Anti-scratch pads for cats (soft claw pads): How to choose and wear

Recently, a surgical procedure that has been gaining popularity among pet cat owners is declawing, which gives them “soft” paws and is called onychectomy.

Most pets have their claws removed because when they grow up, frisky animals damage property.

In addition to cats, onychectomy is also performed on primates, dogs, and even birds. We will talk about declawing cats.

When can a cat be declawed?

Very often, pet owners are concerned with the question: when, without harm to the cat, can they resort to declawing surgery?

According to the recommendations of veterinarians at one of the clinics in Rostov-on-Don, it is best to resort to this rather painful procedure for the animal when the cat is between eight months and a year old, when the baby’s cardiovascular system has already become stronger. But at the same time, their owners need to remember that such extreme measures for cats who have the opportunity to walk expose them to various dangers. After all, a cat’s claws are an important weapon that helps them survive. In addition, after removing the claws, the cat will have to learn to walk again and adapt to life situations. So, if declawing a cat’s claws has already been resolved, then there is no need to delay it, because the furry cat will more easily endure the operation at a young age.

Pros and cons of declawing cats

In principle, declawing a cat is a simple operation. But is it worth it? On the one hand, this is an opportunity to protect furniture from damage and household members from scratches.

On the other hand, there are a lot of disadvantages in relation to the animal:

during anesthesia, the kitten’s body is subjected to terrible stress, which not every furry can survive without consequences;
after the operation, the cat endures pain for a very long time, which is calmed down with painkillers, which also implies intervention in the body;
there is always a risk of repeat surgery, because the removed phalanx can grow back;
without claws, a cat becomes defenseless and its walks in the yard can end in trouble at any moment;
the pet feels vulnerable and will begin to bite in order to defend itself;
onychectomy affects the pet’s character - it can become withdrawn;
due to the inability to rake, cats may refuse to go to the litter box;
the animal will never step on the entire foot and this will affect its gait;

And now, after all of the above, the question arises: isn’t it worth looking for other methods of protecting furniture?

Declaw surgery

In Rostov-on-Don there are clinics where declawing operations are performed. Most often they are performed using general anesthesia, but it happens that local anesthesia is also used.

The claws are removed along with the first phalanx of the finger. A suture and ointment for pain relief are applied to the incision site. Next, the paw is bandaged and to prevent the cat from licking the stitches, a special collar is placed on its neck, and in order to avoid unpleasant consequences, auxiliary injections are given.

By the way, before undergoing surgery, cat owners must consult about medical indications. Sometimes there are cases when it is vital for a cat to remove 1-2 claws. In addition, alternate removal is allowed - first on the front legs, and then on the hind legs.

The rehabilitation period for cats after onychectomy

It is important to know that during the recovery period after surgery both the kitten’s paws and the whole body, it really needs careful care, which has several nuances:

if necessary, pain relief in the form of injections;
regular treatment of wounds and replacement of dressings;
weekly visits to the doctor.

After a month of recovery period, as well as love, care and affection from the owner, the pet will begin to stand on its paws.

At first, the cat will experience pain and discomfort, but gradually the process of walking will improve, although lameness may remain.

Price issue

There is no single price for cat declawing. Here everything depends on the status of the clinic, distance from the city center, and the authority of the doctor. For example, in Rostov-on-Don there are veterinarians who specialize in surgery and their tariff can range from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles.

Anti-scratch for cats: Reviews from veterinarians about the benefits and harms of soft claws

Reviews from veterinarians about anti-scratch products for cats are very contradictory.
Some consider soft claws a humane and safe way to solve the problem of scratches on furniture and on the body, others consider them an outrage against the natural instincts of the animal, and others consider them simply a glamorous decoration.

Let's try to figure out this seemingly simple question together.

Feedback from veterinarians regarding anti-scratch products for cats upsets many lovers of these affectionate animals.

On the one hand, thanks to silicone pads, the cat’s habit of sharpening its claws ceases to poison the joy of communicating with a four-legged family member.

On the other hand, all this talk about inhumane treatment of pets raises certain doubts and adds a fly in the ointment.

What people don’t come up with so that the cat’s instincts are realized and the domestic idyll is not disturbed.

