Whether you call them claws or nails, they need maintenance. Cat nail grinders provide excellent control over nail trimming. They work quickly, so you’re not wrestling your friendly feline for 15 minutes. These handy devices leave behind a rounded edge that’s less likely to snag, and with some practice, they make it easier to avoid the quick (the tender inner portion of the nail where blood vessels and nerves reside).
We reviewed dozens of cat nail grinders to bring you the best of the best. We considered their power source, whether or not they can be used for both small and large animals, and their ease of use. The latest models cut down on noise and vibration, so they are less likely to scare your cat. With a little practice, you’ll get nails trimmed in a few minutes.
The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder works the nail with a diamond bit grinder. The grinding wheel maintains its edge to smooth away the nail faster. Three ports allow you to get a good fit over the nail, and two speeds provide adjustability for varying nail thicknesses. This model does it all with low vibrations and noise.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Nail Grinders
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cat Nail Grinder Overall | Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder | 4.8 |
| Best Cat Nail Grinder Kit | Ruff 'n Ruffus Cat and Dog Nail Grinder | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Cat Nail Grinder | AMIR Pet Nail Grinder | 4.0 |
| Best Multi-Port Cat Nail Grinder | Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder | 4.1 |
| Best Corded Cat Nail Grinder | ConairPRO Dog Nail Grinder | 4.2 |
*Ratings are current at the time of publication and can change
Best Cat Nail Grinder Overall: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder
Don’t be thrown off by the name. The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder works for animals, both small and large. In fact, that’s one of its pros. It comes with a protective with two port sizes, and for cats, use the smallest port. However, once your cat gets used to the grinder, you can use the grinder without the protective cap, directly grinding the nail with the diamond bit grinder.
This model operates at 50 decibels (dB), which is equivalent to the noise in the average corporate office, slightly above the hum of a refrigerator. Your cat may be skittish at first, but the low noise and vibrations make it easier for the cat to get used to the Casfuy.
The built-in battery lasts for two hours and requires three hours to recharge. We like the power indicator light that lets you know when the battery is getting low. It comes with a USB charging cord, which means you can recharge it using a power bank, phone adapter, or laptop.
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Low noise and vibrations
- Three (3) port sizes
- Two (2) speed levels
- USB charging cord
Best Cat Nail Grinder Kit: Ruff ‘n Ruffus Cat and Dog Nail Grinder
Two for the price of one? Yes, please. The Ruff ‘n Ruffus Cat and Dog Nail Grinder comes with a few additional perks that give you more options (and convenience) when trimming your cat’s nails. The kit includes a nail grinder, shears, an extra grinding wheel, and a storage pouch. The extra grinding wheel and storage pouch alone are well worth the price just for the longevity of use and keeping track of the grinder.
The grinder works quickly. You don’t waste time with a dull head or poor power with this model. It’s quiet with low vibrations, so even skittish cats are more likely to hold still.
The Ruff ‘n Ruffus includes a protective capt with two port sizes, as well as the option of using the diamond-covered grinding bit alone once you’ve gotten some practice. But, with this kit, you have some other options too. Need to do a quick clip of one nail, or your cat not cooperating with the nail grinder? Grab the shears. Or, the shears act as a backup when the battery runs low. And finally, we love the storage pouch for keeping all the nail trimming tools together.
Ruff ‘n Ruffus Cat and Dog Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Quiet grinder with low vibrations
- Includes shears, extra grinding wheel, and a storage pouch
- Three (3) ports
Best Budget Cat Nail Grinder: AMIR Pet Nail Grinder
The AMIR Pet Nail Grinder costs far less than many of the competitors. It includes a diamond-covered grinding wheel that can be used alone with or without a protective cap. However, with the cap, you’ve got two extra port sizes. The AMIR has a tapered ergonomic handle that’s easy to hold. It uses AA batteries rather than rechargeable, so keep a few on hand.
The AMIR isn’t as quiet as some of the other models on our list, coming in at about 60 dB. Make sure to take your time and let your cat get used to the sound and feel of the grinder before you actually touch his nails. Go slow and grind in short bursts for the best effect.
AMIR Pet Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Protective cap and three (3) ports
- Ergonomic handle design
- Runs on AA batteries
Best Multi-Port Cat Nail Grinder: Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder
The Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder brings reliability, a diamond bit grinder, and three ports to the trimming table. Multiple port options let get a good fit on your cat’s nails. A protective cap placed over the grinding wheel has one side for small nails, the other for medium. Most cats will fit in the smallest port. However, once you get more adept at trimming, you may want to use the third port option, which is the grinding wheel alone.
This model works for both trimming and smoothing out the nails. So if all you need is a way to smooth nail after using shears, the Hertzko can take off any sharp edges. Low vibrations and noise levels make this grinder usable for jumpy cats. Be sure to give your cat plenty of time to get used to it before you actually touch the nail. Finally, there’s a micro-USB charging port and included cord for charging on a power back, laptop, or phone adapter.
