To get your cat accustomed to nail clipping, the ideal time is while they’re still young, with a lot of practice and patience. Those who do not have this option will just have to practise a lot more with a whole dollop of perseverance thrown in.

Some supplies you’ll need:

🐾 Nail clipper;
🐾 Towel, blanket or cushion;
🐾 Styptic powder; and
🐾 Treats (if it’s your cat’s choice of reward).

Step 1: Simulate the sensation of nail clipping

Find a position comfortable for both your cat and you. You may use a thick towel or cushion to provide extra support for your cat. Once your cat is calm, gently hold their paw one at a time. Reinforce them as you go along, with treats, praises or pats. When they are used to it, you can apply a little pressure on the paw to reveal the nail. You can also use this time to locate the quick of their nail too. Practise this as long as you need, a few minutes or less every day.

Step 2: Familiarise them with the clipper

Allow your cat to smell the clipper (in a neutral position). If you have a dog, they can observe you clipping their nails. As your cat grows comfortable with the clipper, you can bring it closer. Continue to reinforce them as you go along. You can “use” the clipper in the air near them too, to get them used to the sound and action of the clipper. Practise this as long as you need, a few minutes or less every day.

Step 3: Continue practising

When your cat is both familiar with the sensation of their paws being pressed along with the clipper, you can practise the nail clipping simulation (Step 2) with your cat in the position from Step 1. You don’t have to actually clip their nails yet if you feel like you need more practice or if your cat is not comfortable yet. The goal is to ensure that your cat can remain calm while allowing you to touch their paw and expose the nail with the clipper near them.  

Step 4: The actual clipping

Ready to clip? Trim one claw from top to bottom in one motion (not side to side). Reinforce with a treat, praise or pat. If one nail trim is all your cat is able to do for this session, that’s fine. Try it again later, or another day. Gradually work your way up, and even if you need more than one session to clip all the nails, that is also okay. You want to ensure the experience is positive for your cat. Don’t forget to reward them after the nail clipping session!