Some make scratching posts with their own hands, others buy ready-made options built into the cat’s house, and others buy multi-colored anti-scratch pads.

If you want to make a cat house with your own hands, we recommend reading the article https://kot-pes.com/domik-dlya-koshki-svoimi-rukami/

This is what silicone pads for cat claws look like

At what age can cats have anti-scratch pads?

There are no age-related contraindications for gluing soft claws.

But, before you buy a pack of bright multi-colored protective caps for your pet, you need to decide whether she really needs it.

Veterinarians do not recommend gluing pads in the following cases:

small kittens up to 6 months. Their claws are still very tender and soft, they grind down on their own during play;

You can read about how to determine the age of a kitten here: https://kot-pes.com/kak-opredelit-vozrast-kotyonka/

elderly cats who, due to age, have lost interest in wallpaper and furniture and no longer scratch anything;
street cats – this will be discussed below.

Before gluing the anti-scratch pads, the cat’s claws need to be trimmed, this will allow the soft claws to be fastened efficiently and tightly.

Claws are trimmed with special clippers

Advice! Each package with pads contains glue and detailed instructions, which describe step by step how to apply anti-scratch pads to a cat. If difficulties arise, for example, you have an easily excitable or aggressive animal, it is better to contact a specialist.

The cap should fit snugly on the claw

The best anti-scratch models

The pet industry offers anti-scratch pads made of vinyl and silicone in various sizes and colors. Let's look at the best brands:

Soft Paws Nail Caps For Cats (USA) – protective caps for claws are fixed using non-toxic veterinary glue. Both single-color and multi-colored sets are available. All color options are available. The package contains 40 pads and 2 tubes of glue. Enough for 4-6 months. The line includes all sizes. You can order Soft Paws (soft paws) through online stores - Aliexpress, Ebay, Amazon.
Cliny “Soft Claws” – silver-colored elastic caps made of non-toxic silicone. Simple and comfortable to put on. They look stylish. Sold in pet supply stores and online stores.
“Crazy Liberty” – soft pads made in Russia. The sets contain 20 caps of bright colors and 1 tube of glue. Sold in pet stores and online.
Anti-scratches (Barbos) – anti-claws of domestic production. The set includes 40 pads and a large tube of glue. There are transparent and colored models. You can buy anti-scratch pads online or in pet supply stores. The line includes the entire range of sizes.

How often should nail pads be changed?

As the cat’s upper stratum corneum layer of the claw renews itself, and this usually happens approximately once every two months, this layer falls off on its own along with the silicone pad.

When this happens, the cat just needs to update the “manicure” and stick on a new cap.

Some cat owners have been using anti-scratch products for several years.

If there are small children in the house, it is better to use colored anti-scratch pads.

Children usually have the habit of trying everything on their teeth, so when the caps start to fall off, they are easier to find and throw away.

Advice! When purchasing anti-scratch pads, you should consider their size. To do this, before going to the pet store, you need to weigh your animal.

Table to help you determine the size of the anti-scratch pads

There is no doubt that the silicone miracle was invented by man for his own convenience.

A cat with false claws does not damage furniture or wallpaper and does not leave scratches on the body.

If there is a small child in the house, soft caps reliably protect the baby from cat claws.

It is easier to bathe the animal or give it medicine - the risk of being scratched is reduced.

How to wash a cat is described in detail in the article https://kot-pes.com/kak-pomyit-kota/

A bright cat manicure sets the mood.

True, not for the animal, but for the owners, but this is not important to them, the main thing is that the cat is well-groomed and glamorous, not like everyone else.

Beauty and practicality

Anti-scratch pads can be applied to cats of any breed.

And the snow-white chinchilla, and the beautiful Russian blue, and the Don Sphynx - everyone wants to add beauty.

And how original a Persian or an exotic cat looks with a bright multi-colored “manicure”!

This is what anti-scratch guards look like on a cat without clothes

Owner stories

Larisa: “I bought my kitty glamorous pink “cat scratchers.” I had a hard time getting used to it, I exhausted the cat and myself when I glued it for the first time. A day later, the cat chewed off one cap, then two more. I had to redo it. This situation repeated itself 2 more times. Then the cat got tired of fighting and no longer chewed on the pads. What can I say? The glue holds the caps very tightly. It is also difficult to wipe off from your hands. You also need to accurately guess the size. We bought the XS for our one-year-old tartan, but it turned out to be too big for her. I had to trim the pads."

