Nail Caps for Cats: The Solution to Destructive Clawing
Flashy, colorful cat nail covers aren’t just to make your feline look fly. They’re serving an important purpose, one that you and your furniture will appreciate—to protect people and surroundings from sharp, pointy claws.
Cat nail covers, also called nail caps, slide over your cat’s existing nails. Made of soft material, the nail cap offers an extra layer of protection without painful de-clawing or over-trimming.
Here’s what you need to know about cat nail caps and whether they’re right for your furry feline.
What Are Nail Caps?
Nail caps are soft, colorful covers for your cats’ nails. They’re typically made from vinyl, acrylic, or vinyl resin (soft, flexible materials) and designed to slide easily but snugly over each claw.
You might hear of nail caps by the popular brand name, Soft Paws. These nail caps are gentle and non-toxic and last up to six weeks.
Nail caps were first used as an alternative to de-clawing, a practice that is becoming less common. In the past, cat owners would de-claw their indoor cats to protect their furniture, curtains, hardwood floors, and even their own skin. Cat claws are sharp, and many cats aren’t too keen on having their nails trimmed. Plus, indoor cats don’t have trees to scratch their claws on to keep them honed, which means they tend to seek out things like couches, chairs, and walls to dig their claws into and grind them down.
Today, nail caps are still used as an alternative to de-clawing. But cat owners are also attracted to them with their bright, glitzy colors and stylish look—almost like having a luxury manicure for your cat!
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Pros and Cons of Nail Caps for Cats
Cat nail caps don’t eliminate the need for regular cat nail clipping, nor are they the right solution for every cat. Let’s compare some pros and cons of applying nail caps to your kitty’s claws.
Pros of Cat Nail Caps
Cat owners choose nail caps for a myriad of reasons, including the following:
- Preserve your household belongings. Nail caps help prevent scratching, which can damage furniture, rugs, curtains, and floors.
- Protect your skin from scratches. Soft-tipped nails mean no more scratches when your cat gets spooked. This is especially helpful if you have small children in your home.
- Nail caps don’t affect your cat’s claw growth or health. Your cat’s nails will keep growing as normal. The nail cap will eventually fall off on its own, so there’s no damage to your cat’s nails.
- Nail caps come in a wide range of colors. Choose the aesthetic you love to help your kitty look stylish and fabulous.
- Caps are a humane alternative to de-clawing. Since nail caps aren’t permanent, they’re a great alternative to de-clawing and give you the same benefits without putting your cat’s health at risk.
Cons of Cat Nail Caps
Before you decide that cat nail caps are right for your cat, consider the following:
- Nail caps take some getting used to. If this is your cat’s first time getting nail caps, expect a healthy dose of curiosity and maybe even a little discomfort. It’s new, so there’s a learning curve for your cat.
- Nail caps may fall off prematurely. If applied incorrectly, your cat’s nail caps may fall off earlier than you expect, which will make them less effective.
- You’ll need to replace nail caps every 4-8 weeks. Nail caps are temporary solutions, so expect to have them reapplied every month or two.
- Nail caps might not fully protect your household from scratches. Some cats are determined scratchers, so nail caps might not staunch their thirst for a claw fest.
Are Nail Caps Safe for Cats?
The short answer is yes, nail caps are completely safe for cats. However, they need to be applied correctly to get the full benefit of the nail caps.
Our nail caps are made from non-toxic materials. They don’t hurt the cat when they’re applied, and the glue we use to apply them is also pet-safe. If for some reason the nail cap is removed and your cat swallows it, the nail cap will pass through their digestive system without harm.
We recommend nail caps for indoor cats only. If your cat is primarily outdoors or spends any amount of time unsupervised outside, it’s best to skip the nail cap manicure. Your cat needs its claws to defend itself, and the nail cap will hinder them from using their sharp claws in a moment of need.
Bottom Line: Do Nail Caps for Cats Really Work?
Nail caps work, plain and simple. However, they are not a substitute for regular nail clipping for cats. You will still need to have your cat’s nails trimmed regularly. A standing date with the groomer is a great time for a cat nail clipping and applying nail caps to keep them fresh for longer.
How Kitty Spaw Applies Nail Caps
Our Kitty Spaw experts are certified feline master groomers with hundreds of hours of experience in working with cats, including mobile cat nail trimming services. We offer nail caps as a grooming service and guarantee they will last 4-6 weeks. Our nail caps come in a wide range of colors so you can choose the right look for your pretty kitty.
Learn more about our nail caps for cats when you request an appointment.
