Best Cat Nail Caps: Ranked and Reviewed

Written by Hannah Ward
Updated: December 10, 2022
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Best forProduct
Best OverallSoft Claws Cat Nail Caps
Best on a BudgetVICTHY Colorful Cat Nail Caps
Best Multi-ColorKitty Caps Cat Nail Caps
Best American-MadePurrdy Paws Soft Cat Nail Caps

Scratching is a natural way that cats keep their nails in the best shape possible. But it can cause problems in your home. Damaged furniture, torn curtains, and scratches to loved ones can be just some of the inconveniences that scratching can cause. For those with health issues, these can quickly become a serious problem. In the past, declawing was the solution most cat owners took to keep from dealing with unwanted scratching. Today, though, cat nail caps are the preferred method to keep your cat’s scratching from tearing up your life and home.

Cat nail caps are a great way to keep your cat’s nails safe and reduce their discomfort. With fun colors, it can also be a fun way to let your cat show some style or celebrate a holiday. Whether you want a budget-friendly option or are willing to spend a bit more on style, or even if you’re looking for American-made cat nail caps, there are options that will work for you. Here are the best cat nail caps we have found — reviewed and ranked!

  1. Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps
    • Great value and universal fit
    • Available in clear or color options
    • Available in various sizes for the perfect fit
    • Solid grip ensure they don't slip off
    • Easy to apply
    • One package includes 40 caps, which lasts around 4-6 months
    Check Chewy
  2. VICTHY Colorful Cat Nail Caps
    • Includes glue and applicators
    • Includes 140 caps in a variety of vibrant colors
    • Greatest value when you use all the caps included
    Check Amazon
  3. Kitty Caps Cat Nail Caps
    • Available in four sizes and several color options
    • Nail caps last for 4-6 weeks
    • Package includes two tubes of adhesive and applicators
    • Vinyl caps are non-toxic
    Check Chewy
  4. Purrdy Paws Soft Cat Nail Caps
    • Available in four sizes — from kitten to large cats
    • Package include four tubes of adhesive and 40 caps
    • Vinyl material is non-toxic and safe to use
    • American-made with fast shipping
    • Affordable pricetag
    Check Chewy

The Best Cat Nail Caps: Reviewed

#1 Best Overall: Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps

Our selection as the best overall cat nail caps are the Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps.

These are a great value, work for most cats, and have everything that you need to start using them right away. This package includes 40 clear nail caps but Soft Claws does make them in a variety of colors, including glitter options. They also come in three different sizes so you can be sure to find ones that will fit and stay on your cat’s nails. These nail caps have a specialized locking texture that allows for greater grip so they won’t slip off easily. They also allow your cat to retract their claws so that they won’t impact their ability to comfortably walk or run.

These nail caps are an all-around great buy. They work for most pet owners, are easy to apply, have plenty of options, and are comfortable for cats. One purchase has enough nail caps to last around four to six months, depending on how active your cat is and your type of floor.

Although this product has a lot going for it some customers have reported that the glue supplied is not strong enough as some cats can pull them off quite easily.

Pros and Cons of the Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps

ProsCons
These nail caps have a specialized locking texture that allows for greater grip.Some cats pull them off easily.
They are available in three different sizes.
These nail caps are easy to apply.
There are 40 nail caps in this packet.
Best Overall
Soft Claws Cat Nail Caps
  • Great value and universal fit
  • Available in clear or color options
  • Available in various sizes for the perfect fit
  • Solid grip ensure they don't slip off
  • Easy to apply
  • One package includes 40 caps, which lasts around 4-6 months
Check Chewy

2. Best on a Budget: VICTHY Colorful Cat Nail Caps

If you aren’t picky on the color, then the VICTHY Colorful Cat Nail Caps are the best value we have found.

There are 140 nail caps in this package and they come in 14 different colors (randomly assorted). Each package also includes seven tubes of adhesive and seven applicators. Surprisingly, it actually costs less than some of the 40 count options! There are also several size options available so you can choose the perfect fit for your kitties claws.

To get the best value, you do need to use all of the colors included. If you like giving your cat some extra flair, this will actually be a perk for you. But if you prefer something less flashy such as clear or white, most of the cat nail caps included in this package won’t fit your taste. These are great nail caps and a fantastic value if you do use them. If you won’t use all of the ones included, you may want to opt for one of our other options that allows more control over the color you get.

