How to Trim Cat Nails: A Step-by-Step Guide
2Find a Quiet Spot and a Comfortable Position
Trimming your cat’s nails in a quiet area of your home, away from kids, other pets or startling noises, will help keep your cat calm, making cutting their nails easier.
With practice, you will find the best way to hold your cat—one that’s comfortable for both of you. If you’re a beginner, try these positions:
Seated and holding your cat lengthwise across your lap
Standing and holding your cat on a flat surface that you don’t mind getting scratched, such as a padded ironing board
Reclining with the cat lying on your chest
Seated with the cat lying face up in the valley between your legs.
You can try several different positions until you find what works for you.
If your cat is especially squirmy, one way to keep a secure hold on them is to wrap them in a towel like a burrito, with only one paw outside the burrito at a time. This makes it harder for your kitty to escape or claw you. Some cats may also relax more if you drape a corner of the towel over their head to muffle the noise and keep them from seeing what you’re doing. For other cats, these tactics could stress them out even more, so do what feels best—it’s all about knowing your cat.