Scratching is an important way for cats to relieve stress. Get your cat a scratching post so he can scratch in an appropriate spot.
Scratching is an important way for cats to relieve stress. Get your cat a scratching post so he can scratch in an appropriate spot.
Although cat owners for decades have turned to declawing as a solution to preventing damage to furniture, carpets and the like from scratching, there are some serious negative consequences to consider before deciding to declaw.
Declawing is not just a nail trim for our feline friends.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. If performed on a human, it would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle.
Although often thought to be a quick, easy and safe procedure, declawing is a serious surgery that can have harmful effects on a cat’s quality of life.
Felines rely on their claws on a daily basis for many reasons. The No. 1 use of claws is for defense. Even if the family feline is an indoor-only pet, accidents happen, and if a declawed cat gets outdoors, it will not have a way to defend itself against a predator, or climb a tree or fence to escape danger.
In addition, the claws are tools for balance, and without them, the cat must shift its weight and relearn how to walk on the exposed bone that is left once the claws are removed.
Cats also extend their claws to achieve a full-body stretch. Declawed cats are more prone to muscle pains and arthritis as a result of not being able to get a good, full stretch.
Scratching is a source of exercise and stress relief for felines. Cats tend to scratch when they are anxious or frustrated. Without claws, they do not have a way to alleviate stress.
Declawing is not only painful for a cat, but it can trigger unwanted behaviors. Declawed cats may avoid using the litter box as they depend on their claws to maneuver the litter. Some declawed cats may start to bite and use their teeth as a defense mechanism.
The procedure also can result in permanent physical damage. If the declawing surgery is not done properly, bone fragments can be left behind and cause pain. Declawing can also result in permanent nerve damage.
New York became the first state to ban declawing in 2019. Maryland has followed suit and banned the procedure earlier this year. Several cities across the country also have banned the procedure.
Scratching is a normal and integral part of a cat’s life. So, how do we prevent damage to our belongings while letting our kitties fulfill their natural instinct to scratch?
SCRATCHING POSTS: There are several scratching posts on the market that cats can use to get their daily scratching fix in.
NAIL TRIMMING: Trimming the nails once or twice a month is a good way to make scratching less damaging. Your veterinarian or a groomer can do this for you. If you are patient and have a reasonable feline, you can even trim the nails yourself at home.
NAIL CAPS: There are nail covers and caps that can be put over the claws to prevent scratching damage that are also safe and painless to the cat.
If you're thinking about declawing your cat, do some research and get the facts. This is a procedure that can potentially have negative lasting effects on a cat’s disposition, health and well-being. There are alternative options that are good for both the cat and the furniture.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more info on ARNO, visit animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For topic suggestions, email animalrescuecolumn@gmail.com or for more info on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans.org.
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