Declawing a cat may seem like the only option available to a cat owner whose cat is fond of scratching, but the process of declawing and the consequences are often not well understood by pet owners. It is important to understand fully before you make a decision regarding your cat's welfare.
When you take your cat to the veterinarian to be declawed, there are several different techniques that may be used. Regardless of the method, the outcome is the same: the bones towards the end of the cat's toes connecting the claws will be surgically removed. These bones are where a cat's claws are attached, and by removing the bone, the claw is also removed.
Veterinary research has indicated that cats may experience a great deal pain during the operation and certainly after it as well. No one has been able to ascertain just what degree pain the cat might feel, but cats have been observed refraining from putting weight on the recently declawed paws. A cat may continue to experience pain in the paws for days afterward.
Based on the above, why would a cat owner choose to declaw his cat? One of the most common reasons is the damages that the cat has inflicted to properties, or worse people. But what many pet owners don't realize is that scratching is a very normal behavior for cats. It serves several purposes:
- Defending against predators
- Marking territory (Some studies have shown that cats may have scent glands in their paws)
- Strengthening leg and back muscles
- Removing old tissue from the claw
Even if a cat is successfully declawed with limited pain, the lack of claws and bone may result in poor balance, a weakening of muscles, and in many cases distress as the cat realizes it can no longer scratch. A declawed cat may also develop behavioral issues such as refusing to use the litter box.
Further risks do come with declawing. A cat may respond poorly to medications it is given, the surgery could be performed improperly; hemorrhaging may be a problem, as cats tend to bleed profusely. Some cases of paralysis due to tourniquet use have been reported as have incidents of increased disease brought on by stress and reduced immune system function.
Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives to declawing a cat that may be scratching excessively. The best bet would be to train your cat to scratch on allocated surface such as a scratching post. Most cat owners do not know that they can train a cat too. Using rewards and positive reinforcement is often effective in getting a cat to avoid certain behaviors.
Another way is to groom and trim your cat's nails on a regular basis. This might not be feasible for all cat owners as cats generally do not like to trim their nails and most owners have difficulties doing so. This method does not entirely fix the problem as it simply lessen the damages.
You may also decide to apply nail caps to your cat's claws. These plastic caps need to be replaced every month or so, and will only reduce the damage your cat might do to your property or person.
