Claw Trimming
Most cats are capable of' keeping their claws the proper length, either by scratching an
object (preferably a scratch post rather than the leg of' your couch) or by chewing off
the claw's outer layer (the usual technique for the rear claws). Only rarely (toes a
cat-perhaps an old or debilitated cat, or one with extra toes-need human intervention to
keep the claws from growing so long that they arc into the pad. Claw trimming 'is a matter
less of length than of sharpness. The obvious advantage of keeping your cat's claws blunt
is that any scratching will cause less damage.
If possible start training your cat to have her claws trimmed as a kitten. Gently stroke
your cat's paws often, getting her used to having her paws held before you attempt
trimming. Be sure to reward your cat with a special food treat-one that she receives only
during claw trimming or some other grooming procedure-during or immediately after
trimming. The best time to trim your cat's claws is when she is relaxed or sleepy. Never
try to give a pedicure right after a stressful experience or an energetic round of play.
| Your cat should
be resting comfortably on your lap, the floor, or a table. Hold a paw in one hand and
press a toe pad gently to extend the claw. Notice the pink tissue (the quick) on the
inside of the claw. Avoid the quick when you trim the claw; cutting into it will cause
pain and bleeding Remove the sharp tip below the quick (away from the toe), clipping about
halfway between the end of the quick and the tip of claw. If your cat becomes impatient,
take a break and try again later. Even if you can clip only a claw or two a day,
eventually you'll complete the task. (Because cats do little damage with their rear claws
and do a good job of keeping them trim themselves-by chewing them-many cat owners never
clip the rear claws. Others trim their cats' rear claws three or four times a year or have
them done by their veterinarian or a professional groomer.) |
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If you accidentally clip into the quick,
don't panic. The claw may bleed for a moment, but it Will usually stop very quickly.
Soothe your cat by speaking softly to tier and stroking her head. If the bleeding hasn't
stopped after a minute or so, touch a styptic pencil to the claw end or pat on styptic
powder to help staunch the bleeding. How
often you need to clip your cat's claws depends somewhat on how much of the tip you
remove, but usually a clipping every ten to fourteen days will suffice. If' your cat
absolutely refuses to allow you to clip tier claws, get help from your veterinarian or a
professional groomer
Gently press the cat's toe pads to
reveal sharp claws in need of a trim. |
Notice the pink tissue (the quick)
on the inside of the claw.
Avoid the quick when you trim the claw; cutting into it will
cause pain and bleeding Remove the sharp tip below the
quick (away from the toe), clipping about halfway between
the end of the quick and the tip of claw. |
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Special claw trimmers (two
types are shown) are available from veterinarians or pet supply stores, but sharp nail
clippers for humans work just as well. Keep a styptic (astringent) pencil or powder on
hand in case you accidentally clip into the quick and bleeding hasn't stopped within a
couple of minutes.
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Soft Paws Nail Caps
for Cats or Kittens
Soft Paw's FAQs?.
Soft plastic covers that you can glue over your cats trimmed claws are available from
veterinarians,online, and certain pet supply stores. These covers are well accepted by
cats, further limit scratching damage, and also extend time between claw trimmings.
They are also available in assorted colors!
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Soft Paws® are great for households with small children, as
they guard against the child getting scratched. They are also extremely useful for people
who are away from home all day and simply can't apply the watchfulness neccessary to train
a cat to use a scratching post. An important caveat here, however; they
should be used only on indoor cats, since they blunt one of the cat's chief means of
self-defense.
Soft Paws® last aproxiamately six weeks once Kitty becomes
accustomed to them. At first they may feel a bit strange to her and she may groom them
excessively, causing them to come off sooner. She'll get used to them quickly though, and
thereafter they will last longer. It is amazing how well cats tolerate the Soft Paws®,
most don't even notice they are wearing them.
Soft Paws® come in a kit and are easy to apply. Just glue them on. They are
generally applied to the front paws only, since these are what cause most of the
destruction to your home. A kit will last approximately two to three months, depending on
your cat. After applying the Soft Paws®, check Kitty's claws weekly. You may find
one or two caps missing from time to time, and these are easily replaced using the
adhesive included in the kit. To make application easier for both you and your cat, follow
the instructions on accustoming your cat to having her paws handled that are discussed
here in the section on trimming your cat's claws.
Each Soft Paws take home kit contains everything required to apply
the nail covers at home. Including easy to follow instructions. The application is simple.
Just fill each nail cap with the adhesive provided and slide it on over the nail. It's
that easy!
This is an amazing product that really works. Cats tolerate Soft Paws extremely well. Most
cats don't even know they are wearing them. Soft Paws are extremely safe and
non-toxic. Even if your cat swallows one, no harm will
come.
Each Soft Paws kit contains 40 nail caps, adhesive, applicator tips and easy to follow
instructions. Each application lasts approximately 4-6 weeks. Each kit contains
enough for 4 front paw applications. Each kit lasts approximately 4-6 months,
and is only $16.95.
Soft Paws are available in the following sizes: kitten, small,
medium and large. And, the following colors: Clear, blue, purple, red and pink.
To determine the correct size for your cat, please view the size chart.
Size Chart
To select the correct Soft Paws size, print out this page, then cut out the chart. Extend
your cat's claw and measure against the black area.
For illustration purposes only. To see
actual size please print out this page.
Most average size cats wear medium. If your cat is very small boned, choose the small
size. Very large boned cats tend towards large. Kittens usually are big enough to wear
Soft Paws by 12-16 weeks of age
Questions Call 1-800-989-2542
Ordering is simple.
Order online
Order by mail or fax
Or feel free to call us at 1-800-989-2542. We'd be happy to take your order or answer any
questions you may have about Soft Paws.
In answer to the most commonly asked question we receive, "Do Soft Paws really
work?"
Yes! They really work!
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1. Trim tip of cat's nails.
2. Fill nail caps 1/3 full with adhesive.
3. Extend nails by gently pressing thumb on
top with index finger on bottom of paw.
4. Observe cat for five minutes before release.
Questions or assistance: Email-Support
or call 1-800-989-2542 (8AM - 8PM PST) |