Hertzko Electric Pet Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Three (3) ports
- Quiet operation with low vibrations
- Micro-USB charging port
Best Corded Cat Nail Grinder: ConairPRO Dog Nail Grinder
The ConairPRO Dog Nail Grinder has a slightly different design than the other models on our list. Instead of a diamond bit grinder, it comes with two interchangeable grinding stones of different shapes and four sandpaper grinding bands. The smaller of the two grinding stones is a great option for cats, with their smaller, weaker nails. There’s a protective cap with ports to protect the cat’s quick.
If all you really need to do is smooth out the nail, opt for one of the sanding bands. They’re gentler and quieter. We also like that this corded model never runs out of power. Trimming the nails can take a long time if the battery is slowly dying. But that’s not an issue with this model. The different heads and attachments are easy to remove, so even if you have to use more than one in a single session, it’s not adding significant time to the trim session.
ConairPRO Dog Nail Grinder Key Features:
- Includes two (2) grinding stones and four (4) sanding bands
- Protective cap with ports
- Consistent electrical power
Who Should Buy a Cat Nail Grinder
Nail care is all part of cat ownership, especially if your cat is strictly indoors. Long, sharp claws may catch on furniture and clothing more easily, not to mention the damage it can do to your skin. If your cat doesn’t love manual nail clippers or shears, cat nail grinders might be a good option for you. They work fast and give you some smoothing along with trimming. However, they can take some getting used to, especially for skittish cats.
Before ever touching the nail with the grinder, let your cat get used to the grinder. Turn it on and run it so he gets used to the noise and hold it against him without touching the nail so he can get accustomed to the vibrations. Start small and keep your trimming sessions brief. If you take the time to acclimate your cat to the grinder, future trimming sessions can be quick and easy.
Important Features to Consider
Cat nail grinders should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a model for your cat:
- Noise level. Cats aren’t known for loving loud noises, and many of them startle easily. To successfully grind your cat’s nails, you have to be able to get near the cat. For that reason, a good cat nail grinder should be as quiet as possible. Models that fall in the 50 to 55 dB range are very quiet, while anything over 60 dB might take extra effort on your part for your cat to get used to.
- Vibrations. Like noise, excessive vibration can send your cat scrambling. Look for models with anti-vibration technology that keep extra movement to a minimum. A cat can get accustomed to some vibration, but a device that makes your hand shake, probably won’t be one your cat will tolerate.
- Ports. Ports provide protection for your cat’s claws and take some of the guesswork out of trimming. Protective caps with different port sizes accommodate animals of various sizes. Once you and your cat have gotten used to using a nail grinder, you may be able to trim his nails without the protective cap and its ports. Until that time, a port of the right size makes it easier to hold the nail against the grinder without nicking the quick.
- Battery versus corded. The vast majority of cat nail grinders are battery-powered with either built-in rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries. Models with rechargeable batteries use a micro-USB or USB port, giving you the option of charging with a power bank, laptop, or phone adapter. Corded cat nail grinders are far less common. However, they provide consistent power, and you know for sure you have enough power for a whole trim session.
- Speed control. Look for a model with at least two speed settings. Faster speeds grind through thicker nails. Most cats have relatively small, thin nails, but if your cat is the exception, you want the option of a faster speed. Some models have variable speed control that allows you to select any number of speeds. If you have more than one animal, this type of nail grinder gives you more options for nails of various thicknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are nail grinders safe for cats?
If used correctly, cat nail grinders are completely safe. However, anytime you trim a cat’s nails, whether using a grinder, clippers, or shears, there’s a risk of hitting the quick. You want to avoid touching the quick at all costs. The quick is the center portion of the nail, and it contains blood vessels and nerves. It’s very sensitive and, if knicked, can be painful. Your cat may resist any further trimming if he has a bad experience.
What is the best nail grinder for cats?
Your circumstances, the personality of your cat, and whether or not you have other animals will determine what the best nail grinder is for you. If you have a dog and several cats, a cat nail grinder with multiple ports is essential to make sure you get a good fit for all of your animals. If you travel with your pets, a compact, cordless model makes the best choice. Make sure the nail grinder is quiet with low vibrations but has enough power to grind nails quickly.
Can I use a cat nail grinder for dogs, birds, and other animals?
Yes, many cat nail grinders are designed for multiple animals. Dog nail grinders often come with multiple port sizes to accommodate other animals like cats and birds. Be careful and take your time acclimating your animals to the use of a nail grinder. If they have positive experiences over and over again, you’re more likely to have success in the long run.
How do you use a cat nail grinder?
Introduce your cat to the nail grinder long before you plan to use it. If you start this process when he’s a kitten, you’re more likely to have success when he’s an adult. However, even adult cats can become used to a cat nail grinder. Spend time petting your cat while holding the nail grinder and turning it on. Just let him get used to the noise and vibration. Over time, you can start to hold the handle against him so he can feel the vibration as well as hear it.
The next step is to touch the nail with the grinder. You may want to keep the first session light and brief. Once you’re ready to actually do some trimming, know exactly how much you want to take off. Err on the side of too long to avoid hitting the quick.
