Declawing Cats
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
It used to be, most cat owners, especially with completely indoor cats, used to declaw their animals to keep them from clawing and scratching furniture, scratching their owners, and generally because it made for a "nicer" pet. Today, most professionals and experts frown on declawing. Why? There are many reasons.
Declawing is Inhumane
Many people believe removing a cat's claws is inhumane and cruel. In fact, over 20 foreign countries ban declawing of any form. Basically, declawing is an American custom, and even here it has come under increased controversy. In addition, some vets maintain that a cat's personality changes after they are declawed, and it can lead to behavioral issues. This happened to me with my previous cats that I declawed. One became quite difficult to manage, and stopped using his litter box at certain times. This never happened before he was declawed. This seems to be a common occurrence after declawing, and many people think it is because it is much more painful for the cat to scratch in the litter. Most of all, some people may think declawing is medically necessary, but that is simply not the case. Declawing most of all is a convenience for owners.
What Happens When Your Cat is Declawed
Declawing is significant surgery, not simply a nail cut. Your cat's claws are not like fingernails, they actually join the bone, and when a cat is declawed, the last bone of the claw is actually removed. Many vets feel it actually maims the cat, and of course, it is a permanent solution that cannot be reversed. It is painful, and it takes a while for the cat to recover. Many vets compare it to a form of amputation, and this is one reason it is so painful and inhumane.
Puts Cats in Jeopardy
Declawing can also put your cats in jeopardy if they go outdoors or escape outdoors. Their claws are their main line of defense against predators. Not only do they use them as a weapon, they use them to climb trees or poles to get out of harm's way. Without their claws, they cannot climb and they cannot defend themselves from others.
Declawing Alternatives
There are many alternatives to declawing your cat. First, invest in a good scratching post or two, and teach kitty how to use it. This may be the only thing you need to do to save your furniture from destruction. Cats sharpen their claws by scratching, and scratching posts actually do a better job of sharpening the claws and entertaining kitty at the same time. We have four cats, and all of them use their scratching posts, leaving our furniture alone.
There are also several different types of caps or covers that fit over kitty's claws. These caps are lightweight, are easy to put on, and wear off after anywhere from three to six months, depending on your cats and their activity. They can protect small children from scratches, and are a great alternative for indoor cats.