Anti-scratches For Cats: The Advantages Of Silicone Pads (caps) For Claws And Their Use, Reviews Of Veterinarians And Owners

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cat Anti-Scratches

A beloved cat, in addition to joy and positiveness, sometimes gives the owners a lot of trouble. The animal with sharp claws spoils the wallpaper and furniture, scratches everyone around and categorically refuses to use the scratching post. To solve the problem once and for all, you should use anti-scratches.

Content

• 1 What are anti-scratches

• 2 How to choose anti-scratch

  • 2.1 Selecting the size of the accessory

    2.1.1 Table: sizes of anti-scratches

  • 2.2 Color selection
  • 2.3 Selection of product material
  • 2.4 Where to buy an accessory
  • 2.5 Cost of silicone pads
  • 2.6 Fitting caps
• 3 Service life of caps

• 4 Effect of anti-scratching on cat health

  • 4.1 Do Silicone Caps Affect Animal Claw Growth
  • 4.2 Do the claws itch under the caps
  • 4.3 Can a cat with anti-scratching claws retract
  • 4.4 Can the pads change the gait of a cat?
  • 4.5 Is the supplied adhesive toxic?
  • 4.6 Do anti-scratches affect the integrity of the teeth?

• 5 Features of anti-scratch wear

  • 5.1 At what age can pads be worn
  • 5.2 Contraindications to the use of silicone caps
  • 5.3 Is it necessary to file the cat's claws before fixing the anti-scratches
  • 5.4 Attaching the caps to the cat's claws
  • 5.5 Video: anti-scratch for a cat
  • 5.6 How to remove silicone pads
• 6 Table: pros and cons of anti-scratching
• 7 Owner reviews about anti-scratches
• 8 Photo gallery: anti-scratch on cats

What are anti-scratches

Anti-scratches ("soft claws") are light multi-colored caps made of silicone (elastic polymer), which are glued to the animal's claws with a special glue. The accessory completely repeats the shape of a cat's claw with a rounded tip, which prevents the cat from scratching and ruining furniture. The raw materials of high-quality anti-scratches are thoroughly certified, and the glue is used in medicine and cosmetology, therefore it is absolutely safe for the animal. Due to the streamlined shape, the cap that has fallen into the stomach of the animal easily comes out naturally.

The indisputable advantage of this device is that it does not prevent the animal from releasing its claws and does not rub the pad during movement

A cat in anti-scratching shoes feels quite comfortable

Nail pads look very aesthetically pleasing and attractive, which is why some call them "cat manicure". However, you should not glue the protective caps solely for the sake of beauty. If the animal is stressed, constantly gnaws at the pads and moves little, it is better to refuse the constant use of "soft claws". In this case, anti-scratches should be used as needed.

Cases when a device is needed:

• the pet does not perceive the scratching post and spoils the property of the owners;
• the animal is aggressive towards the residents of the house, their guests and other pets living in the same area;
• the cat is too playful;
• for a disease that causes itching in an animal. Anti-scratches are worn so that the pet does not injure itself.

If the animal does not feel discomfort and the process of its vital activity takes place in a constant rhythm, the pads can be used constantly.

In the apartment opposite me, a young couple is renting a house. The landlady of the apartment barely allowed the children to have an animal. The kitten, which the young family took to itself, grew up and began to tear the owner's furniture and wallpaper. There was a choice - either to move out of the apartment, or to resort to anti-scratches. Doubted for a long time, but decided to stick the silicone caps on the hyperactive pet. The seven-month-old cat accepted the claws quite well. Colored caps do not bother him at all and he leads an active cat life. Everyone is happy - both the hostess and the tenants, and, most importantly, the cat is still sharpening its claws, but the furniture does not suffer from this.

How to choose anti-scratch

Manufacturers offer a wide range of overhead caps. You can easily choose a product in a suitable color and size. It is worth experimenting with the anti-scratch material and choosing those that suit both the pet and the owner.

Accessory size selection

Before purchasing anti-scratches, you need to weigh the animal. If the cap is not properly sized, the animal will experience discomfort and may even be injured. Cat claws are conventionally divided into four groups of sizes.