Sophia: “The problem of sharp claws arose with the arrival of a small child in the house. I looked at and ordered ultra-thin claw attachments from MIKOO through the online store. I chose the Medium size, it is for animals weighing 4-6 kg. Just for my cat. The package contained 20 pads, instructions and glue. The cat really didn’t like what I wanted to do to her. When the first three claws were glued, she watched intently. Then she began to break free and bit me. The cat wore the anti-scratch pads for about 3 weeks, then they began to fall off one by one.”

Veterinarian's opinion

Veterinarians are not so optimistic about anti-scratch products.

In any case, even in an animal with a balanced character, the procedure of gluing the caps is stressful.

It can last from several days (adaptation period) to several weeks.

Important! A cat must sharpen its claws - this is what nature intended. One can only guess how the prohibition of instinct is reflected in her psyche. The cat does not adapt to its new sensations - it simply resigns itself.

It is no longer possible to scratch furniture. How to have fun now?

After gluing the protective caps, the cat experiences tactile discomfort for a long time.

Now the animal cannot jump high or fully feel the surface on which it moves with its paws.

As for street cats - those that live in the house and have the opportunity to walk freely on the street - anti-scratch treatments are strictly contraindicated for them!

Imagine that an animal needs to quickly run away from a dog and climb a tree.

How can it, having caught its claws in the bark, do this deftly and quickly?

How can he defend himself and protect himself with a blow from a paw that has absolutely smooth caps instead of claws?

Some cat owners undergo declawing surgery for their pets.

If you choose between removal and anti-scratch, silicone caps are much less likely to injure animals.

Our advantages

How to stick nails on a cat Rostov-on-Don - we have the solution.

That's why they choose us to bake.

Pet taxi

We will help your friend at home, or transport him to the clinic, using our own zoo-taxi

Seven days a week

Our only day off is January 1st. You can contact us any day, we work around the clock, without days off or breaks.

New technologies

The clinic’s equipment makes it possible to perform operations that are inaccessible to other veterinary hospitals in the city.

Good plus

You can purchase medicines and food for your animal directly from our clinic.

Let's be professional

Our doctors are professionals with extensive experience and a responsible approach to their work.

Let's improve

We are members of the Union of Pet Business Enterprises of Russia, initiators of programs for the development of progressive veterinary medicine and animal care.

Veterinarian advice

Before you buy silicone pads for your cat, you should listen to the advice of your veterinarian:

Silicone caps should only be applied to a healthy animal that does not have fungal or infectious lesions on its paws. If there are wounds or irritation on the pads and between the toes, it is better to abandon soft claws for a while and treat the animal.

This is what healthy claws look like

Since various microorganisms and fungi can accumulate between the cap and the pad, you should regularly inspect your cat’s claws with anti-scratch guards for infectious and fungal diseases.
If glue gets on the skin during the procedure, the claws will grow and pull it along with them. In addition to the fact that the resulting cracks are very painful, they can become infected. Therefore, the paws need to be inspected daily, and the pads must be applied very carefully.
The cat may have an individual intolerance or allergy to glue. If irritation, swelling, hyperemia (redness) appears on the toes and between them, you should consult a veterinarian. The caps will most likely have to be removed and the animal given appropriate treatment.

When deciding to give your beloved cat a glamorous and practical “manicure”, it is worth reading on the forums not only the reviews of veterinarians, but also the opinions of cat lovers who have already experienced anti-scratch treatments in practice.

Before the procedure, it is very important to take into account both positive and negative opinions, analyze them and make an informed decision that will not harm the animal.

And let all the fashionistas die of envy

Anti-scratch products for cats: reviews from veterinarians and animal owners are very contradictory. After all, although they solve the problem of furniture damage, they still limit the cat’s instincts.

Graceful cats are becoming the choice of true aesthetes. The trouble with these people is that it is often difficult to combine a millimeter-corrected interior with a cat. Cats perceive curtains, wallpaper, and sofas as a springboard for sharpening their claws. Even the most well-mannered beauty can involuntarily scratch not only the furniture, but also her owner, and if there are children in the house, then the issue becomes a serious one. The civilized world has long switched to anti-scratch products for cats, as the most humane way to combine the natural instincts of cats with human life.

