1) What are Soft Paws®?

Soft Paws®  are an excellent alternative to declawing. They are easy to apply at home and cats and their owners love them. They are completely safe and humane and can be used on cats of all ages. Soft Paws®  are vinyl nail caps that are glued on to your cat's existing nails. They look like a cat's nail, only hollow. They are easy to apply and cats tolerate them extremely well.

2) How are Soft Paws®  applied?

Soft Paws®  are easy to apply. Simply fill the nail cap with the adhesive provided and slide it on over your cat's claw. The glue dries very fast.

3) How long do they last and how often do they need to be reapplied?

Once the nail caps are applied they remain in place for approximately 4-6 weeks. They will fall off with the natural growth of your cat's nails. We recommend that you check your cat's nails periodically because usually just one or two fall off at a time and these can be easily reapplied.

Each kit contains 40 nail caps and will last approximately 4-6 months per cat.

Note: While the vast majority of cats acclimate to the claw covers within minutes, some cats may require an adjustment period. Cat's fastidious natures sometimes causes them to groom the claw covers excessively at first. This may result in one or two falling off. No problem. Just check the claws daily at first and if one is missing, simply replace it with another from the package. Thus, the first package may not last as long as subsequent packages. Again, most cats do not even notice they are wearing them after the first 30 minutes.

A good tip is to feed your cat his or her favorite food after applying the Soft Paws®. This serves as a good reward and also diverts their attention away from their new acquisition. Some people find it easier to apply the Soft Paws®  when their cats are sleepy.

4) How much does a kit cost? What is contained in a kit?

Each kit costs $18.95 and contains everything needed for home application. Easy to follow application instructions, 40 nail caps, 2 tubes of glue and applicator tips. Shipping and handling is $3.99. You can buy up to 3 packages for the $3.99 shipping and handling fee.

5) Are Soft Paws®  safe and do they hurt the cat?

Soft Paws®  are completely safe, painless and non-toxic. Even if they are swallowed, no problem will result. They just pass on through the digestive system. The glue is harmless as well.

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6) Can cats still extend and retract their claws with the Soft Paws®?

Absolutely. Soft Paws®  are designed not to interfere with the normal extension and retraction of claws.

7) Will Soft Paws®  interfere with my cat's normal scratching and stretching behavior?

No. Your cat can still stretch and make scratching motions but no damage will occur to your furniture because the claw is effectively covered and protected.

8) Can I apply Soft Paws®  myself?

Absolutely. Most people apply the nail caps themselves. Some enlist the help of a friend or family member. This is a good idea at first if you are not used to handling your cat alone.

If you can trim your cat's claws, you can apply the nail caps.

If you have any questions, you can E-Mail Us or call us at 1-800-989-2542.

9) How do I know what size my cat needs?

Please visit our size chart. You can use this to determine what size your cat will use. Soft Paws®  come in the following sizes: Kitten, Small Medium and Large.

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.

Note: If your cat is overweight, this does not necessarily mean it is a large cat. To determine claw size, examine your cat's paws.

Guidelines....

Kitten: Soft Paws®  will fit most kittens by the time they reach the age of 16 weeks (4 months). Some kittens can wear them as early as age 12 weeks (3 months) . To test, try a nail cap on first without the adhesive. If it looks too big, don’t glue it on. The nail cap should fit snugly, like a glove. To accommodate younger kittens, you can trim the base of the Soft Paws nail cap making it smaller so it will fit your kitten’s nail. Kittens up to about 5 pounds generally fit the kitten size. Kittens up to about 5 months generally fit the kitten size.

Small: Approximately 6 months of age. Approximately 6-8 pounds. Some kittens at 5 months may need the small size if they are growing fast or are large-breed cats. Small-boned adult cats often wear the small size. If your cat seems smaller than an average full-grown cat, choose small.

Medium: Approximately 9-13 pounds. Most adult average size cats wear medium.

Large: Approximately 14 pounds and up. Very large-boned and large-breed cats wear large. Maine Coons, for example, are very large cats and generally wear large.

If you have any questions, you can E-Mail Us or call us at 1-800-989-2542.

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10) What if I select the wrong size?

No problem. When you receive your package, first take one of the nail caps out and try it on your cat's claws without the glue. It should fit like a glove. If it is the wrong size you may send it back and we will exchange it for another size. Do not open the glue and make sure all components are present for return. Be sure to send it in a padded mailer so it remains in new condition.

12) Can cats get infections from these like humans can get from acrylic nails?

No. Cat's claws are completely different from human nails. Cats shed the outer sheaths of their claws periodically. You have probably seen this around their scratching post (or couch). The same happens when they are wearing Soft Paws®. The nail cap comes off with the normal shedding of the outer nail sheath. This prevents the possibility of infection.

13) Can Soft Paws®  be used on back claws?

Yes. Although most people apply Soft Paws®  only to the front paws, they can also be used on the back if desired.

Applying Soft Paws®  to the hind claws will help prevent damage from cats jumping on and off furniture. Also, many people have used Soft Paws®  on the hind claws of cats who have skin problems and scratch excessively. The nail caps help prevent self-inflicted damage from scratching.

14) Should Soft Paws®  only be used on indoor cats?

Yes. Soft Paws®   should only be used on indoor cats because they will blunt the cat's defenses. Cats who go outdoors should not wear Soft Paws® .

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15) What should I do if the Soft Paws®  stay on longer than six weeks?

Normally the nail caps will fall off with the natural growth of the cat's nails. But, some cats (actually very few) don't shed their nails as rapidly as other cats and the nail caps don't fall off on their own. If this occurs, all that needs to be done is to trim the very tip of the nail cap. This will help break the adhesive seal and the nail caps should fall off.

Please note: It is important to periodically check your cat's nails, i.e. once weekly, to ensure none of the nails have gown too long. Since cats' nails grow in a curved manner, if they grow too long, they will start to curl under the paw pad. If you notice the nail is too long, just trim the tip of the nail cap to remove.

If you have any questions, always feel free to contact us.

16) Can Soft Paws®  be used on ferrets, rabbits and iguanas?

Yes. Soft Paws®  work great on ferrets, rabbits and iguanas. Use the following guidelines for sizing:

Ferrets: Use kitten size.
Rabbits: Use Soft Paws for dogs, size small.
Iguanas: One foot and less (without tail) will probably wear kitten. Over a foot will probably use Soft Paws for dogs, size small. These caps may need to be trimmed at the base so they are shorter to provide a better fit. The best accepted color for iguanas is black.

17) How can I order Soft Paws®?

You can Order Online securely with your credit card, or print and mail the order form with your credit card number or check, or fax your credit card information to our office! Or feel free to call us 24/7 at 1-800-989-2542 . We'll be happy to take your order or answer any questions you may have about Soft Paws®.

18) Most important, do these really work?

YES! To read some comments from people using Soft Paws® please visit our testimonials page.