Nail Caps

By Deb Haines

Nail caps are tiny plastic covers that you glue over your cat’s nails. They’re inexpensive, you can apply them at home, and they last between four to six weeks, but check paws often.

To properly use cat nail caps, trim your cats nails slightly longer than usual, apply a small amount of adhesive inside the nail cap, carefully slide the cap onto the nail, ensuring it doesn’t touch the skin or cuticle, and monitor your pet for a few minutes to ensure the cap is secure; make sure to choose the correct size for your pet’s nails and reapply as needed as the nails grow out.

Should actually need replacing every 3 to 4 weeks.

Note…Check the packaging carefully when shopping for nail caps to ensure you buy some that fit your cat’s nails.

Nail caps should only be used on indoor cats because a cat’s defenses will be blunted while wearing them. Cats that go outdoors should not wear them.

It leave cats vulnerable by eliminating their main defense mechanism.

Are nail caps safe?

Many veterinarians do recommend cat claw caps as a humane and effective way to prevent cats from scratching and causing damage to furniture and other surfaces then to seek a place to declare the cat, make outdoor cat or rehome.

Clipping cats nails

Becareful to not clip the quick. The quick is an interconnected network of blood vessels in the part of the nail closest to the paw. You can identify the quick by looking for a pinkish or reddish mass within the nail.

If you don’t feel comfortable clipping your cats nails, go to a veterinarian or professional groomer to have your cat’s nails clipped.

Many groom salons will help you applying the nail caps.

Read carefully and follow the how to apply caps on the packaging.

**The Vet Corner groups encourage members to establish a relationship with their local veterinarian, don’t wait until an emergency.**