The 6 Best Cat Nail Clippers of 2023

What to Look For in Cat Nail Clippers

Style & Materials

“Only trim your cat’s nails if you feel comfortable and have been shown how by a veterinarian or a professional groomer. Trimming your cat’s nails too short can be painful and make them unwilling to let you do it again," Dr. Bonk said. "One of the main things to look for in nail clippers for cats is how easy they are to use.”

There are a few styles of cat nail clippers to choose from. You’ll find some that look and work like simple scissors, with or without springs to help them reopen after each cut. These are generally made of stainless steel and many have rubber or foam coatings on the handles to make the grip more comfortable and less prone to slipping.

Others use a plier design, where your hand squeezes two handles from the outside inward, also with or without spring action. Many of these have stainless steel blades and either metal, plastic, or rubber coated metal handles. Some of the plastic handles have a space for a nail file. Some brands might include a light that shines on the cutting surface, usually with batteries stored in a plastic handle compartment. Some also include a safety guard made of clear plastic or metal that rests behind the cutting surface. This guard prevents pet parents from cutting too much of a nail in a single cut. Some like the added safety of a guard while others, including some professionals, find a safety guard cumbersome.

There are also guillotine style clippers. These use a single cutting surface that is drawn across another stationary surface. That is usually done with or without spring action by squeezing a movable handle downward to meet a stationary handle that supports the stationary surface. Benefits of a guillotine mechanism over other designs are a quick, clean cut and the fact that you can replace or sharpen a single cutting surface when they get dull.

If you cut a lot of nails—such as while working as a groomer or veterinary technician—pay special attention to the ergonomics of the clipper. That includes the shape of the handles, how they contact your hand, whether you feel any discomfort while cutting and how slippery they feel. Using clippers that don’t feel comfortable in your hand upon repeated use could set you up for discomfort, or even repetitive motion injuries.

Lastly, consider handedness. Some scissor-style clippers won’t work properly when used in your left hand. That can result in crushing the nail instead of clean cuts. Check the packaging and product description before you buy.

Business Ethics

A product can be offered very cheaply and on a global scale, but that convenience sometimes comes at the expense and/or exploitation of a company’s workers. Whenever possible, spend your hard earned dollars with companies that pay their workers a living wage, provide a safe working environment and give back to the communities that help them grow and succeed. The term “fair trade” often encompasses these ideals.

Check the “About” section of a company’s website for clues to their environmental and social responsibility. That’s where they’ll often list fair trade practices and any third party certifications as well as charitable programs in which they participate such as 1% for the Planet. Many pet supply manufacturers donate some of their products or financial support to animal shelters and pet hospitals. Whenever possible, choose companies and manufacturers that mirror your own environmental and social values.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at least two cat companions in her home for the past 35 years including some special needs kitties. Two of her cats lived happily and healthily into their early 20s. She’s also been a dog owner throughout that time, clipping cat and dog nails every few months for decades.

When researching these brands, Lorraine evaluated the type and quality of each product, customer reviews, the company’s research and development, and their business ethics.

Lorraine also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in environmental science. She is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy, informed and environmentally-conscious choices to protect their pets and our planet.

Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM graduated from Oregon State University in 2010 and has practiced in the mixed animal clinic, Clearwater Valley Veterinary Clinic in Orofino, Idaho ever since. On top of treating animals and writing for various veterinary magazines and websites, including Hepper.com, Dr. Bonk also owns a small cattle herd. When she's not doing those things, she can be found somewhere in the Idaho wilderness with her husband and two kids.