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Declawing

Declawing cats is perhaps the most controversial subject and procedure in the United States.  Yes, declawing seems to pretty much be an American thing. People declaw their cats for convenience. They do this without researching the facts as to what it does to their companion.  There are 23 countries where declawing is illegal or extremely inhumane and is only performed under extreme circumstances. These countries are:

Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Denmark England Finland France Germany Ireland Italy Netherlands New Zeland Northern Ireland Norway Portugal Scotland Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Wales Yugoslavia

If you are planning on declawing your cat, DON’T.  Please research your alternative and find out everything about declawing.  Remember, knowledge is power!!

Declawing is a very serious surgery. You are not just clipping the claws or manicuring your cats claws. Because the claw is so closely adhered to the bone, the last bone of your cats claw has to be removed. Look at your fingers.  Imagine having the joint closest to your nail being removed. Not a pleasant thought.  Declawing is an amputation and a very painful procedure for the cat. This procedure is irreversible. Complications can arise. While your kitty is recovering, remember, it still had to eat, drink, walk, scratch in litter box, etc. Every step your kitty takes is going to be VERY painful.

Cats claws are a vital part of their anatomy.  They are essential to balance, mobility and survival.  A cats life is all about balance. It is extremely distressing to the cat if its balance is off.  Cats use their balance for climbing, leaping incredible hights and landing at a preselected spot and walking all around your tables, shelves, etc., without knocking anything off. Cats depend on their front claws for defending themselves. You may say “My cat never goes outside”. That may be true, but what is your precious friend was accidentally let out by a visitor or a family member didn’t close the door good or God forbid, your home is broke into (this happened to me).  If your cat gets out, it will NOT be able to defend itself in a potentially hostile environment..

A cats entire personality can change due to this one procedure.  It can cause the cat to become insecure and cause emotional distress.

Why Do Cats Claw & Scratch?

Marking their territory-Scratching is a cats natural instinct used for marking their territory. Cats leave visible signs with the claw marks and through leaving their own special scent. Cats paws have scent glands. Your kitty is claiming portions of your house as his/hers.

Exercise-When your kitty starts scratching, it is exercising. Scratching stretches , pulls and works the muscles in the cats, shoulders, front legs and back.  To go along with this, scratching simply feels good to your kitty.

What To Do

Provide alternatives for your cat. Scratching post, pieces of carpet and wood pieces are excellent alternatives to your furniture.  Cats like rough surfaces that they can shred. Be sure (when purchasing a scratching post) the post or tree is tall enough for the kitty to fully stretch. If you are crafty, you can build your own scratching post by using wood, carpet remnants and untreated sisal rope.  Your kitty will truly enjoy shredding these to pieces. Make sure that the posts are sturdy and do not shake when your kitty uses it. Your kitty must be secure for the post to be appealing.

Place the scratching post in areas where your kitty has been scratching. You may need to provide more than one.  Show your kitty the post. Be cleaver in enticing you kitty to use the post.  Rub catnip on the post, give him/her treats or verbal praise for using the post.  Attach toys to it.  Your kitty will learn to redirect his/her scratching and stretching to this desirable place.  Cats like to stretch when they first wake up so place a post close to where they sleep.

If your kitty insists on scratching on your furniture clean the areas with an enzyme cleaner and use a cat repellent spray on the areas. Remember, if Kitty has already scratched your furniture, they have left their scent.  Every time Kitty begins to scratch in an inappropriate place, pick him/her up and place him/her in the proper place.

Keep your cats nails trimmed.  Your kitty may not like this, but, oh well.  It is best if two people do this. One to hold and one to trim.  If you are not comfortable doing this, your vet or groomer will trim the mails for a small fee.

Another excellent alternative to declawing is a new product called “Soft Paws”. These are lightweight vinyl caps that are applied to your cats own claws. They have rounded edged so they won’t hurt your furniture or you. Use only on indoor cats. The cats natural defenses will be impaired using Soft Paws. Soft Paws will last for about six weeks once your cat gets used to them. If your kitty grooms its nails often, they may come off sooner.  Soft Paws come in a kit and are easy to apply.  You need only to apply them to the front paws.  They are applied with a safe adhesive.  Check your cats nails weekly. You may have to replace one or two.

Punishment

DO NOT punish your cat.  Your cat will not understand punishment in any form. You are likely to make your situation worse. As smart as cats are, they will not understand. You may only make the situation worse and cats do hold grudges.  Don’t break the trust and security of your kitty.  A little patients goes a long way.

Please Read

Please take the time now to go the the following Web site on Declawing  Declawing.com.  This site explains (by a veterinarian) the surgical process of declawing.

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