How often should I trim my cat’s nails?

Most indoor cats do well with trims every 2–4 weeks; active or outdoor cats may need less frequent trims. Watch your cat’s nails and adjust.

Faster growth in kittens, seniors, or certain breeds can shorten the interval.
Scratching posts and outdoor activity naturally blunt nails, extending the interval.
Soft furnishings and carpets make catching/snags more obvious sooner.
Health, diet, or low thyroid can change growth and brittleness rates.
Declawed front paws (not recommended) still leave rear nails to monitor.

Track signals: note dates you see sharp tips, audible “clicks” on hard floors, snagging on blankets, or when your cat resists kneading due to catching. Log this for 4 weeks to find your baseline interval.
Routine: pick a calm window—after a meal or play—once weekly to “check, not always cut.” A 5–8 minute check-in keeps handling familiar. Trim only the sharp hook if needed; skip if nails are still short.
Environment: place sturdy scratching options in high-traffic spots—one sisal post, one cardboard pad, and one vertical + one horizontal surface. Sprinkle catnip or use a pheromone spray to encourage use. Rotate or refresh worn pads monthly.
Tools and setup: use a small scissor-style cat clipper or human nail clipper with a bright lamp. Keep styptic powder or cornstarch nearby for accidental quick nicks. Aim to remove just the translucent hook—avoid the pink quick.
Handling strategy: wrap in a towel “purrito” for wiggly cats, exposing one paw at a time. Pair each paw with a tiny treat. If your cat balks, stop early; end on a success. Avoid chasing—don’t reinforce hiding. Try a 10–14 day consistency trial to stabilize cooperation.
Attention management: reward calm paw handling daily without clipping (3–5 gentle toe squeezes + treat). Reserve high-value treats only for nail sessions so the association stays strong.

You see cracked, curling nails digging into the paw pad or dewclaws nearly looping.
Your cat yowls, limps, avoids jumping, or a toe looks swollen, red, or warm.
Repeated bleeding, black nails obscuring the quick, or you’re unsure where to cut.
Severe matting between toes, ingrown dewclaws, or nails affecting mobility.
You consistently fail to trim safely after multiple short attempts.

This is general pet-care guidance, not veterinary advice. When in doubt, ask a professional.