We all love our cats, but the incessant scratching can cause a lot of problems. Cats scratch for a number of reasons. It’s their way of communicating and expressing themselves, a way to mark their territory, to remove the dead parts of their nails, or just to stretch.
Scratching makes your cat happy, and you end up with damaged furniture and upholstery that looks like it’s gone through the shredder. One possible solution is to get cat nail caps. Keep reading to learn all about cat nail caps’ pros and cons!
What Are Cat Nail Caps?
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Cat nail naps are durable covers to put on your cat’s nails. They are advertised as a non-toxic and safe way to get your cats to stop their destructive clawing.
Made of plastic, you can purchase these cat nail caps in varying sizes and colors. You just need to glue these nail caps on your cat’s nails. It is an inexpensive and safer option compared to declawing. A set of cat nail caps is good for up to six weeks.
Are Nail Caps Safe For Cats?
Yes, nail caps are safe for cats. Despite the nails being covered, your cat can still retract its claws. The nails will also grow naturally. The nail caps will not cause any damage or pain to your feline’s claw bed when applied.
Even with the nail caps on, your cat can still stretch easily. Although it may take a little while for your cat to get used to them.
The only major drawback of nail caps is that they can leave your cat vulnerable when they go outside. A cat’s claws and nails are its primary defense mechanism, and if its claws are covered, it will restrict them from protecting or fending for themselves.
This is also why nail caps are primarily recommended only for indoor cats.
Do You Need To Put Them On At A Groomer’s?
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While you can put the nail caps on your cat yourself, you still need to visit the groomer because you first need to have your cat’s claws trimmed. Besides, many cat owners may not be comfortable enough to trim their cat’s claws.
But, once the nails are trimmed, you can apply the nail caps yourself. Just make sure you are cautious. You need to be precise and careful, especially with applying the glue as you may risk gluing your cat’s toes together.
What Happens If A Cat Swallows A Nail Cap?
Cat nail caps are designed to be non-toxic. So, in the unlikely instance that your cat swallows or ingests one, it should pass harmlessly through your cat’s digestive tract. However, if you’re worried, you can always consult your cat’s vet.
Can Cats Climb With Cat Nail Caps On?
Cats need their claws to get that secure grip when climbing. Putting caps on their nails will limit their mobility to an extent. While they may still attempt to climb, as is their habit, they will probably just end up sliding.
Cat Nail Caps Pros And Cons
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Here are some of the major benefits and drawbacks of cat nail caps to determine whether it’s something you might want to try with your cats.
Pros:
#1. Cat nail caps will protect the claws, so elderly cats or cats with thin skin that often encounter bleeding and clotting problems don’t have to worry about making the existing medical condition worse.
#2. No more worrying about scratched furniture, so you can save money on getting your fixtures repaired or replaced.
#3. The nail caps do not affect your cat’s nail growth.
#4. Your cat can still do most “cat things” with its nails, like retracting.
#5. The cat nail caps come in different sizes, colors, and designs.
#6. The material used to make these nail caps is flexible, soft, and safe for your pet.
Cons:
#1. Cat nail caps can make your pet defenseless. And if you have other pets in your house, your indoor cat may still feel vulnerable and not be able to protect itself if needed.
#2. Some owners treat these nail caps as cute manicures or a fashion statement instead of the practical solution it is.
#3. It can be challenging to apply, especially if your cat is not comfortable with its paws touched.
#4. Your cat may not get used to it. Some cats won’t mind having these caps after a day, but some felines may feel uncomfortable with these covers.
How To Apply Cat Nail Caps
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These caps must be carefully applied to your cat’s nails to avoid any discomfort. Here are the simple steps you can follow to apply cat nail caps:
#1. Cat nail caps come in different sizes — small, medium, and large. Make sure you select the correct size cap to fit your cat’s nails.
#2. For this second step, you have the option to get your cat’s nails trimmed professionally. But if you decide to do it yourself, ensure that you trim your cat’s nails longer than usual. If your cat becomes too agitated, clip a couple of nails at a time until every nail is done.
#3. Apply the nail adhesive to the nail cap and gently place it on your cat’s nail. Do this once and ensure that you apply the right amount of glue so it won’t get into your cat’s fur or around the edges surrounding the claw.
#4. During the application, someone should hold your cat in place so you can focus on applying the nail caps.
#5. Make sure that the caps are securely held in place. Re-apply the loose caps as needed.
