My cactus = what is it?

We are very new to growing Cacti. Could the attached be identified please. Also need to know what to do about its growth! It now falls over because it is top heavy - does this mean it needs a larger pot; or do we cut off enough "segments" to stabilize it? Any help appreciated.
Michael Cumming

 

Its an Opuntia, prickly pear type.

Wouldn't like to guess which species though, there are quite a few.
Have a look at images on line.

Yes, I'd repot it, but it looks like a big one, so stand back.

Yoiu could cut some of the pads off and use them as cuttings.

 

If it were mine I'd repot it and leave it s it is.
I think it's stunning

 

Pot it up in a nice , large, heavy clay type pot. I Use John Innes no 2 with extra grit for my cacti. The spines are barbed so take care, also at the base of the large spines are smaller ones called glochids. These are a right pain in the backside and cause irritation for weeks so wear sturdy gloves when you repot it.

 

I agree.

When you do repot, do so carefully.
The pads break off very easily.