Outlined in this article are the pros and cons of using cat nail caps. There are more pros than cons, however, there are still a couple of pitfalls, which are outlined in this article. Arm yourself with unbiased information, so that you can make a decision whether or not to use cat nail caps.
What Are The Pros For using Cat Nail Caps
- Cat nail caps prevent damage to furniture and other household items that result from the cat scratching using claws. The nail caps are soft but firm and rounded at the ends so that damage to furniture cannot be inflicted.
- Cat nail caps protect adults and children from being scratched. No one wants to be scratched by the cat.
- Your cat can still stretch and do all that he would without the caps. It means that your belongings are not being destroyed if this is normally an issue.
- The cats claws can still extend and retract within the caps even though the nail is totally covered by the caps.
- They are safe for use with kittens (usually over the age of 3 months) and come in kitten sizes.
- Nail caps are safe for the cat. They are non toxic and if swallowed, the caps will pass through the cats digestive system. The glue becomes inert once it is dry and poses no problem if ingested.
- Using nail caps is an alternative to declawing cats which is thankfully becoming less common and even banned in some places, as people realize what is really entailed in the declawing process.
- The nail caps are shed with the natural growth of the cat’s nails. This takes approximately four to six and perhaps eight weeks.
- There is nothing you need to do to remove the caps. Occasionally the caps may not come off and there is information in the Cons about what to do if this is the case.
- Cat nail caps are easy to apply, however as with anything it becomes easier over time. It may take some practice to get it right so don’t give up if things don’t go according to plan at first.
- Most cats appear to forget about the nail caps and don’t notice them after application.
- Cat nail caps are affordable. They can be purchased in multi packs. This ensures you have back up. if some caps should fall off which they do, from time to time.
- Sometimes nail caps are applied to the hind paws only if the cat is excessively scratching at his ears.
What Are The Cons For using Cat Nail Caps?
- Some cats may object to having nail caps applied. A two man job may be required, one person to hold the cat. The cat needs to be kept calm whilst at the same time being held firmly. The other person is than free to apply the nail caps.
- Some of the nail caps might fall off in the beginning and this is normal. Be prepared to waste a few as you are learning the drill and becoming familiar with the amount of glue required to hold the caps in place.
- One potential issue with cat nail caps relates to the caps not coming off naturally, in the suggested time frame which is between four to six weeks.
The nails can become too long if the caps remain in place for a lengthy period.
As the nails grow in a curved manner the nails can grow and curve around onto the pad of the paw and may even start to grow into the pad. - When using nail caps check the condition every so often to ensure that the nails are not curving under the pad as described above. If this is the case they will need to be removed.
The easiest way to do this is to carefully snip the top of the gel cap. This will loosen the cap and you will be able to gently remove it. - If the cat nail cap does not remove after being clipped, wait a few days as it may come off by itself now that the tip has been removed. You can also try to remove it during this time.
If the cat nail cap still cannot be removed, try trimming the tip of the nail and the gel cap and then removing the cap. Once again if it doesn’t remove it may come off of its own accord in the next couple of days.
You can also trim carefully down the side of the cap and then peel the cap away.
If you are looking for cat nail caps this article has a great choice of cat nail caps.
Is It Safe To Use Cat Nail Caps?
The pros and cons of using cat nail caps indicate that they are safe to use.
It may take some trial and error to get used to using the correct amount of glue when applying cat nail caps to the cat’s nails. Take time to read all of the instructions about applying and removing cat nail caps, before you begin the process.
If you like the idea of cat nail caps but the process freaks you out, just get it done at the vet or groomer, at least for the first time.
You might find that you can comfortably apply the cat nail caps yourself, after watching the vet or groomer.
If it still freaks you out, just think of it as something that is best for you and your cat, to have someone else do this procedure.
It is also important to understand that cat nail caps may need to be removed, as discussed in the cons. It is also important to know how to remove the cap nail caps.
If you are unsure of any procedures it is always best to contact your local vet.
An explanation of declawing and how declawing affects a cat.
Further Reading About Declawing
Some litters are safer and a better choice of litter for declawed cats than other
Paper litter is the best choice of litter after surgery. This article explains how to find the best paper litter and why paper litter is a good choice after any surgery.
Cat Nail Caps Pros and cons FAQ
Why Are The Nail Caps Falling Off?
The most likely cause of the cat nail caps falling off, is using caps that are too large.
The manufacturer will have detailed information about what size nail cap is best for the age and size of your cat.
Why Is The Glue Oozing Out As The Nail Cap Is Applied?
The common cause of the glue oozing out, is that too much glue is being applied.
Don’t overfill the nail caps with glue, less is more in this case.
Can Cats Still Do Normal Scratching Behavior While Wearing Cat Nail Caps?
Cats can happily carry on with their normal stretch and scratching regime even while wearing cat nail caps.
There is less stress for you, as nothing, for example furniture or soft furnishings, is getting ruined in the cat scratching process.
Is The Cat Likely To Get An Infection Under The Nail?
No because cats claws are not the same as human nails. A cat has an outer sheath around the nail, which is shed naturally.
You may have seen these sheaths lying around the cats scratching post.
The nail caps come off with the shedding of the outer nail sheath. This is normal.
My Cat Is uncooperative. How Do I get the nail caps on?
Start with applying one nail cap at a time. Repeat the process, of applying one cat nail cap at a time, until the cat becomes used to the routine.
How Can A declawed cat Still Play?
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