softpaws vs declaw?

Question

in the past,i declawed cats in my job but,always thought it kinda cruel.so,anyone on here ever use softpaws as an alternative?if so,did they work and how long did they last?

Answer 1

Soft Paws is the best answer every time! I've had a declawed cat (will Never do that again!) and have had many kitties with Soft Paws. The nail caps are just like artificial nails - the cat can't even feel them. Many vets and groomers will put them on for you if you're nervous about it.

I run a licensed cat rescue and have come across two main reasons for cats being abandoned. They either have litterbox problems or scratching the furniture problems. 95% of the cats with litterbox problems that I rescue were declawed. The pain of stepping in a litter box after having a large part of your foot removed tends to stick with them, making them reluctant litterbox users in the future. Declawed cats are also more likely to bite, since that's their only defense mechanism left.

The cats who scratch on furniture, on the other hand, are great with the litterbox and easy to train not to scratch in the wrong places. The Softpaws will last you up to eight months, which gives you plenty of time to reward scratching post use and correct inappropriate scratching behavior before the softpaws come off.

Answer 2

Ok, depends on which works best for you... they have soft paws (claws covers) for about $20 every 4-6months. Remember that they need replaced every 2-3wks when they fall off... And there is declaw.. in which they first sedate your cat, then push the cats claws out as far as they can go then clip them as short as possible, and smash the end of the nail bed until further growth is not possible.. (at least this is how my vet does it)... painful! Yes, they get pain meds. I too live in TX but can't give you an accurate price didn't have it done.. but they will make you get pain meds.. not optional.. like it is with spay/neuter. Call your vet. Do remember that not only are you taking away your cats ability to scratch furniture up, you would be also taking away his ability to scratch an itch, grasp, hold, establish proper footing for walking, running, springing, and climbing. And also, a declawed cat can NEVER go outside... They are vulnerable to predators even other cats.. they have NO defenses.. Most vets, will not declaw the back feet because of this danger, but the cat is still left encapable of proper defense. Please also consider where you cat would go if you died all of a sudden?! What would happen to it? Would he be put outside by someone else later? Declawing is permanant, and should only be a last resort. I suggest you try getting your cat a huge climbing tree/scratching post,... and soft paws or asking your vet to trim your cats nails for you every 3-4 wks... before you really ever consider declawing.. lots of times your cat will calm down as it gets older. My cat was a bit on the crazy side from 3-6 months and yes I considered declawing, (easy way out).. but would never do it. Our cat condo with scratching post and a water bottle was the perfect fix. I might add that I foster cats and kittens.. Also, I am a PETA fan.. I think you need to remember what PETA means... PEOPLE for the ETHICAL TREATMENT of ANIMALS.. and they are REAL people and the REAL animal lovers! PETA and I have an animals best intrest and wellfare in mind and care about all animal species,.. not just domestic.

Answer 3

I had a cat declawed once and never again. I witnessed what they did to declaw them and it made me sick to my stomach thinking what my cat was going thru. I just make my own scratching post. Cheaper than buying in the store. I have the same post for over 10 yrs. Just replaced the carpet on it when needed. Mine is floor to ceiling cause my cats love to race to the top and attack the post. Solid built as well using 2 2x4s screwed together with a 10x10 plywood base and carpet stapled all around it. Secured to ceiling by rubber tips. They won't use the 2' scratching posts cause not tall enough for them to really stretch up and scratch. That's why I made my own. Only cost me bout $5 using scrap carpet that ppl throw out in the garbage.

Sorry I got carried away. lol Heard of soft paws but never had a need to use them.

Answer 4

I have tried the softpaws, and for my cats, they did not work. The cats can pull them off with their teeth. I was skeptical about having my cats declawed, but I had it done and now I do not have to worry about my couch being torn to pieces. If you do have your cat declawed, just do the front, leave the back claws because they need something to scratch with and some sort of defense.

Answer 5

I was going to get softpaws for my cats but I don't like that they fall off. I had them declawed as kittens. It is up to you. Try them first. If not declawing is not as bad as some people think. I took my cats to a great vet who put my cats on painkillers for a few weeks after surgery. It didn't faze them too much because they weren't in pain. Yes I paid for the painkillers. But who wouldn't?
But try the softpaws, and if you don't mind that they fall off eventually then it's a good choice for you.

Answer 6

I don't know what Softpaws are. Are they like little booties or something? Or claw covers? And you're right about de-clawing being cruel. It is mutilation plain and simple. If people are so worried about their furniture or curtains, they shouldn't have a cat in the first place. They should get a goldfish.

Answer 7

I think that the Soft Paws product is a wonderful alternative to declawing.... I don't think declawing is a good idea unless it is medically necessary. Good luck with the soft paws!
I check on ebay and you can get soft paws there for a reduced price.... thought this might be helpful......

Answer 8

My cat has soft claws on. He's still a very active kitten and in the beginning it lasts only 6 weeks to 2 months because he tried to bite them off but now at the 3rd months they are still intact.

Answer 9

Spftpaw seen to be a better solution. My kitten is the same. I kept taking her to the scratching mat each time she scratches the the furniture. My husband thinks i am great to have so much patience and now all I have to do now is to say hey... go to your mat and she will look at me. I will repeat again if she does it again. and again she will stop and look at me. And then ... wo..lah.. she goes to the scratching mat and I praise her..Hope this will help you. Patience my friend and she will understand you..Good luck..

Answer 10

They work and they last long enough to train the cat not to scratch.