About the procedure

The procedure for declawing cats is affectionately known as “soft paws” and is scientifically known as an onychectomy. This is a surgical operation during which the animal's claw phalanx is completely removed. Onychectomy is performed not only on cats, but also on dogs, primates and even sometimes birds. Surgery takes place under general anesthesia.

Indications for such intervention in the life of an animal are only damage to the claw phalanx. Whether it is mechanical or due to a disease, if there is no way to save the “finger,” the veterinarian will definitely recommend amputating it.

Also, if we take into account biomedical ethics, an indication for the removal of all claw phalanges may be the cat’s uncontrollable aggression, which poses a threat to others. There are no other recommendations for performing the “soft paws” operation; this can only be the desire of the owner.

What are anti-scratch guards, what do they look like and what are they needed for?

Actually, the idea of using caps to prevent possible damage to family members and damage to property in the house is not new. The high risk of injury during routine nail trimming and a host of complications from the operation of their complete removal, namely onychectomy, have put the production of special attachments on stream. They are better known as anti-scratch guards or claw caps.

Claw covers for cats are made of special soft plastic; vinyl or silicone. Their shape is exactly the same as a cat's claws. They vary in size: based on the cat’s body weight or age. The treasured kit necessarily includes 20 caps of the stated size, as well as specially certified medical glue with instructions.

Depending on personal preferences, you can choose caps of any color, fluorescent or with glitter. To control their presence on the cat’s paws, it is advisable to purchase bright attachments. By the way, they are used not only for cats, but for small domestic dogs.

Caps completely solve the problem of scratches and damage to furniture. Their soft rounded edges will not allow you to tear off your favorite curtain or climb onto the curtain rod.

When and how to change anti-scratch pads

The maximum service life of the caps is one and a half to two months. During this period, the claw is completely renewed, so the lining itself will come off along with dead tissue.

Some cats do not tolerate foreign bodies on their claws, so the caps may end up in the stomach. If this happens, there is no need to worry - silicone caps are harmless and will leave the cat's body naturally.

If a cat reacts nervously to soft pads, constantly tearing off the anti-scratch pads, then there is no need to glue them. It’s better to come up with another way to protect yourself from cat claws.

Main advantages

The obvious benefits of using anti-scratch products are primarily experienced by the cats themselves: for about two months there are no scandals in the house from accidentally torn wallpaper or scratched furniture. In addition, pets:

They generally do not experience any inconvenience associated with impaired claw mobility. They are great at releasing them and hiding them when necessary. Nails continue natural growth;
retain their habits. Often, after radical trimming or complete removal of claws, there may be a lack of coordination, motor activity decreases, and gait changes. The use of anti-scratch pads guarantees quick adaptation of cats;
do not experience stress and are protected from accidental injuries that are inevitable when trimming claws.

Silicone rescue for furnishings and floors serves as an excellent reason for reconciling strict adherents of order and their active pets:

you don’t have to worry about the safety of your interior items and at the same time enjoy your cat’s mobility;
The bathing process, which will certainly be stressful for all participants, will become less dangerous, as will attempts to give the cat medicine - the claws will not be involved in this process.

An absolute advantage is the absolute confidence that with anti-scratch protection the cat will not be able to injure the child, even by accident. Although even for adults, scratches will no longer be scary.

How to put on caps

Without skill for the first time, it is better for the owner to enlist the help of someone from the family. Stock up on treats and patience. It is even possible to turn to professionals to spy on the progress of the process in their execution.

Subsequently, with some experience, fitting caps on claws will become the same routine procedure as combing.

Sizing

The diversity of breeds, sexual dimorphism, and differences in weight for cats of different ages certainly influenced the production of caps. Nozzles are available in four size groups, namely:

for very small kittens or breeds of miniature cats with a light weight of up to 1.5 kg, anti-scratch pads marked XS are made;
the next weight category from 1.5 to 4 kg assumes size S;
for larger cats that weigh between 4-6 kg, it is necessary to select attachments marked M;
Very large cats that weigh more than 6 kg will most likely need to purchase caps of size L, they are designed specifically for such indicators.

