Zen Clipper Cat Nail Clipper

The Zen Clipper has a patented conical blade instead of two open blades. Pet Product Innovations says it only allows the tip of the nail into the cutting area, like putting the tip into a small funnel, so you clip just the tip and avoid the quick.

Who it suits

Owners who are nervous about cutting the quick, and cats with small claws. It trims a little at a time, so very overgrown claws may need a vet or groomer first.

Key facts

• Patented conical blade lets only the nail tip into the cutting area (Pet Product Innovations)
• Sizes: XXS for kittens (1mm opening), XS for most adult cats, S for older cats with larger nails (Pet Product Innovations)
• Stainless steel blade that the maker says shears rather than crushes the nail (brand claim) (Pet Product Innovations)
• Maker offers a free size exchange in the USA (Pet Product Innovations)

What reviewers say

Your Best Digs named it the runner-up after two months of testing: the conical blade slices from all sides, which prevented crushing in their test, and they no longer worried about over-clipping their cat’s nails. It may be too small for larger hands. Note that the tester used size small, while the maker’s current guide suggests XS for most adult cats.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Cone-shaped blade limits how much nail goes in
• Pro: Sizes from kitten to large cat claws
• Pro: Hands-on tester lost the fear of over-clipping
• Con: May be too small for larger hands
• Con: You must pick the right size
• Con: Only trims a little at a time

Cautions

• Pick the size from the maker’s sizing guide; Pet Product Innovations says XS suits most adult cats.
• The guard limits how much nail goes in, but on long nails you still need to watch the quick.
• If a claw has grown into the paw pad or a toe is swollen or bleeding, see your vet instead of trimming at home.