Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My cat bites when I try to trim her claws. What are my options?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Balinese | Female | spayed | 1 year old

Cat won't let me touch her paws without biting me, but need to trim her claws. Tried scruffing/clipping but doesn't seem to work. They need to be cut.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 28th, 2016

If she won't let you trim them, you will need to take her to a vet and have them do it. They can give her some sedation, if needed, to make it easier for them to trim the nails.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Cats can be so difficult sometimes! One option is to take Ava into your vet to have her claws clipped by the vet tech. It is usually a minimal cost to have them do it (less than $20), and saves you a lot of hassle. You can call your vet clinic to see how much it costs. If you want to do it at home, it sounds like it has to be a two person job. You can try wrapping her in a towel tight around her body with one person holding her in the towel and scruffing her. Then you remove one paw at a time from the towel, cutting the claws quickly.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Often-times when owners cannot cut their pets nails, this is when seeking a vet's help is the best call. If you already have a relationship established with a vet in your area, you can just call them ahead of time and take Ava in for just a pedicure. The technician will take Ava to the back, with no exam needed, and cut Ava's nails for you. You can also try the groomer's, but sometimes this is too stressful for cats and the vet's office is a better solution.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?
New pet biting? A Licensed Vet Tech shares expert advice on how to gently acclimate your new companion to their home, reduce stress, and build trust. Get guidance for a happy pet.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How do I safely fix my dog or cat's painful hangnail at home?
Ouch! Does your pet have a painful hangnail? Dr. Melanie, a certified veterinarian, provides expert guidance on safe trimming or when to seek professional vet care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My robo hamster is limp, bleeding, and collapsed. Is it wet tail?
Is your robo hamster dragging, collapsed, or showing blood? A Licensed Vet Tech offers urgent advice on these symptoms, including potential wet tail concerns.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is my pet's occasional sneezing and eye crust a URI symptom?
Is your pet Barry occasionally sneezing or showing eye crust? A trusted vet offers insights on common respiratory concerns and when to seek professional advice.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My hamster is suddenly bloated, angry, and biting. What should I do?
Is your Chinese dwarf hamster suddenly bloated, angry, and biting nonstop? A DVM explains pain signs and urges immediate vet care for his distended abdomen.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored