When should I cut kitties claws for the first time?

They are 8 weeks old. Is it too soon to trim their claws? I dont have a problem with how they are now, but I've read that it should be done as part of a regular grooming routine.

I start trimming nails at 3-4 weeks old. All you need to do is to nip the sharp tip off with a pair of small fingernail clippers. Regular cat nail trimmers are too big right now.

Check and trim at least once a week. Kittens nails grow fast - I found I had to do them twice a week.

Originally Posted by omis

When should I cut kitties claws for the first time?

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The best answer to that type of question is "now".
And not necessarily because they need it or are damaging things, but to accustom the kitties to being handled and having it done.

With baby kitties, everyday I squeeze each of their toenails out, handle their feet, poke in their ears, and open their mouths and look around. Comb their underarms, look at their teeth- the more you get them used to this type of thing the less stressful each veterinary visit will be. It is really a kindness to an animal to prepare it to handle life without stressing out, because sooner or later it is going to the vet for one reason or another.

So start doing nail trimming today and do it often. It is much easier on you, the cats, and everyone else if they get used to it.

What about newborns? I don't mean --today--but they are only 2 days old and one is a really fiesty bully! She hits at the other kittens (usually in the face) to get what she wants. I am concerned that in the near future, she will do damage with those sharp litle claws, possibly to an eye.
And I mean she will hit 8-10 times--whap!whap!whap!--at the others face.
I am happy that their eyes are still closed!

2-day-old cats probably don't need their claws trimmed. In a few weeks, though.

The scissors with the half-moon blades work way better than human nail trimmers. You can control them better and see what you're doing.

I would not do nails under 3 weeks of age - they are just too small and they are very soft compared to later.

I find that on small kittens the nail clippers (small) work a lot better for me.

I just clipped Vodka's claws for the first time. I used straight-edged toenail clippers and they worked perfectly! Vodka was such a good girl, too. She just sat there and let me do it. Of course, we had to take a break between paws and I'm sure the treats didn't hurt, either!

ETA-Vodka is about 5 months old

My rule of thumb is 3-4 weeks depending on the temperment of the kitten and if they are around littermates that they could potentially scratch up pretty bad. I trim kitten nails with straight edge nail clippers (for people)...and i trim my adult cats,my rabbit, and my dog with a guilletine style nail clipper specifically designed for animals. If by chance you hit a vein...have a tiny cup of all purpouse flour around to dip their nail in- it will stop the bleeding just like septic powder...but it is a lot cheaper . good luck! Also, it doesn't hurt to file their nails after trimming them so that they don't split or crack down the middle .