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Cats/Soft Paws nail caps

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Expert: - 3/22/2009


Question
I am thinking about moving in w/someone that has leather furniture.  They said my cat cannot come because she has back claws.  I know you cannot declaw an adult cat because it would be too painful.  I chose not to move in w/this person until I came across Soft Paws.  They are plastic nail caps that you glue on your cats front or back claws.  It's an alternative to declawing.  Have you heard of these?  If so, do they really work?

Thanks,

Beth

Answer
Beth,

Declawing is the term used to refer to a major surgery that amputates a cat's digits at the first joint. Regardless of the age of a cat when this surgery is done it's quite painful. There are serious risks to this surgery including long term, chronic pain, arthritis, difficulty walking properly and infection. Some cats become quite aggressive after being declawed, sometimes it's as a result of the pain other times the cat is left feeling vulnerable and will strike out offensively rather than take the risk that s/he might have to defend him/herself. Declawed cats often become biters which can lead to a cat being euthanized and in reality there are other options for pet parents seeking to minimize the damage their cat companion does to their possessions. Most veterinarians won't declaw a cat's hind paws simply because doing so would prevent them from being able to even scratch an itch. Soft Paws are a great alternative to declawing, they can be applied by the pet parent or the veterinarian and they're fairly well priced depending of course on where they're available in your area. Soft Paws are a painless, humane alternative to declawing a cat. These soft vinyl caps prevent the cat from doing damage to furniture, flooring or other items with his/her claws. Some cats will actually chew the nail caps off during the initial phase of using them so patience and persistance will help keep the nail caps in place. The times that I've needed to use Soft Paws they've worked well, for some cats getting comfortable with the nail caps happens almost immediately while other kitties need a bit more time...I would recommend that you start using the nail caps awhile before you plan to move just in case your kitty needs the extra patient, persistant approach to keep these caps in place and protect the leather furniture.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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