The Horror of Declawing Cats
Happy Tails does not recommend nor condone the declawing of cats and kittens. All cats can be taught or retrained to scratch a post and not damage other things.
- Declawing is complete removal of the claws by actually amputating a portion of each digit (finger) down to the first joint (knuckle). It would be the same as cutting off the tip of your finger down to the first joint.
- Declawed cats are known to undergo personality changes after the operation.
- Declawing is a tricky and somewhat difficult surgical procedure; recovery can be painful.
- Declawing can lead to infection and tenderness in the paws.
- Declawed cats who accidentally get out have no defenses against aggressors with claws.
- Declawing impairs a cat’s balance and can occasionally result in varying degrees of muscle atrophy.
- Since cats mark territory and spread scent with their claws, the loss of claws is believed to be responsible for the appearance of nervous biting, increased aggression, spraying and lapses in litter box use.
- Declawing is inhumane.
Plastic sheaths called "SoftPaws" ® can be applied to cover the claws and prevent the cat from causing damage when it scratches. The sheaths last from 2-3 months. They can purchased from your veterinarian or on the Internet at www.softpaws.com.
If you cat is scratching inappropriately, consider modifying her behavior. Do you have plenty of scratchers and cat-appropriate furniture around to satisfy her need to scratch? Have you tried both horizontal and vertical scratchers; like us, cats differ in their preferences. Keep your cats claws trimmed. When you find her scratching inappropriately, direct her to the place where it is OK for her to scratch and reward her with some play time. It takes some time, but you can teach an old cat new tricks!
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