Dweller, it is really easy not to hurt the pet when doing it, specially if the kitty has light colored nails. Just don't cut the dark bit! I've done it for years and years, never once hurt any of my pets. On the other hand, I once made a mistake of taking my cats for a bath and they cut their nails. They cut one of the nails so deep, poor thing, her paw was still bloody. And those are the "professional" ppl!