Fitting

Before you start manicuring, your cat needs to try on a couple of caps on claws of different lengths. To do this, they take her in her arms, calm her down and lightly press her fingers on the pad so that she involuntarily releases her claw.

Before trying on, it is recommended to slightly trim the claws - 2-3 mm will be enough. In this case, it is advisable not to leave sharp edges on the claw and polish it a little.

The cap is put on from above and ensure that it fits tightly and does not reach the sinus of the claw by 2-3 mm. This will prevent injury and foreign body ingrowth into the bed. If the nozzle is much longer than required, then it is cut to the required size from the socket side and only then the sticking procedure begins.

Sequencing

To glue the treasured anti-scratches yourself, be patient. You may have to do this in several passes, but with experience the procedure will not cause any trouble. The sequence for each claw is the same: to begin with, they are simply trimmed and polished, and treated with an antiseptic. There should be no dirt left on the claws, and then start applying the sticker.

Of course, to do this you need to choose a moment when the cat is in the mood to be held and cuddled. The caps, previously adjusted to size, and glue are laid out nearby.

The cat is carefully fixed on his lap, making sure that this is not stressful for her: either they calm him down with a voice, or they stroke him and scratch him behind the ear. Then everything is simple, and if you get the hang of it, it’s fast:

squeeze a little glue into the cap so that it fills no more than 1/3 of the internal cavity;
take the cat’s paw in your hand and gently press on the sinus;
when the claw reaches its full length, carefully place the cap on it to the end and squeeze it on the sides;
after all the planned anti-scratch pads have been glued, the cat is held in your arms for another ten to fifteen minutes until the glue sets.

Of course, first you can isolate the claws sequentially on each paw with a short break so that the cat can rest from obsessive attention and get its nerves in order. Then - with experience, on all paws at once.

In any case, you need to be prepared that the cat will try to get rid of the innovation. There is no need to worry: even if she manages to remove the nozzle with her teeth, she does not pose any danger. True, provided that the caps were purchased of high quality and certified for use.

How to choose anti-scratch pads for cats of different ages

As pets grow older, their size changes along with them; of course, their paws and claws also grow. Due to the unique development of each individual of different breeds, it is not possible to rely on age when choosing: two kittens from the same litter can vary greatly in weight. There is a gradation of sizes of anti-scratch pads relative to the weight of animals; it is presented in the following table, compiled on the basis of the instructions included with each package of pads.

Anti-scratch size	Cat weight
XS	0 – 1.5 kg
S	1.5 – 3 kg
M	3 – 4.5 kg
L	4.5 – 6 kg

The size of a cat is not always proportional to the size of its paws and claws; the individuality of each animal must be taken into account. If you choose the wrong overlay, the desired result will not be achieved. A sticker that is too small will squeeze the claw and cause discomfort to the cat, and the owner will be forced to remove it. Too large ones will not last long and will fly off.

When should you not use it?

The advantages of anti-scratch products are, of course, beyond doubt. But there are situations where their use can cause irreparable harm.

First of all, you need to remember that the caps are intended for adult, active cats that do not have the opportunity to roam freely.

Otherwise, you literally risk the cat’s health: it is unlikely that he will be able to provide worthy resistance in a street fight. A showdown with your semi-wild relatives will turn into beating a baby. In anti-scratch protection, the cat is deprived of the opportunity to freely climb trees and overcome obstacles - this must also be remembered.

Experienced breeders insist that it makes no sense to wear anti-scratch guards for cats on kittens under six months of age and older cats who are no longer as active as young and playful pets.

In the first case, the kittens’ claws are still very soft, they are not able to cause damage to the interior or severely scratch the skin. In addition, they naturally peel off faster than you might suspect.

Older cats can only be capped if they continue to behave like a reckless kitten. Otherwise there is no point in them.

If keeping expensive antiques in the house or taking care of delicate skin did not make it possible to have a cat, then this issue can be considered resolved. Anti-scratch protection will be a guarantee for all surfaces, and the cat will have the opportunity to keep its claws intact.

