The Best Cat Nail Clippers (For Every Use) (2024)

Trimming your cat’s nails may not be at the top of your to-do list, but at-home grooming is a good way to stay on top of your pet’s health and physical condition. Cat nail clippers are a good tool to have in your collection of pet care products. There are many types of cat nail clippers that can get the job done. They don’t all work the same. The type of cat nail clipper that’s best for you and your kitty depends on your experience and comfort level with trimming cat nails.

Our veterinarian for Pets Digest, Dr. Chyrle Bonk, selected the top 5 cat nail clippers and chose the Gonicc Dog and Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers as the best overall cat nail clippers, thanks to their ease of use, sharp blades, durability, handles, and safety features, such as the nail-safety stop guard and lock button.

Our Vet’s Top Pick

Gonicc Dog and Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers

For overall quality, safety, and use, the Gonicc cat nail clippers are a go-to for at-home nail trimming.

While this was Dr. Bonk’s top choice, she also offers a series of her top tips for what to look for in choosing the best nail clippers for your cat, a section on who should avoid purchasing them, and she personally selected the best clippers for a variety of specific use cases.

The 5 Best Cat Nail Clippers

  1. Best OverallGonicc Dog and Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers
  2. Best BudgetMr. Pen Cat Nail Clipper
  3. Best for KittensShiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals
  4. Best Guillotine StylePettom Dog Cat Nail Clipper Professional Pet Trimmer
  5. Best Nail GrinderDremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless Pet Nail Grooming and Grinding Tool

Nail Clippers for Cats Compared

Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and key features of the different models.

Vet’s PicksModelRatingBlade Safety LockNonslip HandleIncludes Extras
Best OverallGonicc Dog and Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers4.4
Best BudgetMr. Pen Cat Nail Clipper4.7
Best for KittensShiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals4.7
Best Guillotine StylePettom Dog Cat Nail Clipper Professional Pet Trimmer4.3
Best Nail GrinderDremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless Pet Nail Grooming and Grinding Tool4.5

*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers

In This Article

Who Should Buy Cat Nail Clippers

  • New and current cat owners. Cat nail clippers are a good grooming tool to have on hand if you already have a cat or are about to get one. The sooner you and your cat become comfortable and used to the clippers, the easier trimming nails will be.
  • Pet-care professionals. If you’re a professional groomer who specializes in grooming cats, then you’ll want at least one pair of the best cat nail clippers you can find. Other professionals, such as veterinarians, boarders, and shelter workers, may also find good use for cat nail clippers.

Who Should Not Buy Cat Nail Clippers

  • You don’t have a cat. Some pet nail clippers are designed for both cats and dogs, even rabbits and other small animals. But some nail clippers are designated for either cats or dogs, not both. Select nail clippers based on your specific clipping need.

Buying Guide: Research Tips From a Veterinarian

Most cat nails grow out in two to four weeks, so putting your kitty on a regular schedule helps you nip any potential nail problems before they get started. While trimming a cat’s nails may not seem like anyone’s idea of a fun afternoon, it’s often necessary to prevent your kitty’s discomfort and your furniture’s unnecessary damage.

As a veterinarian, I often get asked how to choose good cat nail clippers. Here are some tips and best practices to consider when purchasing cat nail clippers. Do adequate research on the product you’re considering, and ask friends, family, or your veterinarian if they have any recommendations on cat nail clippers.

