Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

5 Best Cat Booties to Prevent Scratching in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Kristin Hitchcock

Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Anti-Scratch Silicone Cat Shoes Boots (1)

5 Best Cat Booties to Prevent Scratching in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Anti-Scratch Silicone Cat Shoes Boots (1)

A cat’s scratching can be pretty destructive. When the cat targets your furniture and carpet, they can easily mark it up. Even worse, when their claws target you, you’ll be left with painful scratches. While booties aren’t a permanent fix to this problem, they can be a short-term option while you work on training or get through a difficult situation.

Cat booties are designed to be worn like socks. Your cat can’t scratch anything because their claws are safely inside their booties. Of course, this also means your felines can’t defend themselves or take care of their claws. You can’t leave booties on forever for this reason, but they can be used periodically.

In this article, we’ll review five of the best cat booties to prevent scratching. We’ll also discuss a few things you should know about choosing the best booties for your feline.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
KCHEX Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes KCHEX Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes
  • Adjustable
  • Can be used in the bath
  • Safe to use
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Harfkoko Pet Heroic Anti-Scratch Cat Booties Harfkoko Pet Heroic Anti-Scratch Cat Booties
  • Many sizes available
  • Silicone gel to prevent sliding
  • Should fit larger cats
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    ASOCEA Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes ASOCEA Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes
  • Holes to allow free passage of water
  • Designed for short-term use
  • Perfect for use during baths and doctor visits
  • AblePet Anti-Scratch Cat Boots AblePet Anti-Scratch Cat Boots
  • Reflective stripe for night visibility
  • Non-slip sole
  • Easy to put on
  • N/Y Anti-Scratch Silicone Cat Shoes N/Y Anti-Scratch Silicone Cat Shoes
  • Adjustable
  • Durable and strong
  • Hole for free-flowing water
  • The 5 Best Cat Booties to Prevent Scratching – Reviews 2024

    1. KCHEX Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes – Best Overall

    KCHEX Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes

    The KCHEX Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes are designed to prevent your cat from scratching. They’re designed for difficult situations, like vet visits and bathing. If you groom your cat at home, they can help you avoid the scratches that often come with regular grooming. They have an open design, allowing water to pass through them, allowing them to be used in baths. They are made out of silicon, unlike most other booties that are made out of fabric.

    While they aren’t as comfortable as some other options, the silica is soft and gentle on your pet’s fur. You don’t want to leave them on for too long, but your feline shouldn’t mind wearing them for a few minutes while they visit the vet or get bathed.

    The size of the show is adjustable using the “magical stickers” on the size. They are even suitable for some kittens and will fit most cats. They are made out of an environmentally friendly material and are entirely safe to use.

    Pros
    • Made of silica
    • Adjustable
    • Can be used in the bath
    • Safe to use
    • Environmentally-friendly
    Cons
    • May not fit on some larger cats

    2. Harfkoko Pet Heroic Anti-Scratch Cat Booties – Best Value

    Harfkoko Pet Heroic Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes

    Compared to other options, these cat booties are incredibly inexpensive. This makes them perfect for those who don’t want to commit to a more significant purchase. If you’re looking for something inexpensive to try, this is a solid option. The Harfkoko Pet Heroic Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes come in a variety of sizes. They are designed for dogs and cats, so you shouldn’t have a problem fitting them on larger cats. They also come in a few different colors if you care what your cat’s booties look like.

    These pet socks are designed to prevent cats from slipping on hardwood floors and to protect your home from scratches. If you’re mainly worried about your feline scratching up your couch, this might be a solid option. Your feline won’t be able to scratch up anything while wearing them, but they won’t slide on the flooring either. The silicone gel on the soles provides extra traction when your cat runs across a slippery floor. These are the best cat booties to prevent scratching for the money.

    The main problem with these socks is that they can’t be used in the bath, as they are made out of fabric. However, unless you plan on bathing your feline with them on, they’re perfect.

