Have you ever used Soft Paws?

I'm thinking about getting some Soft Paws for our non-declawed kitty. I'm not sure if there are other brands out there, how they compare, etc, so any input would be great. Now, in terms of something like that, how easy are they to put on, do the cats seem to mind them, and are they pretty reliable in terms of actually staying on?

I tried them on my cat onnie...I got superglue on his fur and ended up having to snip a chunk out :S. I think it really depends on how good your kitty is at letting you touch its paws in the first place. Onnie is ok for about 2 seconds, not really long enough to do a proper application, especially if he squirms.

I found it easier to just trim his nails..no mess and I can do one at a time if needs be. I know it does work for some people though, so if ure cat is ok with u messing with its paws I'd say give it a try. The first time you put it on you can get the vet to do it for you if youre unsure, mine offered but after she had clipped his nails and there were too short for the plastic caps. The instructions say u have to trim the claws but don't clip too far back ( you still need a bit of a hook so it can fit into the cap)

Good luck!

I used to know a girl who used them on her kitty. Once he got used to them, he was fine. They are supposed to last a certain amount of time, and then you have to get new ones. They do come in lots of pretty colors! :D

You can always check out their FAQ, they answer a lot of questions. http://www.softpaws.com/faqs.html

my vet actually warns AGAINST them. Kittens need to learn to extend and RETRACT their claws - these types of claw caps are glued on when the claw is out. many kittens then do NOT learn to retract their claws. Not to mention that it doesn't teach the cat anything. Cats are easily trainable, and can be taught to use a post and not your furniture.

it's also easy to get a cat used to having it's nails trimmed if you start at a young age and keep it positive. I clip my cat's nails quite often - all on the front in about 2 minutes. she lays in my lap and doesn't mind at all. I always reward her w/ a treat and play time.

She's not a kitten. She's about 7 or so (adopted her as an adult). We are having a baby this summer, and while I'm not too concerned about it, I thought I'd ask.

I'll probably stick to clipping!! I thought the Soft Paws might be easier to work with.

She's not a kitten. She's about 7 or so (adopted her as an adult). We are having a baby this summer, and while I'm not too concerned about it, I thought I'd ask.

I'll probably stick to clipping!! I thought the Soft Paws might be easier to work with.

OMG, I wouldn't even attempt it w/ a 7 yr old cat. that could be really asking for trouble. (cat may have trust issues w/ you - glue may irritate the cat - may make a royal mess on the paw - you can get injured - this list could go on..... )

but CONGRATS on the new addition this summer!!! that's exciting!!

OK, well then that's that! She will be clipped at home!

Which leads to my next, and more important, question:
How should I go about doing this?!

I found these (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444178 0098&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302025565&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023690&bmUID=1178583951070&itemNo=7&In=Cat&N=2025565&Ne=2) at PetSmart (I'm assume you can buy them in-store and not just online)... do you think these will suffice?

She has white/clear nails... do I clip just above that vein in there?

honestly, with a 7 yr old cat who doesn't normally get her nails clipped, I'd use a professional. Nail trims are usually only $5-$10 (for all 4 paws), and ALOT of groomers do handle cats.

That vein running through is the QUICK. you don't want to hit that. it's not only painful, but it bleeds alot. if you haven't done this before, go to a groomer who can do it the first few times, and TEACH you how to do it. A groomer will also suggest types of clippers.

even large pet supply stores have groomers on staff that will clip cat's nails. (for example, petco, petsmart, etc...)

$5-$10???

I payed $22 for just Onnie's front paws at the vets!!! I know there's a PetSmart in town...do they do it for $5-10? It is very difficult for me to trim onnie's nails but $22 is a lot of money for 5 seconds at the vet ( he's ever so good there and doesnt even flinch- too scared really to move, with me he howls before Ive even clipped anything!!)

I know my Aunt tried those, for a while.

The best thing though, is get your kitty used to what I call "Claw Clipping Day" , they get their claws clipped, a brushing and hairball medicine. Just add it to the weekly or bi-weekly routine.

And cat trees with sisal rope, lots and lots of cat trees and sisal rope. They prefer scratching the rope and if their claws are regularly trimmed your furniture is relatively safe.

Just remember there are always accidents, and that you love your kitty more than your furniture....I had to say that to myself after my new leather furniture didn't even make it 4 days!!!:yell:
Oh well... thats what throws are for right?:laughing:

LOL I made myself sound so organized there... I should tell you 'claw clipping day' here if hubby isn't home to hold them, looks more like wrestlemania! I end up with more fur on than they do! And man is Buddy strong, I really think in a fair fight he'd kick my butt!!!
So really unless you have a partner to hold the cat, I would also suggest starting with a groomer. They wrestle cats all the time. ;)

The local pet supply stores around here charge $5-$10 for nail trims. Vets and groomers charge a lot more, because you are paying for their time, so there's usually an "office visit" type charge tacked on.

You can ask the groomer or vet or whoever to show you how to clip the nails, and if your cat tolerates it well, then you can do it at home and you don't have to pay. I clip cat's nails all the time. Some cats are really laid-back and good about it, and some cats kinda freak. But if your cat lets you touch her paws, and is a pretty laid-back cat in general, she probably would let you give her a manicure. It does take two people to do it safely, one to hold the cat and one to work the clippers. It's just way too hard for one person to try to hold the cat and cut nails at the same time.

Kittens need to learn to extend and RETRACT their claws - these types of claw caps are glued on when the claw is out.
I've never heard warnings like that against soft paws, they are made so that the nails can be retracted even with the caps on. The vets around here usually recommend them. :shrug: And they're easy to put on, you just put a drop of adhesive into the cap and then just slide the cap over the cat's nail. So there's really no danger of getting glue all over the cat.

OK, I got a pair of $7 clippers at the PetSmart and got most of her nails trimmed up nicely. To my astonishment, she even rolled over on her back and let me give her a little "manicure" on the front paws hahah! I have a very tolerant cat. :p

The other one, not so much. I have to catch her when she's out cold napping and then I get a few nails at a time and have to follow up with her later. Typical cat, that one!