Soft Paws Nail Caps — Cat Grooming Greenvale
Soft vinyl caps applied over your cat's natural nails using pet-safe adhesive. Lasts 4-6 weeks before naturally shedding with the nail. A humane alternative to declawing (which is illegal in Australia).
Who is the Soft Paws Nail Caps for?
Cats with destructive scratching habits, multi-pet households where cats scratch each other, owners with skin-fragile family members or recent skin grafts/surgery.
About the Soft Paws Nail Caps
Soft Paws are flexible vinyl caps applied over your cat's natural nails using pet-safe adhesive. The cat retains all 18 nails, can stretch, scratch, knead and walk normally — but the cap covers the sharp tip, preventing scratch damage to skin, furniture, and other pets. They naturally shed every 4-6 weeks as the underlying nail grows out, just like a small piece of plastic falling off.
Soft Paws are particularly useful in households where someone has thin skin (older relatives, post-surgery patients, blood thinners), where multiple cats fight, where there is a child too young to learn safe-cat handling, or where a beloved couch is being destroyed faster than the owner can train alternatives. They are not a substitute for scratching posts and behaviour training — but they are a safe, painless interim solution.
Soft Paws come in colours (clear is most common; pink, blue, glitter and others are available — let us know when booking). Application is straightforward but requires a calm cat — the adhesive needs about 30 seconds per nail to set. Cats may chew at the caps for the first day or two; this is normal and the caps are non-toxic if swallowed.
**Important:** Australia has banned cat declawing under animal cruelty law since 2014. Soft Paws are the legal, humane alternative. We will never recommend or facilitate declawing.
What happens during the appointment
- Cat is positioned comfortably
- Each nail is briefly clipped if too long
- A drop of adhesive into the cap, then slid onto the nail
- 30-second hold for the adhesive to set
- Repeat across all 18 nails (front + back + dewclaws)
- Brief settling period before pickup so caps are fully cured
What's included in the price
- ✓ Set of 20+ Soft Paws caps (one application worth — cat will only wear 18 at a time)
- ✓ Pet-safe adhesive
- ✓ Application across all 18 nails
- ✓ Aftercare guidance
Aftercare
Cats often chew at the caps for the first 12-24 hours. Distract with play, treats, or scratch posts. Caps will start falling off naturally at 4-6 weeks — when you see 1-2 missing, book the next appointment. Do not pull caps off; let them fall naturally with the nail.
Soft Paws Nail Caps — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Soft Paws cruel?
No. Cats retain all natural nail function — they can stretch, knead, climb, scratch posts. The cap simply covers the sharp tip. There is no surgical or permanent change.
My cat hates having paws touched. Will this work?
It depends. We try once. If your cat shows real distress we stop and refund the unfit nails. Many cats accept it more easily than nail trimming because the paw is held only briefly per nail.
How often will I need to come back?
Every 4-6 weeks. The caps shed naturally with the nail. We can replace just the missing ones for $20, or do a full reset for $35.
What colours are available?
Clear is the most popular. We also stock pink, blue, red, purple and glitter. Mention your preference when booking.
Can outdoor cats have Soft Paws?
We do not recommend it. Outdoor cats need full nail function for climbing, defending themselves, and gripping unstable surfaces.
Is declawing legal in Australia?
No. Cat declawing has been banned in Australia under animal cruelty legislation since 2014. Soft Paws are the humane, legal alternative.
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Open 7 days, 9 AM – 7 PM. Greenvale studio, all Melbourne suburbs welcome.