Table: anti-scratch sizes

Cap size	Weight, kg	Description of breeds
XS	0.5-1.5	For kittens of any breed
S	1.5-4	For Siamese cats, Sphynx
M	4-6	For British and Persian cats
L	6 and more	For large breeds such as Mei Coon

When choosing a size, you need to take into account not only weight and age, but also the breed of the animal. For example, the claws of a Mei Coon kitten correspond to the size of the claws of an adult Sphynx.

Color selection

A wide variety of assortment allows you to choose anti-scratches of any color. For females, the owners often choose colored linings; for cats, transparent or strict, discreet models are more suitable. There are luminescent caps that glow in the dark and even glamorous ones with sparkles and decorative splashes. If there is a small child in the house, then it is better to choose lining of a bright color. This makes it much easier to track down if they flew off the cat's claws.

Anti-scratch colors are very diverse - from transparent to glowing in the dark

Selection of product material

Claw caps can be made of several types of material:

• silicone is the most popular option. Ultra thin, elastic and durable - it allows the product to take the shape of a claw. Virtually no discomfort to the animal;
• plastic is less elastic and more dense. It is also often used in the manufacture of anti-scratches, but not so convenient for a pet;
• rubber is a dense material that is not as popular because of its low elasticity.

Where to buy an accessory

You can buy anti-scratches:

• In a veterinary clinic - the most reliable option;
• In a specialized store - with the help of a competent consultant, you can purchase quality products;
• In an online store - in this case, you can only hope for luck. In addition, changing the product will be very problematic.

The cost of silicone pads

In Russia, the price for a set of 20 pcs. quality caps with special glue varies from 250 to 300 rubles. Packaging, including 40 pads and glue, should not be less than 350 rubles. In addition, each kit contains instructions that must be carefully studied. You should not save and use the services of dubious Asian manufacturers, as you can seriously harm the health of the animal. It is better to purchase pet products from well-known proven brands that have a lot of positive reviews.

Good linings can't be too cheap

How silicone caps are suitable for a pet can only be found out during the operation of the accessory. It is better to take a set of fewer pads for testing, in case the pet categorically refuses to wear anti-scratches.

Fitting caps

Before starting a manicure, you should try on claws of different lengths. If you are not satisfied with the size, you can exchange the caps for others (except for the option of purchasing in the online store). The lining should fit snugly against the claw and not reach the bosom 3-5 mm. If the product is long, it should be carefully trimmed at the base with scissors.

If the silicone cap is a little large, carefully trim its wider part

The discrepancy between the size of literally one cap can lead to serious consequences. The cat will not be able to retract its claws and move normally. To avoid this, before the control sticker, each patch should be adjusted to the required dimensions.

Service life of caps

Usually, properly glued pads in a healthy cat last for 1.5-2 months. During this time, the cornea of the claw is updated in the animal. The cap will fall off along with the dead part of the claw. When this happens, you just need to update the "manicure" of the fluffy pet.

The standard set of pads contains 20 caps and medical glue with a shelf life of 2 years. This means that the caps are enough for two uses. If the anti-scratches are only glued to the front paws, then the "manicure" can be done four times. By arithmetic calculations, it is easy to find out that silicone pads will last, on average, for 2 months. All four paws are put on when the cat is too playful, or she is combing the injuries on the body with her hind paws.

Silicone caps fall off on their own after a while

Especially nervous, not tolerating encroachments, cats tear off the linings with their teeth, without waiting for the end of the operation. In this case, you will have to glue the anti-scratches very often or refuse to use "soft claws".

The effect of anti-scratching on cat health

Fierce battles about the dangers and benefits of anti-scratching do not subside to this day. Opinions are radically divided - some praise them, others consider them mockery of animals. There are unfounded rumors around the accessory that is actively used abroad. However, both of them agree that the operation of anti-scratches is much more humane than the operation to remove claws from an animal (onychectomy). To find out whether "soft claws" are harmful to your pet's health, you should listen to the opinion of experts.

Do Silicone Caps Affect Animal Claw Growth

There was no negative effect on the growth of claws when using the accessory. The silicone caps do not interfere with the natural growth of the claws, as they stick to the very tips. An incorrectly worn pad can grow into the pad and thereby cause tissue inflammation, but this can happen without the use of anti-scratches. To avoid trouble, you need to periodically inspect the legs of the animal.

