Most pet owners when faced with pets are faced not only with joyful moments, but also with some worries. Every cat breeder is familiar with the problem of scratches that damage wallpaper, walls, furniture, the human body, etc. To this end, anti-scratches were invented. What is this innovation?
What are anti-scratches?
Otherwise, they are called "soft claws." These are protective silicone caps specially invented for animals that are glued with medical glue to the pet's claws. They are able to give full protection against scratches. Mostly used claws for cats. However, such "manicure" accessories can also be selected for the dog. The invention of grateful owners causes only positive reviews.
Cat scratches were invented in America by veterinarian Toby Wexler. While American cats have long been introduced to this invention, our Russian cats are just beginning to learn about it.
Silicone anti-scratches for cats are an excellent humane alternative to animal claw removal surgery. Oh, how many small cat legs could be saved from this terrible procedure ...
Soft Claws for Dogs
It seems to many that dog claws are not scratched. However, animal breeders are well aware that this is not so. Perhaps the dog's claws are not as sharp as cat's, but still often scratches can not be avoided. Larger weight, more powerful muscles and indefatigable mobility of dogs lead to the fact that with their claws they can cause damage to furniture (and the owner) no less than their smaller counterparts.
On sale is a whole range of sizes of soft claws for dogs. Anti-scratches can be selected both for small animals, such as Chihuahuas, whose dimensions are smaller than feline, and for large breeds (shepherd dogs, Dobermans).
But all the same, dog anti-scratches are less in demand than cat ones. At the same time, the smallest sizes used for small breeds, which are often worn on the hands, are most popular. Mostly positive feedback is heard from their hosts.
Cat scratches
By nature, cats are lovers to release claws for various reasons. At the same time, upholstered furniture in the house, wallpaper, hands or feet of the owner often suffer. It happens that the animal stubbornly does not want to recognize the scratching post, having chosen a new sofa. For a frequently scratched pet, "soft claws" would be a great solution.
Adaptations will also be useful in the case when the pet needs to be bathed or given medicine, without being afraid of the sharp claws of the animal. Anti-scratches will help protect one cat from another, if you do not have one, or protect other pets from your pet. And if there is a small child in the house, then they will allow you to be much calmer for your baby.
Anti-scratch for cats. Are they harmful?
Of course, this question will be asked by some of the first animal advocates. Veterinarians answer unequivocally: no! Consider why.
The caps are made of a material that is safe for people and animals. Silicone is non-toxic and is often used in medicine. For gluing claws, a special glue is used, which is practiced in human surgery, including during intracavitary operations.
Anti-scratches do not interfere with the growth of the animal’s native claws, since they literally stick to their tips. There is nothing to scratch or hurt under the caps, because the claw is a keratinized formation that has absolutely no sensitivity.
Silicone caps do not stop cats from releasing and retracting claws. The gait and perception of your pet will also not change, since most animals get used to such accessories so that they do not notice foreign objects on their paws.
And, of course, if we compare the anti-scratches and claw removal, which some desperate owners are ready to resort to, then the choice should be obvious. Onyctomy (the name of this complex surgical operation) is a rather complex and traumatic procedure that must be performed under anesthesia. With her, the claw is removed along with the phalange of the finger. It is not surprising that many consider this operation brutal and express negative reviews.
Anti-scratches for a cat may not be suitable if the animal likes active walks on the street. In silicone linings it will be difficult for him to climb a tree in case of danger. In addition, cats can lose in a fight with other animals.
On numerous cat forums you can find various reviews. Cat scratches are often praised, but sometimes scolded. Mostly ardent animal defenders who naturally never applied the invention to their pets speak negatively. Some of the negative reviews come from those who used the anti-scratches incorrectly, not according to the instructions. The bulk of the owners appreciated the fact that calm and comfort came to their house. Most of them confirm that the "soft claws" did not harm their animal at all.
Anti-scratch for cats. Instruction manual
A very important point is the correct fixation of the caps so that the pet is as comfortable as possible in them. How to wear anti-scratch cat? This procedure is so simple that one person can cope with it. So, you need:
Prepare caps and glue in advance.- It is convenient to seat the cat on its lap.
- Squeeze a small amount of glue inside the anti-scratch (fill no more than a third of the cap).
- Take a cat's paw, press on the fingertip that will make the claw come out.
- Put the cap on the claw, after which it is easy to clamp it from the sides for reliable fastening.
- Leave the cat in her arms for several minutes so that the glue dries.
- Release the animal. You may need to distract him from his paws with a game or a treat.
Of course, the cat is likely to want to get acquainted with its new claws closer and, perhaps, try to rip off or nibble them. It is possible that she will succeed. In this case, the owner will need to stick a new silicone protection. Do not worry if the cat swallows such a cap. Non-toxic and absolutely smooth silicone will pass through the gastrointestinal tract without problems and will come out naturally.
Perhaps the first days the owner will have to stick new claws more than once. But even the most stubborn animals after a while usually cease to notice anti-scratches. For cats, the instruction recommends that you gently cut the claws before gluing, literally 1-2 mm, so the product will last longer. It will also be useful to wipe the claw with an acetone-free disinfectant solution to remove any dirt.
Life time
Usually correctly glued caps in a healthy cat last up to two months. This period is associated with the natural growth of the claws of the animal. After this time, the anti-scratches will begin to fall off along with the dead part of the marigold, which should not scare the owner.
How to remove anti-scratch from a cat? Perhaps for some reason you decided to free your cat from the caps. This also needs to be done if more than two months have passed, and they have not disappeared on their own. The glue on which the artificial claws are attached is quite reliable. The only option in this case is to carefully cut off the scratches with scissors.
How to choose a cat anti-scratch
Manufacturers offer a whole line of false nails. You can choose from various sizes and colors of the goods.
It is not difficult to pick up anti-scratches for cats. Their sizes are so diverse that you can find suitable products for both small kittens and adult large breeds.
So is this what your pussy needs?
We hope this article answered some of your questions about anti-scratches for cats. The photos located on the page will help to visualize how the products will look on your pet.
Do not doubt! Anti-scratches for cats - a truly useful invention, convenient for the owners and safe for animals.