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Cat owners are familiar with a situation where they rub the belly of their happy cat, hoping the same cat will not scratch them to death a few moments later. Your kitty will make you look stupid every single time, and you will fall for it even though you know the outcome. The good news, however, is here. There are now a number of ways you can control their dangerous claws. This way, you can protect not only yourself but also the furniture. One excellent method is to use claw covers. If you wish to buy them, you should also know that every solution comes with its pros and cons.
Claw covers are simply caps that you can stick onto your cat's natural claws. These are designed to reduce the damage that your cat can do with its claws. The material is extremely durable and can be used for about six weeks. A claw cover generally falls off due to the natural growth of the claw. These claws are shaped in tandem with the natural claw shape of the cat and are sold in multiple sizes. Claw covers do not trouble the cat in any way, and your kitty will happily wear them. The natural growth of the claw will not be affected as well. However, you must glue them in a proper manner.
Pros or advantages
As these covers are dull, your kitty cannot hurt you or damage any furniture by scratching. Buying a cat claw is compulsory if you own pricey furniture or you have small children. The latter will not get hurt when they play with the cat. Do understand that the claw covers should never be your first option. For cats, scratching is perfectly normal. Give them an adequate number of toys to scratch and they will not touch your furniture. On the other hand, there is a distinct possibility that your kitty likes the exact same piece of furniture you like to sit on, and the only solution is to make it wear cat claw covers.
If you often travel for short periods, then putting cat claws on your kitty will protect the people who will look after it in your absence. Cat claw covers are much preferable to declawing. It does not change the cat's anatomy, yet provides you peace of mind.
Cons or disadvantages
A number of cat owners have complained of claw covers becoming fashion statements and not practical pet equipment pieces. A few owners were not hesitant to brag about the nail job they gave to their pets. Some even matched the claw color of their cats with their own nails. These overshadowed the actual use of the claws. Another big con is that these pieces make your kitty defenseless against other natural predators. You should always take them off before your kitty goes out of the house.
Should You De-Claw Your Cat?
While some pet owners think that de-clawing is a necessary drill when you adopt a cat, others are dead against the idea. If your cat has been clawing up the furniture and you’re considering de-clawing him, we tell you whether or not it’s a good idea.
How is the de-clawing procedure done?
Most people think that de-clawing is just about trimming a feline’s nails to keep those scratching sprees in check. However, there’s more to it than that. De-clawing is as good as amputating a part of your cat’s paws since you don’t just remove the claws but also the bone that it is attached to during the surgery. The reason this is done is so that the claws do not grow back. There are different ways through which cats can be declawed. In one of the procedures, a guillotine-like surgical instrument is used to cut the claw bone at the joint. When the cat’s paw pads are cut, they experience discomfort while walking, as a part of the cushioning that holds the weight is missing. In another procedure, a part of the claw bone is dissected out, keeping the paw pad tissues as it is. This causes lesser discomfort and pain post-surgery and takes lesser time to heal, but at the end of the day, any kind of de-clawing procedure is the same as chopping off a part of your fingers. Sounds cruel and scary? Well, it’s no different with your feline pet. If you had to choose between saving your furniture and your fingers, would you think twice? There’s also the problem of after-surgery pain, infection, and complications, which is why de-clawing your cat is a bad idea.
What alternatives do you have to de-clawing?
There are many humane alternatives to de-clawing your cat. Get him a scratch post. If your cat doesn’t take to the scratch post instantly, try rubbing some cat nip on it to help him take a liking to it. You can also regularly take your feline to have his claws trimmed so his clawing behavior does not do any damage to household objects. Ideally, you want to start training your cat to control his destructive scratching behavior from a young age. It may be slightly more difficult to train an adult cat to stop clawing at furniture and other household objects. Some pet parents also fit soft claw caps on their felines and secure them with glue, so it stays put. It should be done carefully, as it is not uncommon for pet parents to carelessly glue the cat’s toes together in the process. It will take a couple of days before cats get accustomed to these soft claws. Either way, these alternatives are a far better choice than de-clawing your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cat claw covers work?
Yes, cat claw covers, also known as claw caps or claw covers, can work to protect furniture and other surfaces from scratches caused by cats. These are small caps made of soft plastic or rubber that are placed over the cat's claws to blunt them and prevent damage. Claw covers are generally safe and easy to use. They come in different sizes to fit various cat breeds, and they can last for several weeks before needing to be replaced. However, it's important to note that not all cats will tolerate wearing claw covers, and some may try to remove them. It's also important to ensure that the claw covers fit properly and are not too tight, as this can cause discomfort and potentially harm the cat.
Should I put nail caps on my cat?
Whether or not to put nail caps on your cat is a personal decision that depends on your specific situation and your cat's behavior. If your cat has a tendency to scratch furniture or other surfaces in your home, nail caps may be a good option to protect those surfaces from damage. If your cat tends to scratch people or other animals, nail caps may be a good option to prevent injury. Additionally, if your cat has a medical condition that makes its nails more brittle or prone to breaking, nail caps can help protect them from damage. Not all cats will tolerate wearing nail caps. Some cats may become agitated or uncomfortable with the caps on and may try to remove them. It's important to introduce the nail caps slowly and monitor your cat's behavior to ensure that they are not causing any distress. Nail caps will eventually fall off as your cat's nails grow and will need to be replaced. If you are not prepared to maintain the nail caps by regularly checking and replacing them, they may not be a good option for you.
Can cats still climb with nail caps?
Yes, cats can still climb with nail caps, but the caps may affect their ability to grip and climb certain surfaces. When a cat is wearing nail caps, it may find it slightly more difficult to climb or scratch rough surfaces like tree bark or carpeting, as the caps may make it harder to grip the surface. However, nail caps should not prevent a cat from climbing or scratching most surfaces. In fact, some cats may actually be more willing to climb or scratch with nail caps on because they feel less pain or discomfort from their claws. Remember that nail caps are not a substitute for proper scratching behavior training or providing appropriate scratching surfaces for your cat.
Do vets recommend cat claw caps?
Many veterinarians do recommend cat claw caps as a humane and effective way to prevent cats from scratching and causing damage to furniture and other surfaces. However, it's important to note that not all veterinarians may recommend claw caps, and their opinions may vary depending on their experience and personal beliefs. Some veterinarians may recommend claw caps as a way to prevent cats from scratching people or other animals, particularly in households with children or other pets. Other veterinarians may recommend claw caps for cats with medical conditions that make their claws more prone to breaking or splitting. However, some veterinarians may have concerns about the use of claw caps, particularly if they are not used correctly or if they cause discomfort or distress to the cat. It's important to consult with your veterinarian before using claw caps on your cat and to follow their instructions carefully to ensure that they are used safely and effectively.
Are cat claw covers cruel?
Cat claw covers, also known as claw caps, are not considered cruel when used properly. They are a humane and effective way to prevent cats from causing damage to furniture and other surfaces, as well as to prevent injury to people and other animals. Claw covers are made of a soft material, usually plastic or rubber, that covers the cat's claws and blunts the tip. This prevents the cat from scratching or causing damage while still allowing them to perform normal scratching behavior and exercise its claws. However, not all cats may tolerate wearing claw covers, and some may try to remove them. Additionally, if the claw covers are not used correctly or are too tight, they can cause discomfort or even harm to the cat.