    Pros
    • Many sizes available
    • Silicone gel to prevent sliding
    • Should fit larger cats
    • Inexpensive
    Cons
    • Can’t be used in the bath

    3. ASOCEA Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes – Premium Choice

    ASOCEA Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes

    The ASOCEA Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes are another silicone pair of cat booties specifically designed to prevent them from scratching. Due to their oval shape, it may be difficult for your feline to walk around and climb. They aren’t exactly ergonomic.

    However, they are designed to be used in very brief situations, like giving your feline a bath or grooming. They are not designed to be worn for an extended period. Your cat isn’t supposed to walk around the house with them on. For this reason, they are great if you’re trying to get through a challenging situation uninjured. But if you’re concerned that your feline will scratch up your carpets or furniture, these aren’t the best option.

    They do have a bottom hole that will allow water to flow freely through the shoes. This makes them work perfectly in the bath, though you can use them during grooming and vet visits as well.

    The main problem with these shoes is that you should not keep them on for more than a few minutes. They are suitable for a quick bath, and that is about it. Otherwise, you risk injuring your feline.

    Pros
    • Holes to allow free passage of water
    • Perfect for use during baths and doctor visits
    • Designed for short-term use
    Cons
    • Not designed to be worn for an extended period
    • Not ergonomic

    4. AblePet Anti-Scratch Cat Boots

    AblePet Anti-Scratch Cat Boots

    If you’re looking for a long-term option, the AblePet Anti-Scratch Cat Boots are a suitable option. They are specifically designed to be worn for an extended period, so they are pretty soft and comfortable. They have an adjustable strap that should allow them to fit on most cats, as well as a reflective strip for nighttime visibility (though you should never let your cat outside with these on).

    These booties are made of soft and breathable fabric, making them exceptionally comfortable and suitable for long-term wear. The sole is designed to be non-slip, so your feline won’t slip on hardwood or tile flooring. They have an elastic buckle that is relatively easy to use. It makes it easier to get the shoes on your feline, saving lots of time and potential scratch incidents.

    The main issue with these boots is that they’re designed for dogs, not cats. However, they’re made to fit tiny dogs, like Shih Tzus. For this reason, they often fit on cats and work quite well. They’re designed to be worn outdoors and indoors, which helps you plan on taking your cat outside supervised with them. However, you shouldn’t let your cat walk around unsupervised with these on, as your cat will be unable to defend themselves or escape predators.

    Pros
    • Reflective stripe for night visibility
    • Non-slip sole
    • Easy to put on
    Cons
    • Not designed for cats
    • Not particularly durable

    5. N/Y Anti-Scratch Silicone Cat Shoes

    N:Y Anti-Scratch Silicone Cat Shoes

    The N/Y Anti-Scratch Silicone Cat Shoes are made from a food-grade silicone material. They are skin-friendly and quite comfortable, making them easier for cats to accept. There is a leakage hole in the shoe’s bottom, allowing water to flow through the shoe freely. This prevents water from accumulating during and after baths. If you plan on bathing your cat, this is a must-have feature.

    The “magic sticker” at the top of the bootie allows you to adjust the fit as necessary. It ensures there is a secure fit so that your feline can’t simply slip them off. These shoes are designed for various situations, including doctor visits, bathing, and grooming. It prevents cats from scratching during these complicated procedures.

    Each product is tested before shipping, reducing the odds of getting a faulty model.

    The product is a bit heavy and may not be suitable for smaller and younger cats. There are several reports of the shoes not fitting correctly. This is the main reason they are rated lower than the other options on this list.

    Pros
    • Adjustable
    • Durable and strong
    • Hole for free-flowing water
    Cons
    • A bit heavy
    • Doesn’t fit as well as other options

    cat face divider 2

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Cat Booties to Prevent Scratching

    There are several things you should consider when purchasing booties for your cat. In this section, we’ll help you pick the best product for your cat if you’re still on the fence.

    Purpose

    There are two main reasons why you’d need to purchase a pair of booties for your feline. Either you’re looking to protect your furniture, floor, and other belongings, or you’re looking to protect yourself or the vet. The why does matter, as specific booties were designed for certain situations.

