Soft Paws - how short should the claws be?

Trimming Chloe's claws is an awful experience and I can never get more than 1-2 done at a time. I am going to try to wrap her in a towel tonight, but this girl is impossible. It's like WWIII trying to get her claws trimmed.

I need to get Soft Paws on her. Not because she scratches in the wrong spots, but because she is really hurting me (and my SO)! Sure, cutting the claws would help if I could manage to get that done, but getting Soft Paws on her seems easier because no scissors are involved.

So...how important is it to cut claws before putting Soft Paws on? Could I get away with sticking them on loner claws?

ALSO, is there anything to make trimming her claws possible? Like a kitty straight-jacket? I'm only half-joking.

I don't think you really need to have them cut, trimmed back yes. They will fit better if the claws aren't grown out too long. If you look at them there is room for a longer claw.

A lot of people use soft paws on this site, I'm sure someone will have better knowledge than I do!!

The only thing I could tell you about making trimming easier would to be starting when they are kittens. Our cats aren't great about it, but they tolerate it. I'm sorry I don't have advice for making it any easier.

Hello~! I use them on my baby, and it really is pretty important that you trim the nails before putting the soft paws on. It goes along with the natural nail cycle, and comes off when the nails reach a certain length. I don't believe it would work very well if you didn't trim, as the cycle of growth would be different than it's supposed to be..

But I'm really not sure. It just seems off to me.

But then again, I'm lucky to have a really docile kitty who lets us do anything to him and doesn't mind a good nail trim. Haha.

I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do.

I cut Peppers just a little. I just get the sharp tips off. It seems to work just fine.

Originally Posted by EnzoLeya

I don't think you really need to have them cut, trimmed back yes. They will fit better if the claws aren't grown out too long. If you look at them there is room for a longer claw.

A lot of people use soft paws on this site, I'm sure someone will have better knowledge than I do!!

The only thing I could tell you about making trimming easier would to be starting when they are kittens. Our cats aren't great about it, but they tolerate it. I'm sorry I don't have advice for making it any easier.

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I've had Chloe since she was 3 months old, she's almost 7 months old now. I know that's supposed to help when she's older, but she's such an active kitten now that it makes it hard. She is crazy and hates having it done. It's torture for both of us.

I did get 1 cut last night, but it was quite a production.

ETA: I managed to trim all today!!!! Not very short because I'm paranoid about cutting too close to the quick. I put 3 Soft Paws on, but 1 cap has already fallen off. I don't know how to get the glue in there, they are the tiny kitten size. A toothpick would help if I had some around.

She's fine once they are on, but getting her to hold still long enough to slip them on is a challenge. If she's sleepy I have a better shot but then she wakes up super fast.