I only trim nails probably about once amonth or so. I found that toe nail clippers work great. I have large cat trees that have scratching posts, and both vertical and horizontal smaller scratching posts too. They use all of them. Sometimes Ziggy and Sky will start scratching my carpet so I have to tell them no. I also put covers on my couch and recliner so if they decide to scratch those they can't really do any damage.

Some cats are very easy when it comes to nail trims. Pearl is actually my easiest cat. Sky and Ziggy are my most difficult and I have to put a muzzle on Sky or else he'll bite me. Good luck.