How can I trim my cats nails without a trip to the er for both of us?

First, how old is the cat? Your best bet is to begin this as a kitten. Start with the front foot closest to your dominant hand. "Pin" kitty to your lap and chest. Press the toes gently to get the nails to extend out and use a proper pet nail clipper! Just snip the clearish sharp ends off. Do NOT cut too short or you will nick the quick and cause pain with bleeding (not dangerous if you do so by accident).

If kitty is good, continue to all front nails. Leave the back ones alone! Don't forget to get the dew claw nail up the inside of the foot.

If you have a scratching post, try putting some sand paper on a piece of board and attaching it to the post. Your cat will likely use it and trim her own nails! ☺ worth a shot!

and GOOD LUCK with that! 🙀😾 I had to take my girl to the vet every so often , it only cost 12 dollars as opposed to an emergency room visit at 75,

Have a pet groomer teach you how to do it.

Depending on how feisty your cat is, you may want to papoose them in a towel or pet blanket, leaving only one leg out. Then follow Robyn's instruction. I find giving a treat (a bit of baby food meat on a spoon is a favorite) right after makes it a more positive experience for the cat.

Get a cat grooming bag. This one is what I got for my Murray. The hood is key- no biting!

https://smile.amazon.com/CatYou-Grooming-Polyester-Injecting-Examining/dp/B01GKXDR1O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1501445990&sr=8-4&keywords=cat+grooming+bag+cat+restraint+bag

We have two little darlings...the older one is really laid back and allows me to trim her nails easily... however our baby is very active and high strung... I have to wait until she is almost asleep after a meal to clip a few at a time... you don't have to do them all at once... just do one or two then wait another day to do a couple more... eventually you can get them all done...works for me..

Nail covers called tips are a lot safer to apply.

put him in a cat carrier and take him to a place that does it.

As a former vet tech, I suggest the kitty burrito method. Wyldecent alluded to it, but what you do is scruff them gently (or more firmly if required) and wrap them in a bath towel. If your kitty turns into a wireless circular saw with teeth, you may also cover their head. I assure you, they'll still be able to breathe. The important thing is to wrap the towel over their back so that you can double-wrap the underside and pull in any loose edges. Then, you can gently tug one front foot out, spread the toes and clip the nail TIPS off with cat nail trimmers. And yes, don't forget the dew claws. Ditto for the second front foot. Unless there is a need, the back claws are used only for climbing, so they can be left to fall off as the new nail grows in. Nice soft tones, even if you are telling kitty they are being very naughty and you wonder why you let them in your home in the first place, LOL.

Thanks so much to everyone who replied !it warms my heart to know someone took time out of their lives to help.take care everyone