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Declawing a cat is one of the worst things a person
can do for their beloved pet. It is not just removing the
claw, this is not a manicure. The claw and the end of
the toe are taken off at the outermost knuckle of the toe.
This is very painful for the cat as declawing causes
damage to the radial nerve. Sometimes there is painful
regrowth of a malformed claw inside the paw that you
can't see so you are not aware of a problem, but your
beloved cat certainly is! During the surgery the toe bone
can shatter and cause a piece of dead bone which can
infect and cause the toes to drain. Abnormal growth of cut
nerve endings can cause pain in the toes that last a lifetime.
Is it any wonder the cat can develop depression, anxiety,
or become aggressive? A declawed cat knows their main
defense is gone and may become so fearful it will find a perch
and stay there to keep an eye out for danger. Their behavioral
problems, litter box aversion and aggression often lands them
in a shelter. Suddenly the owner does not want the cat that is
refusing it's litter box because it is painful. Or the owner does
not want the cat that has started biting for defense all because
of having the cat declawed. Often the declawed cats that end up
in shelters because of behavioral problems end up euthanized
because no one wants a cat the will not use a litter box and/or bites!
Cats use their claws when jumping, the front ones to catch
themselves, the rear ones for kick off. Cats walk on their toes,
with the ends of their toes gone their balance gets upset. By
altering the way the cat has to walk they develop joint and back
problems that are painful. With the claws gone the cats can fall
off narrow places much easier. If a declawed cat gets outside
he/she can not climb a tree or telephone post to get away from
that dog wanting to kill him/her.
It is so much more humane to teach a cat to use a scratching
post. Yes, it can be done. post. Cats like to stretch when they wake
up so keep a post near your cats sleeping spot. If you have a certain
piece of furniture the cat likes to claw, keep a post near there. Rub
cat nip on the post, hang a toy or two from it to attract the cat. Feed
treats when the cat uses the post. Put double sided tape on any place
the cat wants to scratch that it shouldn't. You can remove the tape
once the cat learns to use the post. Plenty of praise and strokes for
using the post. A spray bottle with water kept handy for the times
you catch the cat scratching where it shouldn't. Catch them in the act
and give a quick spray. Do not spray after the fact, they will not
know why you are spraying them. With animals it is always reprimand
while the offending behavior is taking place.
Don't you think those are good reasons not to declaw a cat?
And lastly as the clawing is in part leaving the cats scent, clean
any place well the cat has scratched where he/she should not.
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