  1. Consider easy-to-use cat nail clippers – Choose from scissors- and pliers-style cat nail clippers. Scissor-style cat nail clippers have two handles that you squeeze together, bringing the two blades into contact with each other, like scissors. The handles have built-in handholds, so they’re not meant for every hand size. They’re typically smaller than other types of cat nail clippers, making them more suitable for kittens rather than adult cats. Pliers-style cat nail clippers are like scissor-style except they have two long handles that accommodate almost any hand size. They also tend to have larger blades that work for larger cats.
  2. Consider professional-grade cat nail clippers– Choose from guillotine-style clippers and nail grinders. Most cats aren’t going to take well to a grinder-style nail clipper due to the noise and vibration. They also aren’t for the beginner since they can quickly clip a cat’s nail too short. However, if you’re a seasoned nail trimmer and your cat is willing, a nail grinder may be your favorite way to quickly trim your cat’s nails. Guillotine-style cat nail clippers feature one stationary and one moveable handle. Squeeze the moveable handle so the blade moves against a solid surface. This style of cat nail clippers is harder to use as you have to place the nail inside of a loop. The clippers offer a precise cut, so they may be a favorite for professionals, but are more difficult for beginners to get the hang of.
  3. Choose cat nail clippers with a sharp blade – The sharpness of the clipper blades is a big concern when picking which cat nail clippers to use. The sharper the blade, the cleaner the cut, and the less pressure your cat will feel. Look for sharp blades made from stainless steel.
  4. Select cat nail clippers with an ergonomic handle – Consider your own comfort. Look for clippers that fit your hand, can maneuver properly and easily, and won’t cause fatigue. This is to ensure that you’re comfortable when clipping your cat’s nails so your cat is also more comfortable.
  5. Consider the safety features of cat nail clippers – Some cat nail clippers feature a stop guard to help prevent clipping nails too short. While this may aid an inexperienced groomer, it’s important to be able to see the nail. Scissor- and pliers-style clippers can offer a better view of exactly what it is you’re clipping. Nail clippers that feature a blade lock for when they’re not in use can help prevent accidental cuts, as well as protect the blades and keep them sharp.
  6. Make sure the cat nail clippers are durable – Choose a pair of cat nail clippers that are durable enough to stand up to a kitten’s nails as well as an adult cat’s larger nails. The clippers should last at least the lifetime of your cat.

If you’re hesitant about grooming your cat at home, speak with your veterinarian or a professional groomer for a how-to lesson. Bathing, brushing, and trimming your kitty’s fur and nails contribute to their health and wellness.

How Much Do They Cost?

$10 to $40

The average price for cat nail clippers is about $10 to $40. However, cat nail clippers can be found for as little as $5 and as much as $50. How much you spend on cat nail clippers depends on the quality and features offered. Cat nail clippers can get expensive and it’s understandable that you won’t want to spend a fortune on a set. However, buying cat nail clippers that are cheaply made may lead to breakage and frustration.

Our Methodology: Why Trust Pets Digest

If you’re venturing into the world of at-home nail trims for your cat, make sure you’re well equipped. Not only will the right cat nail clippers make your job a lot easier, they will also make it safer. Long cat nails are more likely to get caught in your furniture, blankets, clothes, and carpets, causing damage to the items, as well as possibly injuring your cat. Trimming blunts the end of the cat’s nail for a short period of time, which helps prevent errant scratches. – Dr. Chyrle Bonk

The Best Cat Nail Clippers Reviewed

1. Best Overall – Gonicc Dog and Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers

Our Vet’s Top Pick

Gonicc Dog and Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers

For overall quality, safety, and use, the Gonicc cat nail clippers are a go-to for at-home nail trimming.

The Gonicc Dog and Cat Pets Nail Clippers and Trimmers are designed with stainless steel blades that are equipped with a safety guard to help reduce the possibility of the nail getting trimmed too short. The ergonomic, nonslip handles make the clippers easier to hold as you guide your cat’s nail between the blades for a trim. The nail-safety stop guard minimizes the risk of cutting too close to the quick.

The Gonicc pet nail clippers are roughly 8 inches in length and are blue and black. The cat nail clippers are also outfitted with a lock button, so the clippers lock in the closed position, protecting against accidental injury from the exposed blades. For your convenience, there is a nail file tucked away in the handle of the clippers so you can file your kitty’s sharp claws if necessary.

Pros

  • Nail-safety stop guard
  • Ergonomic handles
  • Nail file included

Cons

  • Nail file is small

2. Best Budget – Mr. Pen Cat Nail Clipper

Best Budget

Mr. Pen Cat Nail Clipper

Suitable for most cats, these budget-friendly cat nail clippers feature scissor-style trimming.

Our vet, Dr. Chyrle Bonk, chose the Mr. Pen Cat Nail Clipper as the best budget cat nail clipper. These nail trimmers work like a pair of scissors, featuring short, stout, curved handles for a more ergonomic design. Measuring just under 4 inches in length, the Mr. Pen clipper is compact and lightweight. The finger loops on the nail clipper’s handle are covered in non-slip rubber to help you better grip the clippers. And the stainless steel trimmer slightly curves to help you clip your kitty’s nails at a more natural angle.

The Mr. Pen Cat Nail Clipper features a stainless steel blade that’s angled in a semi-circular fashion, allowing you to see your cat’s nail more when you’re cutting it. Suitable for small animals, customers report the blade is very sharp and effective. These cat nail clippers do not come with the option to lock the blade closed as a safety feature.

Pros

  • Ergonomic shape and grip
  • Angled stainless steel blade
  • Super sharp blade

Cons

  • Do not have a safety lock

3. Best for Kittens – Shiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals

Best for Kittens

Shiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals

The Shiny Pet nail clippers are designed for very small pets, such as kittens, puppies, and birds.