To avoid ingrowth of the cap into the pad, you need to regularly inspect the legs of the animal.

Do the claws itch under the caps

The claws under the pads cannot itch, because this is a keratinized tissue that does not have nerve endings. In addition, a cat with anti-scratches does not stop sharpening its claws on furniture and walls. The only difference is that the upholstery does not tear.

Anti-scratch cat feels the same as women with false nails or acrylic coating

Can a cat with anti-scratching claws retract

There is an opinion that with false caps a cat cannot hide claws. This can happen if the anti-scratches are not selected in size or fixed incorrectly. The pads are glued only to the part of the claw that constantly sticks out of the pad. You don't need to put the whole claw in the cap.

A pet with glued anti-scratches calmly retracts its claws

Can pads change a cat's gait?

Perhaps at first the animal will feel some discomfort. But literally in a few days the cat will adapt and begin to live in the same mode. If the caps are not properly secured, the pet may lose coordination of movement. It is necessary to observe the animal, and if the gait does not recover, remove the anti-scratches.

A cat with anti-scratches also actively moves

Is the supplied glue toxic

Absolutely harmless medical glue is used to fix anti-scratches. Manufacturers claim that it is completely non-toxic. The only thing that the animal on the glue may have an individual intolerance. In case of allergy to glue, you should immediately contact a specialist. It is advisable to buy an accessory in specialized pet care stores.

The glue for silicone pads is absolutely harmless. It has the same composition as eyelash glue

Do anti-scratches affect the integrity of the teeth?

Some cats chew on the caps while trying to remove them. Silicone is completely harmless. This material is used to make toys, dishes, collars, fillers for animals. The linings, even if they get into the cat's stomach, will not cause any harm to it. The elastic polymer is not dangerous for the sharp teeth of the animal.

If the cat from habit gnaws at the lining, there is nothing to worry about. Silicone is absolutely harmless to the animal

Features of anti-scratch wear

An animal, like a person, has individual characteristics of behavior. Some cats take several hours to get used to the new accessory, while others do not adapt to the claws and gnaw them completely. In any case, even for the calmest animal, the anti-scratch procedure is stressful. In this difficult period for the pet, you need to help him get used to a new sensation, caress, distract him from the problem.

At what age can pads be worn

Anti-scratches have no specific age restrictions. The owner of the cat will decide for himself when the pet needs padding. Manufacturers produce caps of absolutely any size, so you can even pick up an accessory for a month-old kitten. However, experts advise against using pads for kittens under six months of age. It is at this age that the claws acquire the desired length and rigidity. Elderly animals, "soft claws" are also unlikely to be useful. With age, interest in physical activity and the desire to sharpen claws fade away.

It is not recommended to put caps on claws for kittens under six months

Contraindications to the use of silicone caps

You should not use this product for your own whim or desire to make the animal irresistible. If the cat uses a scratching post and does not show aggression, there is no point in glueing the claws.

Contraindications for use:

1. If the cat is walking on the street. With silicone caps on the legs, she simply cannot fight off other animals or climb a tree in case of danger.
2. The animal has an allergic reaction to the glue. An allergic reaction to glue can appear immediately, or it can occur over time. Therefore, you need to systematically examine the legs of the animal for irritation or redness. This is also necessary in order to immediately notice if the cap is glued incorrectly and begins to bring discomfort to the animal.
3. Dermatitis or fungal infections in cats. Do not glue anti-scratches to a sick animal with fungal infections on its paws.
4. Kittens up to six months. There are opinions that the younger the cat, the better the adaptation to the accessory. In this case, it is better to consult a veterinarian who will give precise recommendations.
5. Aged animals.
6. Prolonged stress in the animal. If the pet has lost interest in food and play, do not continue the experiment.

A less critical contraindication is the knock of anti-scratches on the floor when the cat moves. If the owner is annoyed by the characteristic clatter emitted by silicone pads, you should also refuse to use them.

Sometimes an animal's addiction to an accessory is greatly delayed. In this case, veterinarians are advised to abandon linings.

