Why Cats Should NOT Be Declawed
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De-clawing is
literally maiming a cat. It is illegal and termed "inhumane"
and "unnecessary mutilation" in most countries of the world
because of its crippling effects, not only physically, but
emotionally and behaviorally. De-clawing may result in
permanent lameness, arthritis, and other long-term
complications. Many de-clawed cats suffer from depression
and some case studies of cats that have suffered negative
health effects due to this selfishly convenient, mostly
American, cruel practice.
De-clawing is a serious surgery. It is not merely a trimming
of the toenails, but an amputation of the last joint or bone
of your cat's "toes". Envision this painful operation and
its painful recovery period in which your cat still has to
use his feet to walk, jump, and scratch in his litter box
regardless of the pain and discomfort he is experiencing and
you can understand why it is not a humane act. There are no
wheelchairs or bedpans for cats.
Cats by nature are very self-sufficient and will try to hide
their pain. De-clawed cats may begin to exhibit unacceptable
behaviors that will do damage instead of prevent damage in
your home, as they try to compensate for their discomfort.
Urine damage and property destruction are major ongoing
results of de-clawing. They can't dig properly in their
litter box so they will often find a more comfortable place
to urinate like your living room carpet or they may spray
against your kitchen cupboards or doors. Urine penetrates
deeper than any claws do once it gets in your drywall and
floorboards! You may also experience chewing damage to
things like wood furniture and cords.
De-clawing also deprives your cat of his primary means of
defense, leaving him prey to predators if he ever escapes
outside. A cat's claws are vital to his sense of balance,
mobility, survival, and to his sense of security. They feel
helpless, naked, powerless, vulnerable, and often become
hostile to people, including you, and are more apt to bite -
teeth can penetrate much deeper than claws!
Your cat's claws give him the grace, agility and beauty that
is unique to felines. Amputating this important part of his
anatomy drastically alters the conformation of his feet.
Most cat guardians would not allow their cat to have this
surgery if the word 'amputate' was used. The Association of
Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR) is "opposed to
cosmetic surgeries and to those performed to correct
'vices'. De-clawing generally is unacceptable because the
suffering and disfigurement it causes is not offset by any
benefits to the cat. De-clawing is done strictly to provide
convenience to people."
There are many veterinarians who refuse to de-claw or who
de-claw only under extreme duress or medical emergencies. To
me, the sign of a true and caring veterinarian is one that
is respectful of your cats mind, soul and body.
The following is a list of countries in which de-clawing
cats is either illegal or considered extremely inhumane and
only performed under extraordinary circumstances: England,
Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland,
Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium,
Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Yugoslavia.
You can discourage your cat from scratching in forbidden
places by placing aluminum foil or duct tape over that area
temporarily because cats do not like to scratch these types
of surfaces. A squirt of water, loud noise or whistle can
also deter him during the training period. If you choose to
trim your kitty's nails, keep in mind that he won't be able
to scratch as effectively and as powerfully as he desires
and has strength for. Read more about trimming your cat's
nails here.
My home is filled with scratching posts that I bought from
our local pet supply retailer that my cat, Maui, has loved
to use since he was a kitten. He has never even thought
about using our sofas or chairs! But for those who adopt
adult pets or have a little more trouble trying to train
their cats, look at this. Developed by a veterinarian, Soft
Paws are vinyl nail caps that are applied to your cat's
claws. This amazing product effectively covers the claws so
no damage occurs when your cat scratches. They will fall off
with the natural growth of your cat's nails, at which time
you replace them as needed. But again, use discernment, as
they may prevent your kitty from climbing up his post.
Since scratching is a natural behavior for your cat, you
don't want to take that away from him. Scratching is one way
cats place their mark and establish their turf. Their paws
also contain scent glands that leave their own special scent
on their territory. It also serves to provide your cat
exercise to keep him in good shape. The act of scratching
stretches and pulls and works the muscles of a cat's front
quarters. Read more about how to introduce your cat to
scratching posts here.
Depending on your kitty's age, and his personality, and the
amount of love, devotion and patience you convey to him, he
will learn to use his new post for his scratching pleasure.
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