 3.5 mm stainless steel blades cut with precision
- A safety stop between blades prevents over-clipping
- Comfortable 6.5-inch size
Best for Kittens: Shiny Pet Clippers for Small Pets
Your kitten’s dainty paws need a smaller-sized clipper. This pair by Shiny Pet is safe to use on your fun-size feline. The rubberized handle offers a secure grip, and the half-moon blade allows you to see exactly where you’re cutting.
While these scissors are a good size for your little kitten, some users might find them too small to hold comfortably.
Features we love:
- Sturdy, angled blades
- Green, anti-slip handle
- Lightweight and compact design
Best for Safety: Necoichi Purrcision Clippers
Crafted with stainless steel in Japan’s swordsmith center, Seki City, these Neocoichi Purrcision cat nail clippers will get the job done. They come with a thinner blade, which allows the user to see their cat’s nails more clearly. Many happy reviewers report that the cushioned handles are easy to hold.
Features we love:
- 30% thinner blades
- Adorable cat paws on the handle
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Best Nail Clipper Set: GHG Grinder and Clipper Set
If you like the option of a nail grinder, this grinder-and-clipper duo will keep your cat’s nails neat and tidy. The diamond bit grinder comes with three different speed settings to accommodate pets of all sizes. It has an unobtrusive noise level, which is nice for nervous cats.
Features we love:
- Available in black or white
- Built-in LED light
- Flashing light indicates low power