All my cats from young I trained to have a "maintenance" mode. I pick them up and put them on their back, cradling them like a baby. Then I grab each and every toe on their paws and tug and pull on them. I then check their ribs, tummy, and lastly I pull back their lips and inspect their teeth. After, they get a treat.

They don't like this at first, but they'll tolerate it. It quickly becomes routine and they don't mind after, usually working up a good purr during the session. Makes trimming the nails a snap.

Get a good trimmer with a guard so you don't cut the nail too close.