Basic rules of use

So, silicone overlays for cat claws can be a solution to many everyday problems for humans, and as a result, for pets. The furniture will remain in its original form, the wallpaper in its proper place will please the eye, there will be peace and love between the animal and the child, the hands of the owners will not be scratched. In case of cat health problems, claw stickers prevent the pet from scratching its skin.

Protection from harm

In addition, the unusual appearance complements the functionality of this invention. Along with well-groomed housewives who use nail pads, bright silicone claws will become not only useful, but also an original decoration for cats.

But stickers are not entertainment for the owner, but are created to solve vital problems. And if you decide to use this innovation, you need to study all the intricacies of its use.

Protective caps can only be glued to trimmed nails. Otherwise, they will not last long and may injure the cat. Usually it is enough to limit yourself to the front paws; it is with them that cats cause damage to furniture and human hands. But if you have a very active, playful or even aggressive cat, then it is also better to protect yourself from the back paws. If possible, ask your relatives to help you in the process of putting on anti-scratch guards.

Scheme for putting on the pad

How to glue anti-scratch pads to claws

After waiting until the cat is in a calm mood, sit it on your lap, stroke it, caress it. If the animal immediately begins to struggle, you can wrap it in a blanket or blanket: this will speed up the process and protect it from scratches.
Lightly but firmly grasp your wrist and, pressing on the pads, extend the claws.
Without glue, try on the first claw cover.
Then apply a little glue inside the pad, it should take up about one third of the space inside. The most convenient way to do this is by pushing the nozzle of the glue applicator inside the lining.
The glue dries quickly, so immediately put the cover on the claw.
Praise your pet for being patient and monitor his reaction.

Getting used to a new manicure takes up to several minutes to several weeks. If you are concerned about your cat's well-being or behavior, the anti-scratch pad will need to be removed. To do this, an incision is made at the end of the cap, from which cracks spread across the entire surface, and the lining easily comes off the claw.

How often should nail pads be changed?

When a cat gets used to it, it stops noticing the lining on its claws. During the growth process, keratinized scales peel off from the claw, which cat owners find at home. And along with the scales, the silicone pads themselves disappear. This happens with a regularity of 4-6 weeks, the period may vary depending on the characteristics of the animal, its lifestyle, breed and nutrition.

The top layer of claws is constantly renewed

When not to use caps

As mentioned above, it makes no sense for kittens and older animals to put attachments on their claws. You cannot put anti-scratch guards on cats that have access to walk outside, this puts their lives at risk. In case of danger, the animal will not be able to protect itself, climb a tree or other objects due to the rubber bands on its claws. Anti-scratch products should only be used for cats that live in the house.

When overlays are needed

Anti-scratch caps (second name) are oblong caps made of soft plastic or silicone. They follow the shape of the claw and are “settled” on top using special medical glue. It is hypoallergenic and suitable for most cats without causing any discomfort.

Although not all owners and veterinarians support the idea of wearing such attachments, there are several reasons when it is still worth purchasing them and teaching your pet to walk in them.

Small children. Kids love to play with cats, cuddle, pull by the tail, pinch and show love in other “non-standard” ways. Not all animals are able to tolerate bullying and react calmly to it. Some may use their claws as a defense and inadvertently injure the child's skin. In such cases, anti-scratches will be one hundred percent justified.
Protection of household items. Not only sofa upholstery, wallpaper and door frames, but also curtains, carpets, children's toys, and clothes often suffer from tenacious cat claws. To protect interior and wardrobe items from damage (often irreversible), you will have to use overlays.

Character traits. It happens that cats cannot be re-educated or show aggression towards their owners, guests, children, etc. They can rush at imaginary offenders, scratch themselves, break free from their hands - behave nervously and inappropriately. Or hurt other domestic animals present on their territory. The use of caps will reduce the risk of injury and slightly pacify the cat's temper.
Household safety. Here we are talking about possible harm to health. The claws contain microbes, and if there are deep scratches, they can enter the wound, causing inflammation. In the worst case, blood poisoning. People who have weak immunity, poor blood clotting, or a predisposition to various allergic reactions should beware of damage.