Do I need to file a cat's claws before fixing anti-scratches

Before gluing the anti-scratches, the cat needs to trim and file the nails. You can contact a groomer, but it is better to trim the claws yourself. Firstly, the animal will be calmer next to the owner, and secondly, you need to accustom the pet to this procedure, because it will have to be carried out quite often. In any pet store there are special tools for a cat's "manicure". You can use a nail trimmer or pedicure nippers. The entire tool should be treated with alcohol or peroxide. The cat should be calm during the procedure. Better to do your manicure right after sleep. If the cat starts to worry, you need to calm it down, wear it in your arms, stroke behind the ear, massage its paws.

Cat claw trimming process:

1. Take the cat in your arms.

   

   It is most convenient to cut claws when the cat is in the owner's arms

2. If the cat is aggressive, wrap it in a towel or blanket, sticking its legs out.

   

   To prevent the cat from getting hurt and scratching the owner, it is wrapped in a blanket or towel

3. Press lightly on her pad so that she releases her claws.

   

   For the cat to release its claws, you need to lightly press on the pad

4. Carefully cut off only the transparent base without touching the pink vessel. The cut should be at right angles.

   

   Only the very tips of the claws should be cut

5. File the edges with a nail file. This tool, as it were, foams the cut edge of the claw, which helps to fix the cap more firmly.

   

   In order for the anti-scratches to stick better, you need to process the edges of the claw with a nail file

6. Before applying the glue, the cat's claws must be treated with an antiseptic.

   

   Before the procedure for fixing the caps of the claw, it is better to treat it with an antiseptic

Attaching the caps to the cat's claws

Fixation of anti-scratches is the most crucial moment, on which the comfort of the cat directly depends. If the animal is nervous and aggressive, then it is better to carry out the procedure together - one holds the cat, the other glues. If the cat is calm and accustomed to the clipping procedure, then it is not difficult to cope with it alone. Owners who have used anti-scratch dents for a long time find it to be a fairly easy process. However, for complete peace of mind for your pet's health, you can turn to specialists, where the operation will be carried out at a professional level.

In my opinion, there is nothing complicated in the cap fixing procedure. It took us longer to catch the cat than to do the manicure itself. Our Cecillia does not admit any encroachments on her British skin and categorically refuses to wear any accessories, even the collar is constantly trying to rip off. With what instinct the cat realized that the bright red caps were intended for her - the story is silent. But, seeing our preparations for the procedure, she began to rush around the house like a shot down Boeing. They caught her with the whole family. Having caught, we decided, in order to avoid surprises, to swaddle the cat in a towel, leaving only its paws free. Having previously studied the instructions, we started with cutting the claws. This stage did not cause a particular reaction in the cat, because Tsilya is familiar with this procedure firsthand. There was no file at hand, but we got out of the situation by sawing the claws with a bar for sharpening a knife. The prepared claws were treated with peroxide. Mom filled the caps with glue, and I put them on the claws. The glue is very similar to the superglue that is sold in hardware stores, only it is absolutely odorless. The tube is hard, it is not very convenient to squeeze out the glue from it. We bought colored caps, so the amount of glue was poured at random. Probably, it would be easier with transparent ones. A lot of glue was poured into some anti-scratches, I had to remove the excess with a napkin, abundantly moistened with nail polish remover. In general, napkins and some kind of solvent should be at hand, because the glue instantly sets and you can glue everything that is nearby. We only glued the pads on the front paws, but took about half an hour. Each cap must be carefully put on the released claw, gently squeezed and held for 2-3 minutes. Before putting on the pad,I blew on the claw so that the fur does not accidentally stick. During the procedure, Tsilya was silent, because she was stunned by the impudent encroachment on her paws. When all the caps were in place, I vilified the hushed kitty in my arms for a while, and then gently undressed. Tsilya immediately began to lick the paws and gnaw on the caps, trying to remove them. Only the knock of her favorite refrigerator distracted her from the reprisal over the new "manicure". Literally fifteen minutes later, after having a hearty supper, the cat performed an execution over grandmother's slippers, pretending to have forgotten about new claws. Tsilya immediately began to lick the paws and gnaw on the caps, trying to remove them. Only the knock of her favorite refrigerator distracted her from the reprisal over the new "manicure". Literally fifteen minutes later, after having a hearty supper, the cat performed an execution over grandmother's slippers, pretending to have forgotten about new claws. Tsilya immediately began to lick the paws and gnaw on the caps, trying to remove them. Only the knock of her favorite refrigerator distracted her from the reprisal over the new "manicure". Literally fifteen minutes later, after having a hearty supper, the cat performed an execution over grandmother's slippers, pretending to have forgotten about new claws.

