What do you guys think of "soft paws" for cats?

[pink-o]

I just clipped my cat's claws again--something she hates!--because she got caught in my sweater, then fell on the floor and almost hurt herself. It gets ridiculous--this cat does not know how to sheath her claws; probably from being taken away from her mother and siblings too early, so she's notorious for swiping those daggers and hurting us or the furniture or herself. I would consider soft paws, but I was told they're only temporary and a lot of cats pull them off (despite the claims that they can't). Who's had experience with them and can give me some ideas? Are they easy for me to apply with a reluctant cat? Do I still have to clip her claws?

Inquiring minds wanna know. Thanx for any advice.

[Eurobabe]

1. they don't work too well and are ridiculously

expensive. jmho.

[tencats]

2. Its a silly product when you actually think about.

After you've bought it you will know for sure how really good for nothing it is and you will have wasted about $20. Most of us have already tried them at least once in spite of the bad reviews and advise. Compared to gluing the "soft claws" on to your cats claws, clipping will seem almost easy.

[City Lights]

3. We've had some success with them, but don't use them anymore.

We used to have 3 de-clawed cats and one with claws, so we used them to protect the de-clawed cats from the one with claws. The trick is to not cut the cats claws too short before attaching them. Also make sure you are using the correct size. They usually stayed on for about a month before starting to come off, and when they did come off, it was one here and one there rather than all at once.

If your cat fidgets getting her nails trimmed, I can't imagine she'll sit still while you attach these. It was a two-person job for us. I installed them while my husband held the cat.

As far as clipping her claws, yes, you'll still have to clip them because they'll still grow underneath the soft paws, however, the tips won't be like needles because she won't be able to sharpen them while wearing soft paws.

Good luck if you decide to try them. :-)

[regnaD kciN]

4. Are you talking about the claw covers?

Several years ago, there was also a product by that name that were essentially "slippers for cats" -- fabric boots with a beanbag-like pad under the paw, so that they could dig their claws in without scratching anyone or anything else.

We never tried them. I have a hard time imagining that cats would willingly keep "slippers" on their paws for more than a few minutes.

[demnan]

5. I just clip my cats' claws

You have to be careful not to clip them too close as this actually causes the cat pain - just like if you cut your nail above the cuticle. It shouldn't hurt the cat if you just trim them (I do this about every two weeks.) I talk softly to the cat and give them treats after their clipping.