When pads are not needed

It is not always necessary to use silicone attachments for cats. In some cases, they may be simply useless or even harm the animal. Anti-scratch guards cannot be worn by:

Kittens. The nail plate is formed until about six months, so it is recommended not to do anything with the claws during this period of time. It's best to focus on teaching kittens how to use a scratching post.
Elderly cats. The older the age, the less active the animals become. They stop frolicking, running around the apartment, tearing up furniture and doing other dirty tricks. Therefore, there is no point in once again exposing their nervous system to stress and tormenting them with a new procedure.
Sick cats. If for some reason the pet feels unwell or is in the acute phase of the disease, then it is advisable to wait until the pet has fully recovered from the “manicure”. This also applies to cases where there are some dermatological problems with the paws.
Street cats. Unlike their domestic counterparts, who do not need to constantly keep their instinct of self-preservation in good shape, climb trees and get food on their own, wild animals with overlays simply will not survive. Their claws serve as a tool for protection and coordination.

Useful tips

To make it comfortable for your cat to wear the caps, veterinarians advise adhering to a number of requirements:

Before the procedure, it is necessary to trim the claws approximately 1 mm from the edge. So as not to touch the blood vessels and cause pain to the animal. On the cut edges, the linings fit more tightly and, accordingly, fall off less often.
Do not neglect the size chart and select a set based on the dimensions of the cat. The cap should not touch the skin, but should completely cover the nail. If there is an error with the size and it is not possible to exchange the pads, then they can be carefully trimmed at the base.
Typically, anti-scratch guards are only applied to the claws of the front paws, since the cat does not sharpen the hind paws. She gnaws them on her own without the involvement of external “helpers.” Moreover, it is not necessary to cover all five claws; the side one can be excluded - it is not often used in life, plus, it does not peel off in time. As an experiment, you can try first sticking a cap on it and then leaving it free.
Silicone disappears as the upper stratum corneum of the nail grows. Natural “reset” occurs approximately every 2 months, so there is no need to specially peel off the pads. On the contrary, they may fall off on their own if they were chosen in the wrong size, or if the cat deliberately chewed them off with his teeth.

Regularly checking your cat's paws can prevent many problems. For example, inflammation due to improper use of anti-scratch products or allergies if the skin reacts to silicone or glue.

Which anti-scratch glue is best to choose?

The best option would be the glue that comes with the caps. This product sticks well and is safe for the cat’s body.

If the adhesive has run out and there are still caps left, you can purchase medical hypoallergenic adhesive based on cyanoacrylates. They are sold in medical equipment stores and veterinary pharmacies.

Gluing onto Supermoment and other household quick-setting building mixtures is prohibited. When using this glue, cats often have allergies. Under the pads, the claws can crack due to aggressive chemical elements.

Claw pads or anti-scratch pads for cats

It is known that their inventor was Toby Wexler, a US veterinarian who (like most of his colleagues around the world) was horrified by onychectomy more than 15 years ago. Let us remind you that the operation involves amputation of the claws along with the last phalanx of the cat's fingers.

By the way, in our time, thanks to the European Convention protecting animal rights, onychectomy (fraught with a bunch of postoperative complications) is prohibited in most European countries. Russia is not included in this list.

Wexler's invention is designed to protect the owner's skin, furniture and walls from being torn by sharp claws, while maintaining the health of the animal.

Appearance

This simple device is a cap (rubber, silicone or polypropylene) that follows the outline of a cat's claw. To keep the cap firmly, its inner surface is coated with glue, which is sold in the kit. One set of “soft claws” (20 pieces) is usually enough for 1.5-2 months.

Anti-scratch pads are available in 4 sizes, always indicated on the packaging. The main difficulty is not to miss the size, which has to be determined by eye.

Dimensions:

XS – for kittens up to six months old, weighing 0.5–2 kg;
S – for cats weighing 2-4 kg;
M – for cats weighing 4-6 kg;
L – for large cats (including Maine Coons), weighing over 6 kg.

To please the owner's cat, the caps come in all the colors of the rainbow, including orange, blue, red, pink, purple and yellow. For those who do not like to stand out, black and natural (transparent) shades are available. There are many polychrome options.

The effect of caps on nail growth

No negative effect on the regrowth of horny appendages (claws) was observed when using anti-scratch pads. When the pads are properly fixed, the claws grow normally.