    Some booties are designed to be worn in the long term. They are usually made of cloth and are designed to be comfortable. These booties look a lot like socks, though they often include anti-slip soles to prevent your feline from sliding across harder floors.

    Booties that are made for taking baths are often made of silica. They usually have a hole in the bottom to allow water to flow freely through them. However, they are not made to be worn long-term. Your cat’s toes can get stuck in the hole, which can cause injury and infection. For this reason, they are not recommended for long-term use.

    These booties may also be suitable for specific situations where your feline may scratch. For instance, most cats will scratch when being bathed, and many will lash out at the vet during examinations. The booties work great for these situations, as they can temporarily make a cat’s claws harmless.

    The cloth booties would work for vet visits and grooming, but they will not work for baths. This is simply because they are cloth and will soak up the water. Some are not made to be submerged in water and will fall apart.

    Do Cats Like Wearing Booties?

    Not in most cases. Most cats do not like wearing clothes or anything that confines them, including booties. This makes sense from an evolutionary perspective since anything covering your cat’s claws in the wild may lead to their death. However, our cats do not need to fend off predators or anything of that sort in our homes. Instead, their claws may destroy our property or may get in the way of necessary grooming.

    If you use the booties long-term, many cats will eventually get used to them. They may never like them, but they will quit trying to tear them off and walk normally. As you might imagine, this will likely take a while. Your cat may despise the booties for weeks or even months before they start ignoring them.

    If you’re using the booties for only a specific situation, whether or not your cat likes them is less of a problem. They’re only going to be using them for a second, so it isn’t essential for them to like walking in them. The shoes’ comfort matters less as well since they will only be on your cat’s paws for a second.

    Can Booties Prevent a Cat from Scratching?

    Yes, since the booties cover your feline’s claws, they will be unable to scratch you or anything else. In thinner cloth booties, the claws may occasionally poke through, especially if they are minimal. The cat can also wear holes in their booties if they try to scratch with them on often. They may wear tiny holes just where their claws are, which may be difficult to detect when your cat doesn’t have the booties on.

    Silica booties don’t wear down nearly as much and will ultimately ensure that your cat’s claws don’t poke through. However, they are often less comfortable and more difficult for your cat to walk in. They are also not made for long-term use. Instead, they are only designed for a few minutes of wear, such as when your feline is getting groomed.

    Do Cats Wear Booties for the Snow?

    We wear shoes in the snow, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your feline needs to. A cat’s paws can be sensitive to the snow, but this varies from cat to cat. Some cats may act like they can’t even tell the snow is there, while others may avoid the snow.

    The main danger to cats in the snow isn’t the actual snow, but the antifreeze and the salt that is sometimes used during snowy weather. If your cat gets these things on their paws, it can cause them to crack and become painful. You should wipe your cat’s paws off whenever they come inside from the snow to ensure these substances are removed.

    You don’t need to put booties on your cat while they’re in the snow, though. If you put booties on your cat while they’re outside, you may be removing their most powerful defense: their claws. They will be unable to protect themselves from predators and other domestic animals, including other cats. Their climbing ability will also be handicapped since they will be unable to utilize their claws.

    Conclusion

    After looking at the available cat booties on the market, the KCHEX Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes are the best of the best. They’re made of silica and have a hole for free-flowing water. They are adjustable and seem to fit cats of many sizes. They’re most suited for short-term use.

    If you’re looking for a budget option, the Harfkoko Pet Heroic Anti-Scratch Cat Shoes are another great option. These booties are made out of cloth, so they are not suitable for baths. However, they are suitable for long-term wear and can be left on your cat throughout the day.

    We hope our reviews helped to choose the best cat booties for your particular situation. There are many very different models out there, but they are easier to sort through once you know what you’re looking at.

    See Also:

    Get Catster in your inbox!

    Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
    Catster Editors Choice Badge
    Shopping Cart

    Pangolia

    © Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.