I need some of these.....

big-cat-fan

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Hey.
I was wondering if anyone can tell me what yall think about those fingernail covers.

And if yall think they are good... where can I find them?

Garfield is tearing up everything!!!
He is only 16 weeks old but is almost as big as Lilo. he is tearing up the corner on my sofa. Also my loveseat and the chair and ottoman!! He didnt pick just one...


Also he scratches the girls b/c he gets too playful sometimes.

Thanks, Sarah
 

arlyn

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I use them on my clawed cats, they work great.
Petsmart carries them, but I recommend you get your first set from your vet, so the claws can be properly sized and the right size caps used.
Your vet will also show you how to properly apply them.
In fact, a tech should be able to do all this, and not cost you for an exam, only the caps.
 
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big-cat-fan

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Originally Posted by Arlyn

I use them on my clawed cats, they work great.
Petsmart carries them, but I recommend you get your first set from your vet, so the claws can be properly sized and the right size caps used.
Your vet will also show you how to properly apply them.
In fact, a tech should be able to do all this, and not cost you for an exam, only the caps.
Oh great. That would work out great b/c he is going in tomorrow to get his FVRCP (I think that is what it is ...
)
Thanks!! Do you remember about how much they cost?
 

arlyn

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My first set from the vet cost about $20 for 40 caps, which is anywhere from a month, to two months worth depending on the growth rate on the claws, average Petsmart and Petco price is about $15 for 40 caps.
 
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big-cat-fan

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Originally Posted by j171978

Have you thought about getting him declawed?
Well no not really. I dont like that idea. What would he do when he has an itch or something. Besides I heard it is very painful. I have heard alot about these nail covers. They are not permanent. And pain free.
 

mom2snickers

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Originally Posted by j171978

Have you thought about getting him declawed?
Personally, I've never believed in declawing. I've heard horrible stories of it being done wrong and the cat getting hurt physically and psychologically from it. Not to mention, if it were to get out and needed to protect itself, it wouldn't be able to as well. I just think declawing is cruel. Buy a scratching post and spray it with catnip to start training the cat to use that instead. I've had several cats over the years, all clawed and never had a problem with it destroying anything but it's scratching posts.
 
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big-cat-fan

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Originally Posted by Mom2Snickers

Personally, I've never believed in declawing. I've heard horrible stories of it being done wrong and the cat getting hurt physically and psychologically from it. Not to mention, if it were to get out and needed to protect itself, it wouldn't be able to as well. I just think declawing is cruel. Buy a scratching post and spray it with catnip to start training the cat to use that instead. I've had several cats over the years, all clawed and never had a problem with it destroying anything but it's scratching posts.
Hey that is a great idea as well. Catnip spray?? Where do you get that?
 

momofmany

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Originally Posted by Big-Cat-Fan

Hey that is a great idea as well. Catnip spray?? Where do you get that?
Petsmart carries it.

Get yourself a tall cat scratch post also. Anytime you see him on the furniture, redirect him to the post (carry him over to it and rub his paws on it). I've been able to train all of mine that way.

If you ever potty trained a puppy, you know that you have to watch them constantly for signs that they have to go outside. If you bring them out consistently, they learn. Same happens to kittens with scratch posts.
 

pat

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Lots of vendors carry catnip spray, quality will vary, so do your research. If your cat is not a catnip responder, there are also other sprays such as honeysuckle, or combo sprays with catnip, valerian and honeysuckle.

Double-sided tape worked well for me re edges of sofas etc (and there is a product out called Sticky Paws which for more money, does the same thing).

Declawing - glad you aren't considering it. Did it once in my many years of owning cats, biggest mistake, I'm still apologizing to Michaela (RB for many years now).


Also...strategic placement of horizontal scratching pads behind furniture can also help retrain them - though you need to guide them to it (sometimes) and praise them for using it versus the couch or chair. Any of the freestanding cardboard ones designed on a slight slope will work.
 

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I was told not to use the caps since cats have retractable claws and the caps keep them in the out position all the time... I use the catnip spray and vigilance
 
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big-cat-fan

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Great advice.

I think I am leaning more toward the scratch post with the catnip spray now.
I will try it and let everyone know how he does.
I thank you and Garfield WILL thank you ( one day)
 

mom2snickers

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Just another idea...

If the cat is a slow learner, so to speak and insists on heading back to furniture. Get a spray bottle with a direct steam function on the nozzle and fill it with water. If kitty starts to put its paws on the furniture, a quick spirts on the fanny is a good attention getter. You aren't hurting the kitty in any way (as long you aim for it's butt!) and kitty will just lick the water off. Don't soak 'em, just a short single squirt and kitty will run from the couch. After the first or second time of doing this, either miss and hit the furniture (it'll dry!) or even just the sight of the water bottle will change your cats mind of its plans.
 

arlyn

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Originally Posted by sharky

I was told not to use the caps since cats have retractable claws and the caps keep them in the out position all the time... I use the catnip spray and vigilance
I can share with you that in my experience, my cats do not have any trouble retracting their claws with caps on.

All very great ideas to retrain Garfield appropriate scratching, however, no one yet has offered any advice on getting him to keep his claws out of his younger kitty buddies.

I was hoping to see some advice on that, as I don't have any myself and I'm always looking for more tricks to file away in case it ever comes up.
 
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big-cat-fan

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Yes and even if he does take to the scratching post... when he plays rough with the girls that scratching post wont come in handy. hmmmmm


Maybe I should consider the claw covers.
 
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big-cat-fan

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Originally Posted by Arlyn

Here is their faq page.
They have pics up of cats wearing the caps as well.

Soft Paws FAQ
Oh wow!!! Thanks!! This is what im gonna get. Garfield likes the blue....
 
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