Soft Paws and Soft Claws Nail Caps for Cats
Replaceable Claw Covers an Alternative to Declaw Surgery
Nov 12, 2009
A cat's natural need to sharpen its claws often runs afoul of an owner's natural desire to keep expensive furniture and drapes in good condition.
Should I Declaw my Cat?
"If you want to polarize a room full of cat owners, animal health technologists, or veterinarians, ask this question," is the wry comment of Dr. Jeffrey Person of the Delta Veterinary Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (quoted in The Edmonton Journal, Country Asides, Nov. 9 2009, p. 3). "Some very passionate people are against declawing cats, but don't mistake their passion for their answer. There is no correct answer."
However, there are many alternatives. These range from training to regular claw clipping to barricading the furniture, with varying degrees of effectiveness. One method with growing popularity is claw caps, plastic covers glued over the cats claws, effectively blunting them without the need for clipping.
Soft Paws and Soft Claws Nail Caps for Cats
Dr. Toby J. Wexler, a veterinarian in Lafayette, Louisiana, invented in 1998 "A pliable sheath for animal toe nails, providing protection for humans, furniture, clothes, and other animals." (USPTO, Patent No. 4,962,731). The caps have been on the market since 1990.
The nail caps are sold under the brand names Soft Paws® and Soft Claws®. Despite the different brand names, these are an identical product under the same paten. , The parent company, Soft Paws Inc., of Lafayette, LA, produces nail caps for cats and dogs under the two brand name.
Each fitting consists of a tough clear inner core designed to grip tightly to the claw (and glued in place), with a softer over-cap in a variety of colors. Each Soft Paws cover is said to last between four and six weeks. (The claws grow as normal, and the Soft Paw comes off with the normal shedding of the outer nail sheath.)
The nail caps are cited by the manufacturer as offering the following benefits:
- Prevents animals with skin conditions from damaging the skin by scratching themselves
- Protects owners and family members from accidental scratch injuries
- Prevents damage to furniture and other household items
The two websites for Soft Paws and Soft Claws, maintained by anti-declawing activist Dr. Christianne Schelling, are not mirror images and contain different testimonials and different images in the galleries. The numerous testimonials attest to the effectiveness of the products, which according to the UK distribution site won Good Housekeeping Magazine's award for Best Pet Product of 2007
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