The best cat nail clippers for kittens are the Shiny Pet Pet Nail Clippers for Small Animals, according to our vet advisor. The Shiny Pet nail clippers are scissor-style clippers designed for really small pets, such as kittens, puppies, rabbits, birds, lizards, chickens, and small adult cats and dogs. Just under 4 inches in length, the small and lightweight nail clippers feature nonslip, rubber-grip handles with finger loops.

The Shiny Pet cat nail clippers feature a stainless steel blade that’s sharp and sturdy. Angled at 20 degrees, the half-moon blades on the nail clippers for kittens allow you to clearly see the nail you are cutting. These nail clippers do not feature a safety lock and are for small animals only. A free download of an e-book that explains how to cut your cat’s nails and the trimming process is included with your purchase.

Pros

  • Small and lightweight
  • Angled stainless steel blades
  • Includes free e-book tutorial

Cons

  • No safety lock on blades

4. Best Guillotine Style – Pettom Dog Cat Nail Clipper Professional Pet Trimmer

Best Guillotine Style

Pettom Dog Cat Nail Clipper Professional Pet Trimmer

The Petton Nail Clipper features a spring-loaded stationary and moveable handle for quick trimming.

For precision cutting, the best guillotine-style cat nail clippers are the Pettom Dog Cat Nail Clipper Professional Pet Trimmer. Our vet advisor chose these trimmers based on durability and quality. Made with sturdy stainless steel and featuring an ergonomic handle, the Petton cat nail clippers work using a spring handle. To cut your kitty’s nails, squeeze the moveable handle against the stationary handle to bring the blade against the steel loop. Though this requires careful placement of your kitty’s nail through the loop, it provides a precise cut.

The Petton Professional Pet Trimmer measures almost 5 inches in length and the handles are about 3 inches apart. Easy to squeeze shut, the spring-loaded handles help you slowly and carefully cut your kitty’s nails. The nail clippers are designed for using either hand, as well, whether left- or right-handed. These guillotine-style clippers may be difficult for beginners, but professionals may find them to be the perfect fit.

Pros

  • Precise trim
  • Comfortable handles
  • Stainless steel blade

Cons

  • May be difficult to use for beginners

5. Best Nail Grinder – Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless Pet Nail Grooming and Grinding Tool

Best Nail Grinder

Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless Pet Nail Grooming and Grinding Tool

For trimming your kitty’s nails without a blade, try the nail grinding tool by Dremel.

For those who would rather file their cat’s nails, as opposed to cutting them, the best nail grinder is the Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Cordless Pet Nail Grooming and Grinding Tool, according to Dr. Chyrle Bonk. The Dremel is a rotary tool, powered by a battery, that spins a 60-grit sanding drum, which files your cat’s claws as you gently hold the tip of her nail against the sander. Choose from two different rotation speeds – 6,500 RMP and 13,000 RPM – to help you quickly file nails down or file slowly for finish work or apprehensive kitties.

The Dremel cordless cat nail grinder comes with a removable battery and 3-hour charger that features an LED indicator light. The nail grinder also comes with replacement sanding drums so you can keep up-to-date on filing your kitty’s claws. It weighs just over 1 pound and measures just over 3 inches in length. The nail rotary tool comes with a manual and 2-year limited warranty.

Pros

  • Cordless with rechargeable battery
  • Comes with extra sanding drums
  • 2-year limited warranty

Cons

  • Makes noise and vibrates when on

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of nail cutter is best for cats?

To determine which nail cutters are best for cats, check out our vet advisor’s research tips above. Choose cat nail clippers that suit you and your cat’s specific needs.

Is it ok to cut cat nails with human clippers?

No, do not use human nail clippers on animals. They’re usually not sharp enough to cut through the thick, tough nails of cats and dogs. Look for nail clippers made specifically for cats.

Is it necessary to trim a cat’s claws?

Unless your kitty has multiple scratching posts or goes for regular walks outside on pavement, it is necessary to trim your cat’s claws. Nails that get too long can snag on carpet or upholstery, and either hurt your cat or damage your furniture.

What are the safest nail clippers for cats?

The safest nail clippers to use for cats are nail clippers with a sharp blade that you are most comfortable using. It’s important to have control and a clean cut when you’re trimming nails so you don’t cause accidental harm to your kitty.

The Best Cat Nail Clippers (For Every Use) (1)

Pet News Daily Staff
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.

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