Cat Declawing: Is it a Problem?

Understanding Why Cats Scratch
Like their wild ancestors, domestic cats use their claws for many reasons. Some cats scratch to mark their territory. Cats' claws are also their first line of defense against attack from other animals. By just extending their claws, cats can send a subtle warning message to "back-off" or use more force if needed.

Mostly, cats scratch because it feels good to them. Using their claws is part of their normal exercise pattern. While kneading and stretching, cats both strengthen and relax the muscles of the feet, legs, backbone and shoulders.

What is Declawing? Why is it Done?
Declawing is a surgery where the cat is put under anesthesia so he doesn't feel any pain, just like people are during surgery. Then the tip of each toe is removed, up to the first joint, including the toenail.  After the surgery, the cats' nails do not grow back.

People usually declaw cats because they scratch things their family doesn't want destroyed. For example, the cat may scratch the couch, the bed, the curtains or the door. She may also accidentally scratch people during play.

Why is Declawing a Problem?
Declawing a cat may stop her from scratching, but it can cause other problems. Once a cat's claws have been removed she can no longer stretch and knead (push and pull with her claws) like normal cats. Over time she may become weaker and experience a Disease called arthritis, which causes a lot of pain in the bones and joints.

A cat without his claws has lost his first line of defense, and because of this, he will feel stressed. He cannot fight off other animals, or escape quickly from danger. This situation can lead some declawed cats to bite more.

Groomers, veterinarians, and people who care for declawed cats in shelters find many of them to be nervous, irritable, and difficult to handle.

A declawed cat often stops using her litter box. She may associate the pain she feels in her feet with the litter box and look for a softer place to go to the bathroom, which might mean a pillow, a bed or a pile of clothes.

What Can You do to Help?
Below are few easy ways to deal with cat scratching so you can help prevent cats from being declawed.

Help your cat claw her way to success.
The most important thing to remember with any cat is never encourage him to play rough with your hands or feet.  This will confuse him about what is acceptable Behavior when you are not playing. If your cat wants to play, be sure to use an appropriate cat toy that’s fun and safe for the cat, but that doesn’t involve your hands.

Your cat should have his own furniture to scratch.  He should have at least one sturdy post that is tall enough for him to claw while he stretched to his full height. The best posts are covered in thick burlap or sisal rope that your cat can really dig his claws into.  Posts covered in carpet usually do not last very long and can make a mess as the carpets sheds onto the floor.

If your family has a cat who is scratching where he shouldn't, then there are few things your family can do to make everyone happy.  First, cover the spots she is scratching with tinfoil, double sided tape or another safe material to discourage her from those spots.  After doing this, she may need more cat posts or a post covered with a different type of material.  Sometimes it takes a few tries to find out what kind of surface your cat likes to scratch the best. Some cats like to scratch on surfaces that are flat on the floor, some like to scratch up, like on a wall. You can also make the posts you do want them to use more appealing by moving them to a different Location in your home or covering them with catnip. Try giving your cat lots of treats and attention while she's on the scratching post you want her to use.

Keep your cats claws trimmed.
You can have your cat's claws trimmed at the groomer or Veterinarian. You can also learn how to safely trim his claws at home This will help keep your cat from doing too much damage to things if he does scratch.

Educate Others

You can be an ambassador for cats everywhere by talking with people about what they need to be happy and healthy.  You can tell people about websites where they can learn more or make your own flyers.  Keep a stack of them in your backpack and hand them out when you have the chance.