Cat Claw Covers: A Humane Option to Declawing

Cat claw covers are more than just a decorative accessory. They are also a much more humane alternative to declawing your house cat.

In the United States, the declawing of cats is thought of as an "easy" surgery. One that about 25% of all American house cats have undergone. The truth is much different.

Did you know that in some countries declawing your cat is illegal, if not done for medical reasons? Or that some American veterinarians refuse to do this very invasive surgery?

What everyone thinks is such an easy surgery is actually an amputation. We aren't talking just trimming the nails, or even just removing the nails. A cat's claws actually develop within the bones of the cat's toes. To remove them requires the amputation of all or part of the toe's end bones.

The equivalent to humans would be like having all of your fingers (and possibly toes, if the cat's back claws are taken too) amputated down to the first joint. Sound like an easy surgery to you?

I thought not.

Image Credit: Amazon
Feline Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps Take-Home Kit, Small, Pink

Claw Covers on Amazon


Feline Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps Take-... Only $18.34 View on Amazon	Soft Claws for Cats - CLS (Cleat Lock... Only $13.98 View on Amazon	Feline Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps Take-... Only $14.19 View on Amazon

How to Apply the Cat Claw Covers

If your cat is already used to getting their nails trimmed, adding the claw covers will be a snap. If you aren't in the habit of doing regular trims for your cat, this is likely to be the toughest step. For the first couple of time applying the nail caps, you may need an extra set of hands to hold the cat.

That being said, attaching these covers really is simple. Just follow these steps:

Trim the ends of your cat's nail...just the tips are enough.
Fill the covers about a third of the way with the supplied adhesive.
Extend your cat's claws. This is actually very easy to do. Simply place your index at the bottom of the paw and apply pressure to the top of the paw with your thumb. Be gentle, it doesn't take much to get the claws to extend.
Slip the covers over the nails.
Watch your cat closely for 5 minutes or so after applying. If a cap works off, don't worry too much about it. It won't harm your cat if they swallow it, and the kit usually comes with extras.

The only bad news is that this is not a one-time job. Cat's claws will grow and shed. You will need to reapply the covers every 4 to 6 weeks. Luckily these kits generally come with several applications of covers.

A Veterinarian Shows How To Apply Covers

On YouTube

Choosing the Right Size

Small, Medium, or Large

If you've been looking at the products here on this page, you've probably noticed two things. One: the claw covers come in a multitude of colors choices. You can choose ones that will blend in and not be noticed (clear, white, or black) or go outrageous with bright red or even purple. They will all work the same.

The second thing to notice about this product is that it comes in different sizes. This is important. You want to be sure you have the right size for your cat. Luckily it isn't too hard.

Most adult cats that are average size will wear size Medium. What's average? Around 9 to 13 pounds, as a general rule. Smaller boned cats will need the small size and large cats will need the ...you guessed it...large size.

Soft Claws Nail Caps - Large - Natural

Only $13.0

View on Amazon

Check Out My Other Cat Articles Online

Cats Are Aliens

Cat Drinking Fountain: Where all the Cool Cats Hang

Cat Scratching Post: Save the Furniture AND Keep the Cat!

Updated: 10/12/2012, belinda342

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Should Declawing Be Outlawed in America?

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belinda342 on 05/25/2013

Thank you, Mr. Claus!

AnomalousArtist on 05/14/2013

That was an absolutely fascinating article, have to think about that one for awhile! :)

belinda342 on 05/10/2013

I have two inside cats that still have all their claws. They have a scratching post and they are really good about using it rather than the furniture. If that changes, they'll be getting these nail covers in a heartbeat.

pawpaw on 05/09/2013

Cat Claw Covers are a great option for those who don't want to declaw. We have one inside cat with claws, but he doesn't do too much damage.

Wournos on 03/01/2013

I am not an American and I am totally against the removal of claws just because the owner doesn't want claw marks on their furniture. I prefer to shoot water at the cats from one of those "water guns" for flowers to make them stop. Unless I can trim their claws, that is.

katiem2 on 10/17/2012

What a wonderful and lovely option. My daughters, and cat lovers, are going to love this. We have an older cat we adopted that was already declawed out of vet pressure and ignorance, it was so common and yet we feel really bad for her. She acts as if she's sharpening her claws like our other cat that has claws. Our youngest cat is not declawed and we have no regrets. But I would love giving the claw covers a go as she sets on my lap working her claws into my leg which can be painful. I love the variety of colors in these cute humane claw covers. Thanks for the wonderful option. :)K

Ragtimelil on 10/15/2012

I've heard that these do work. Good to inform cat owners about options. I'm not in favor of passing more laws, but I'm not in favor of declawing either.