Sit on a sturdy surface with your cat in your lap, and turn on the grinder to make sure he’s in the mood for touching. If not, you may have to try again later. Hold your cat’s paw in your hand and gently squeeze until the nails come out. Hold one nail to the grinder at a time, and trim in short bursts until you reach the desired length. It might take more than one session at first, but with time, your cat may get used to the sessions and tolerate doing all of the nails at once.
Other Cat Nail Grinders We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat nail grinders. These models didn’t make our 5 best cat nail grinders list, but they’re still excellent models worth considering. They may have extra features that work better for your specific circumstances.
- Cat Nail Grinder Kits
- Cat Nail Grinders without a Protective Cap
- Cat Nail Grinders with Extra Grinding Wheels
- Multi-Port Cat Nail Grinders
Cat Nail Grinder Kits
Extra grinding wheels, trimmers, and a file make sure you have everything you need when it’s trimming time.
Key Features:
- Includes trimmers and nail file
- Two (2) extra grinding wheels
- Three (3) ports
Cost:Â $20
Pet Republique Dog Nail Grinder
Nail clippers and a grinder give you more options when it comes time to trim.
Key Features:
- Three (3) ports
- Includes manual clippers
- Battery indicator light
Cat Nail Grinders without a Protective Cap
Wahl Professional Animal Nail Grinder
Designed for pros, this model skips a protective cap and extra ports, but it comes with two band sizes and multiple replacement bands.
Key Features:
- No protective cap or extra ports
- Two (2) band sizes
- Comes with twelve (12) replacement bands
Cat Nail Grinders with Extra Grinding Wheels
Colored battery indicator lights keep you on top of the power level, while a replacement grinding wheel makes sure there’s always a sharp surface ready to go.
Key Features:
- Multi-colored battery power indicator light
- Replacement grinding wheel
- Three (3) ports
Cost:Â $23
A wide handle with anti-slip grip sides makes this model easy to use. It also includes two replacement grinding wheels.
Key Features:
- Wide, anti-slip grip handle
- Two (2) replacement grinding wheels
- Three (3) speeds
Cost:Â $19
An ergonomic handle and two extra grinding wheels make this multi-port model an excellent option.
Key Features:
- Three (3) ports
- Two (2) extra grinding wheels
- Low vibration for your cat’s comfort
Cost:Â $24
Two extra replacement grinders and an ergonomic handle make this model easy to use on reluctant cats.
Key Features:
- Two (2) speeds
- Two (2) replacement grinding wheels
- Three (3) ports
Multi-Port Cat Nail Grinders
A 20-hour battery life, variable speed control, and three ports provide the versatility for cats of all sizes.
Key Features:
- Variable speed control
- Long, 20-hour battery life
- Quiet 40 dBA and low vibrations
Cost:Â $28
This model charges in a quick 1.5 hours and provides three ports and two-speed options.
Key Features:
- Quick 1.5 hour charging time
- Three (3) ports
- Two (2) speeds
Cost: $23
Three port options and a power indicator light give you control and advance warning when the battery starts to run low.
Key Features:
- Three (3) ports
- Power and charge indicator light
- USB charging port and cord
Cost:Â $26
The batteries on this model recharge in only 1.5 hours. It also includes a convenient cleaning brush to get rid of nail debris and prolong the life of the grinder.
Key Features:
- Charges in 1.5 hours and charge lasts 5 hours
- Three (3) ports
- Power and battery indicator light
Cost:Â $33
Low vibrations and a quiet 40 dBA make this an ideal choice for homes with multiple pets.
Key Features:
- Low vibrations and quiet 40 dBA
- Three (3) ports
- Two (2) speeds
Cost:Â $26
Simple and sleek, this model has three ports and a battery indicator light to help you through trimming and grinding.
Key Features:
- Three (3) ports
- Battery indicator light
- USB power cord
Cost:Â $30
A fast one-hour charging time is all the Pecute needs before it takes care of sharp nails.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic handle design
- Three (3) ports
- Short 1-hour charging time
Cost:Â $21
The Peteast comes with a few extras like a replacement grinding wheel and a storage bag to keep everything together.
Key Features:
- 10-hour usage time
- Runs at less than 40 dBA
- Three (3) ports
Cost:Â $28
Diamond grinder, three ports, and an indicator light make quick work of sharp nails.
Key Features:
- Brass motor with low vibrations
- Three (3) ports and two (2) speed settings
- Ergonomic design
Cost:Â $28
Two protective caps or port sleeves help you keep a steady hand as you ease your cat through his next nail trimming session.
Key Features:
- Two (2) protective caps
- Four (4) ports
- Battery indicator light
Cost:Â $23
Easy-to-read battery indicator lights and two-speed options make this model an easy way to manage your cat’s nails.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-read battery indicator lights
- Three (3) ports
- Three (3) speed options
Cost:Â $28
Three ports give you plenty of options for cats, dogs, and pets of all sizes.
Key Features:
- Three (3) port sizes
- Battery indicator light
- Anti-slip grip design
Cost:Â $17
This model runs at a quiet 35 dBA and features a motor upgrade that powers through thick nails.
Key Features:
- Runs at a quiet 35 dBA
- Two (2) speeds and three (3) ports
- Power indicator light
Cost: $27