How they are fixed on a cat's claws

Only an extremely phlegmatic cat will tolerate the manipulation of gluing anti-scratch pads without objection, especially if you are going to do this for the first time. A few days before the intended procedure, begin to stretch your pet’s paws (5 minutes a day), gradually teaching him to remain calm during the massage.

As soon as the animal stops tearing out of your hands when you touch its paws, proceed to the “Soft Claws” operation, not forgetting about the preparatory measures:

trim the claws by 1-2 mm (with a trimmer or scissors) so that the pads last longer;
the pads must be tried on in advance to ensure the correct size;
if necessary, cut the caps themselves (if you didn’t get the size right);
lightly walk over the surface of the claws with a nail file (for better adhesion with glue);
Before gluing, wipe the claw with any product (without acetone) to remove dirt.

Important! It is customary to wear pads only on the front paws, since the cat usually uses them to target furniture, an enemy, or wallpaper. If the animal is particularly aggressive, the caps are also placed on the hind legs.

Your actions when gluing anti-scratch pads:

Take the cat in your arms, pet him and calm him down.
Squeeze the glue inside about 1/3 of the cap.
Start massaging the paw and press on the pad to release the claw.
Put the cap on with a sliding motion and, fixing it, lightly press it from the sides for 5 seconds.
Pet the cat, talk to him, give him his favorite treat and do not let him go for 5-10 minutes so that the anti-scratch pads are completely fixed.

Fingers stained with glue are cleaned with nail polish remover or acetone.

The cat does not always like the new manicure, and she actively chews artificial claws. As a rule, it takes 2-3 days to get used to the pads.

At what age can you glue?

“Soft Claws” have no age restrictions. It is assumed that the cat owner will use common sense, which will suggest at least two age categories as exceptions.

Growing animals up to six months do not need claw pads: their horny appendages are soft and wear off perfectly when running and playing. Older cats who have stopped sharpening their claws on the owner’s furniture do not need anti-scratch protection either.

FAQ

Some cat owners are in no hurry to put anti-scratch pads on their pets for fear of harming the cat's health. In some cases, fears are unfounded.

Do pads affect nail growth?

No, that's not happening. The habitual change of claw occurs in a cat within 1.5-2 months, then the silicone device itself comes off with the upper stratum corneum of the old claw. In active, playful cats, the anti-scratch pads may come off earlier due to the fact that movement creates vibration, which reduces the fixing properties of the glue.

From what age can it be used?

There are no strict age restrictions, but veterinarians recommend gluing anti-scratch pads at 6 months or later. Small kittens have soft claws that hardly damage the interior and are renewed much faster due to the growth of their paws.

Therefore, it makes no sense to glue protection to cat babies up to six months.

Is it safe for your pet?

When using special glue there is no danger to the cat's health. The procedure is painless, and the discomfort after fixing the anti-scratch goes away within a few days.

Gluing is only allowed on healthy cats with intact claws. Wounded paws or cracks in the claw are a contraindication for silicone pads. You need to wait until the pet recovers and then glue the caps.

Disadvantages of overlays

They claim that the latter do not cause cats any inconvenience: supposedly, whiskered cats with anti-scratch protection just as easily jump, run and conquer peaks.

In fact, with pads, all the cat’s usual actions and reflexes are greatly complicated: without sharp claws, the pet cannot climb high surfaces and slow down when turning during games. It is not surprising that cats with “soft claws” are more likely to fall (including from heights) and get injured.

For such an animal, basic hygiene procedures are difficult: it is inconvenient for him to itch, clean his ears and wash himself.

The claw, supplemented with a protective case (even the softest one), does not retract into the paw, which means the cat is forced to walk with its toes spread out.

Important! Odd foot positioning changes a cat's gait, causing discomfort and sometimes pain. In addition, any jump down can result in a fracture of the protruding fingers.

Another danger of protective caps is the glue used to fix them: it can provoke severe allergies. In addition, cats with “soft claws” are more susceptible to a variety of dermatitis, which develops due to sweat and oil that gets trapped under the caps and decomposes there.

And the last unpleasant property of nail pads is that, depending on their material, they creak, knock or click when the cat is actively moving (walking on the floor, rummaging in the tray or playing). Not every person can tolerate such sounds without internal tension.