Unfortunately, some pet parents have reported that some of these nail caps fell off after only a few days.

Pros and Cons of the VICTHY Colorful Cat Nail Caps

ProsCons
Each package contains 140 nail caps, seven tubes of adhesive, and seven applicators.Not every color and design will be to your taste.
There are a variety of colors and designs in each package.Some nail caps can fall off after a few days.
There are several sizes available.
Best on a Budget
VICTHY Colorful Cat Nail Caps
  • Includes glue and applicators
  • Includes 140 caps in a variety of vibrant colors
  • Greatest value when you use all the caps included
Check Amazon

3. Best Multi-Colored: Kitty Caps Cat Nail Caps

For an option that allows some control over color choices, the Kitty Caps Cat Nail Caps are a great buy.

These nail caps come in four size options and with plenty of color choices. They come in packages of 40 which are split between two colors, so you choose your favorites. Some even have different color tips, and this company is one of only a few to offer this option.

These nail caps are well made and will work for four to six weeks. The package comes with two adhesive tubes and applicators to make putting them on easy. The vinyl caps are made of a non-toxic material but the company does recommend keeping the adhesive away from your cat’s mouth, taking special care to keep them from licking their paws while the adhesive dries.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that these nail caps do not stay on their pet’s claws for the full four to six weeks.

Pros and Cons of the Kitty Caps Cat Nail Caps

ProsCons
These nail caps come in packages of 40 split between two different colors.They don’t stay on for the full four to six weeks.
There are several colors available, including some with different colored nail tips.
Each package comes with two adhesive tubes and applicators.
They are made from aa non-toxic material.
There are four size options available.
Best Multi-Color
Kitty Caps Cat Nail Caps
  • Available in four sizes and several color options
  • Nail caps last for 4-6 weeks
  • Package includes two tubes of adhesive and applicators
  • Vinyl caps are non-toxic
Check Chewy

4. Best American-Made: Purrdy Paws Nail Caps 

If you’re looking for a product made in the US then we suggest the Purrdy Paws Nail Caps.

These cat nail caps come in four sizes from kitten to large cats over 14 pounds. They use a similar application method as most nail caps and include four tubes of adhesive with the 40 clear nail caps in this package. They are made of vinyl and were developed and approved by veterinarians so you can be sure that the material is safe for your cat. They also come with application tips and instructions to make putting them on even easier.

One of the things that makes the Purrdy Paws option stand out is that they are American-made and ship quickly. If your cat is causing havoc in your home and you want a solution quickly, the Purrdy Pet nail caps are a great buy. They are also reasonably priced, especially when you consider that you don’t need to purchase adhesive separately. There are 40 nail caps in this pack, which will last most pet owners with a single cat around four to six months.

However, some customers reported that these nail caps fall off quite quickly, while others found that the glue takes too long to dry which means if their pets walk around before it dries sufficiently the caps move around and slide off.

Pros and Cons of the Purrdy Paws Nail Caps 

ProsCons
There are 40 nail caps in each package.Sometimes the nail caps drop off sooner than expected.
Each package comes with four tubes of adhesive and applicators.The glue takes longer to dry than advised.
These nail caps are developed and approved by veterinarians.
They are made from non-toxic vinyl.
There are four sizes available which are suitable for kittens to cats weighing up to 14 pounds.
Best American-Made
Purrdy Paws Soft Cat Nail Caps
  • Available in four sizes — from kitten to large cats
  • Package include four tubes of adhesive and 40 caps
  • Vinyl material is non-toxic and safe to use
  • American-made with fast shipping
  • Affordable pricetag
Check Chewy

How to Choose the Right Cat Nail Caps

When selecting cat nails caps for your kitty, consider the size of your cat, the material that the nail caps are made of, and the overall design and look.

Let’s look at these in more detail:

Size

Most cat nail caps come in four different sizes: kitten, small, medium, and large. Kitten nail caps are best for young cats up to six months old. Small, medium, and large nail caps are based on your cat’s weight. If the nail caps do not fit right, they will not stay on or will cause your cat discomfort. You can consult with your vet if you aren’t sure which size to try.

