What Are Soft Paws?

Soft Paws are vinyl nail coverings for a cat or dog, which help prevent damage and injury from scratching. Soft Paws are basically little slip covers glued to each nail like false fingernails. The glue is a medical tissue adhesive better known generally as liquid stitches. They protect from the sharpness of the nail by providing a soft covering. Many cat owners are turning to Soft Paws instead of having their cats declawed.

  1. Function

    • Soft Paws are often used on dogs to prevent damage to flooring by the dogs' nails. They are also used on dogs that have a tendency to scratch their owners during play. They can be placed on the front and back feet. Cat owners use Soft Paws as a safe and more humane alternative to declawing. They effectively stop the cat from causing damage while sharpening their claws. Soft Paws usually last an estimated six months and can be removed at any time.

    Features

    • Soft Paws come in a variety of fashion colors. They are made out of soft vinyl and do not cause discomfort to a pet. Soft Paws are easy to apply and are equally easy to remove, so no trip to the veterinarian or groomer is necessary. They are widely available in most pet supply shops.

    History

    • Soft Paws were invented by a veterinarian named Dr. Toby Wexler and manufactured by SmartPractice. They came on the market in 1990. Dr. Wexler was looking for a safe alternative to removal of cat claws when he had the idea to cover the claw instead of remove it. In 1991 he came out with a version for dogs as well. Since they came on the market, several other companies have come out with different variations, but the idea remains the same: To protect pet owners and their belongings from claws without surgery. Soft Claws, Pretty Claws, and Scratch No More are just a few examples of other brand names that are similar to Soft Paws.

    Benefits

    • Using Soft Paws means a pet owner does not have to worry about scratch marks left on the floor or furniture by a pet's claws. In addition, Soft Paws help prevent skin irritation on your pet caused by his own scratching. Soft Paws can also be applied to kittens too young to be declawed. Unlike declawing, Soft Paws can be reversed with quick removal. To remove the Soft Paws just apply an acetone based nail polish remover gel or purchase the Soft Paws removal gel. Coat the Soft Paw in gel and let it soak for five minutes and the Soft Paw comes off easily.

    Warnings

    • Soft Paws are meant to guard against the sharpness of a pet's claws. If force is used by your pet when scratching, injury can still occur. If the pet manages to chew the Soft Paw of the nail it can become lodged in between the teeth, causing irritation and sometimes infection. Though it has never been reported, it is possible for the pet to choke if they attempt to swallow the nail cover. There is one report from 1995 of a Soft Paw becoming lodged in the throat of a pet monitor lizard. Soft Paws are only recommended for cats and dogs at this time. Some pets may exhibit a minor reaction to the adhesive used to secure the Soft Paws to the nail.