The word "declawing" is a misnomer. A more appropriate term would be "toe
amputation". Done under general anesthetic, it removes the claws, the germinal cells and all or part of the terminal bone of the toe.
As you can imagine, declawing is very painful. Once the cat recovers from the excruciating pain, the cat finds that its principal means of defense has been removed. The declawed cat is left virtually unprotected. Declawed cats must be kept indoors for their own safety. In addition, its balance is likely thrown off and it may become neurotic as it becomes aware of its vulnerability. Since the paws are now mutilated, balance is marred and mobility impaired. The cat may suffer with joint problems as it tries to compensate for lack of agility.
Declawing is a cruel procedure. It is illegal in many countries.
Cats have to scratch. We may not know all the reasons, but among them are the need to mark territory, nail conditioning, play and exercise. Even proper stretching requires scratching. So, though you must let your cats scratch, you can control the where, if not the why.
Alternatives to Declawing
- You can cut the tip of each claw using regular nail clippers. Hold the cat in your lap and press its paw to make the claws come forward. Do not clip the pinkish part that contains nerves. The white tips, however, are dead tissue and may be clipped. Do only the front paws. Weekly trims are recommended.
- To avoid having the cat claw your furniture, provide the cat with one or more okay-to-scratch items. Encourage the cat to use it by placing the cat on or near the okay item.
- Deter cats by covering off limits furniture temporarily with something slippery like contact paper. It's a good idea to put a scratching post near where your cat normally scratches (just for a while if it's in an inconvenient spot). Discourage the cat from using anything else by politely but firmly removing the cat from the item not to be scratched; a firm no is permissible, yelling and screaming are not. Take the cat to the okay item
where you help them get started by making scratching gestures with their front paws. Gently praise for scratching on okay item.
- Help your cat get interested in a like a scratching post by sprinkling it with catnip. Sprinkle new catnip weekly to maintain interest.
- Whether or not you clip the tips of your cats claws, you can and should provide the cat with something that is okay to scratch upon. This may range from an old chair to an inexpensive cardboard scratch board or one you make yourself. A simple example is to cover an 8" by 20" board with carpet, wrong side out. Place it on the floor or firmly attach it to a wall. Vertical scratching posts should be sturdy and tall enough for a cat to
stretch out fully; a wobbly post will frighten them away.
- Remember that the cat wants to have a peaceful existence in your home and just needs to understand what is acceptable and what is not. Have patience.
- Make sure you provide access to the okay item or the scratching post at all times, especially if it is in an inconspicuous place such as in a laundry room.
"The smallest feline is a masterpiece." Leonardo Da Vinci, Artist/Scientist
"God made the cat in order that man might have the pleasure of caressing the lion." Fernand Mery, Writer
"A kitten is the most irresistible comedian in the world." Agnes Repplier, Essayist
