Nail trimming goes wrong in one specific way: you cut into the quick, it bleeds, the animal remembers, and the next attempt is a wrestling match. Two things prevent that. Being able to see the quick, and taking the nail down gradually.

This tool does both. One end is a clipper with a stainless steel blade and a light that shines through the nail, so on pale nails the pink quick shows up clearly. A catcher clips over the blade to collect the clippings. The other end is a rotary grinder with its own light and a guard with three openings for different nail sizes, used to smooth the cut edge or to shorten the nail a little at a time. The maker rates the grinder at under 40 decibels. It charges by USB-C and a display shows the battery level.

• Clipper with stainless steel blade and clippings catcher
• Rotary grinder with a three-port guard
• LED light at both ends
• Grinder rated under 40dB by the maker
• USB-C charging with battery level display
• Safety lock on the clipper

On dark nails: The light helps on white and pale nails. On black nails you will not see the quick with any light, and the maker says so too: grind a little at a time from the underside and stop when you see a darker dot in the centre of the nail. Introduce the grinder slowly, running it near the paw for a few sessions before touching a nail.

Who it's for: owners nervous about cutting nails, cats and dogs that tolerate handling, and anyone who wants a smooth finish that does not catch on carpet.