Material

Cat nail caps are usually made of a vinyl resin and attached with a non-toxic adhesive. Make sure to check that the material used is safe for your cat. As your cat’s nails grow, the nail caps will come off. This usually happens every 4 to 6 weeks. You will want to make sure that these old nail caps do not create a hazard for your cat.

Design

Cat nail caps are a great way to let your pet enjoy some special style. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns, even those with extra holiday flair. If you prefer something less bold, you can always opt for clear or white nail caps. You can also choose nail caps that compliment your cat’s fur.

How to Apply Cat Nail Caps

You can find cat nail cap kits that include everything you need for application or purchase these items as needed. To get started, you will need some adhesive and the caps themselves. Most applications last for 4 to 6 weeks, although that will vary based on your cat’s activity level.

  • Extend your cat’s nails by pressing on their paw gently.
  • Try the nail cap on your cat to make sure that it is a good fit.
  • Once you are sure that the nail cap fits, put pet-safe adhesive into the nail cap and fill â…“ of the way.
  • Slide the nail cap onto your cat’s nail and press down gently. Hold it in place for a minute to make sure it has adhered.
  • After you have applied all of the nail caps, observe your cat for 5 to 10 minutes to make sure that none have come loose.

The Different Types of Cat Nail Caps: Pros and Cons Compared

Cat nail caps can be clear or have a color or design. Both work great to keep scratching in check, but some pet owners may prefer one type over another.

Clear cat nail caps are natural-looking so they’re a great way of stopping your cat from scratching without changing their appearance. There’s also no need to make sure that they match. However, clear nail caps are not usually available in large quantities.

On the other hand, patterned nail caps allow you to express your cat’s style or to celebrate. They are also often available in larger quantities. However, sourcing your exact desired color can sometimes be tricky.

Our Criteria and Experience: How We Chose the Best

At A-Z Animals, we strive to find the best products available to help meet your specific needs when it comes to your pet. In the case of pet cats, we understand completely (in fact, I’m the owner of two wonderful cats myself) how challenging it can be to have one or more cats that prefer your furniture to the scratching posts and pads you’ve provided them. That’s why we added only the best products to our list of recommendations. Our research yielded the products we deemed to be the best because they met the the following criteria:

  • Safety: The cat nail caps are made of safe, non-toxic materials that don’t irritate your cat’s paws, and stay on as intended for the average amount of expected time.
  • Fit: We made sure that the products we recommended to you are designed to be easy to apply, and that the adhesive to attach them will work well to hold them in place.
  • Aesthetics: Putting cat nail caps on your feline’s claws can be fun, like going to a nail salon. We provided options to decorate your kitty’s nails in style so that he/she will be the talk of the town!

Up Next…

Best forProduct
Best OverallSoft Claws Cat Nail Caps
Best on a BudgetVICTHY Colorful Cat Nail Caps
Best Multi-ColorKitty Caps Cat Nail Caps
Best American-MadePurrdy Paws Soft Cat Nail Caps
About the Author

Hannah is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on reptiles, marine life, mammals, and geography. Hannah has been writing and researching animals for four years alongside running her family farm. A resident of the UK, Hannah loves riding horses and creating short stories.

Best Cat Nail Caps: Ranked and Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What cat nail cap is best?

The best cat nail cap is the one that your cat will keep on. Because they are pretty affordable, it can be a good idea to try multiple options to see which your cat prefers. If you have friends with cats, you can even split the cost so that all pets get to try them. You should look for a cat nail cap that is non-toxic. The last thing that you want is to worry about what your cat has ingested if one of their nail caps comes off.

Do cat nail covers actually work?

Yes, cat nail caps are a great way to keep your cat from scratching furniture or people without putting them through the harsh procedure of declawing. Many pet owners and vets no longer consider declawing as a humane practice for cats.

Do nail caps keep cats from climbing?

Cats use their claws to climb so cat nail caps will keep your cat from climbing in this way. They do not prevent your cat from retracting their nails, however, so walking and jumping are not impacted by nail caps. Provide your cat with plenty of places and perches to jump to, such as a cat tree that has multiple levels. This is a great way for cats to get to high perches without needing to climb.

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