Step-by-step instructions for fixing anti-scratches:

1. Prepare a set of silicone pads and special glue in advance.

   

   Before the anti-scratch fixation procedure, prepare the caps and glue

2. Read the instructions.

   

   Before the fixation procedure, read the instructions

3. Take the cat in your arms. Calm him down in case he starts to show anxiety.

   

   In order for the cat to easily endure the process of fixing anti-scratches, it is better to take the cat in your arms

4. Open the tube of glue.

   

   You need to cut off the tip of the glue spout with scissors

5. Fill the cap with glue no more than 1/3 of its volume. Some fill several caps with glue at once.

   

   Pour 1/3 of the cap with glue

6. Take the cat's paw and lightly press the pad so that the animal releases its claws.

   

   For the cat to release its claws, you need to lightly press on the pad

7. Put the cap on the claw in a smooth motion and press lightly for 5-6 sec. for better fixing of the overlay.

   

   The cap, filled with glue, needs to be fixed on the cat's claw

8. Hold the cat in your arms for some time so that the glue has time to grab.

   

   You need to hold the animal a little in your arms for the glue to set.

9. Let go of the cat and try to distract him from the unusual accessory.

   

   In order for the cat to forget about the newly glued onlays, it needs to be distracted with something.

Video: anti-scratch for a cat

How to remove silicone pads

There are situations when the caps have to be removed from the claws of the animal before the end of the service life. The reasons can be different:

• an allergic reaction in a cat;
• inflammatory process due to improperly glued cap;
• prolonged stress in the animal;
• the cap did not fall off along with the regrown claw.

In this case, the owner will have to free the pet's claws from the linings on their own. For this you need:

• cut off the tip of the cap;
• cut the product along the entire length with nail scissors;
• carefully remove the remaining fragments with a nail file;
• treat the foot with an antiseptic;
• if there are inflamed wounds, you need to apply a bandage with an ointment for purulent inflammation (Vishnevsky ointment, Levomekol, Baneocin, etc.).

If the reason for removing the caps is not associated with a threat to the health of the animal, then it is better to wait until the anti-scratches disappear on their own.

Table: pros and cons of anti-scratching

Pros of anti-scratch	Cons of anti-scratches
Reliably protect the owners' personal property from scratches	The cat cannot hunt and defend itself against territorial rivals
Protect owners and other pets from cat aggression	The animal can fall from a height, as there is nothing to cling to
Replaces claw removal surgery	An improperly fixed cap can cause inflammation
Easy to put on and take off	Possible psychological discomfort
Have a wide range of sizes	Individual intolerance
Suitable for animals of all ages	Frequent cap change
Retain the ability to retract claws	Pet claws deteriorate with constant use
Does not cause discomfort to the pet	Hygiene procedures are complicated
Does not interfere with natural nail growth	They make a kind of knock when the cat moves
Anti-scratch material is cat safe
Do not interfere with the active life of the animal
When ingested, it is easily excreted naturally
Make the cat irresistible and give personality

Despite many controversial issues, there are still more advantages to anti-scratches than disadvantages. Before deciding to put protective caps on your cat, it is worth reading on the forums not only the reviews of veterinarians, but also the opinions of the owners of animals who have tested the accessory.

Owner reviews about anti-scratches

Photo gallery: anti-scratch on cats

If you glue caps of different colors, you get a very fun manicure

Bright caps look gorgeous on a black background

A little fashionista from an early age gets used to anti-scratches

Red claws complement the noble beauty of the British cat

Sphinx with colored claws looks very exotic

There are still fierce debates around anti-scratching. For some, this is nothing more than a stylish accessory, for others it is an urgent need. Although the attitude towards this product is very controversial, many cat owners have appreciated the "soft claws". Be that as it may, it is better to actually make sure of the appropriateness of the adaptation, and based on your own experience, make the final choice.