Cat De-clawing - Should You Consider It...

De-clawing is physically and emotionally maiming cats. Case studies have shown that de-clawing is a cruel act of mutilating animals that result to the de-clawed animal becoming lame, not to mention developing arthritis, depression and a host of other long-term complications. Any way you look at it, de-clawing cats is inhumane. In fact, many countries consider de-clawing illegal. In the United States, however, self-serving cat owners practice this cruel act.

More than Just Trimming the Toenails

You may think that de-clawing simply involves trimming a cat's toenails. In actuality, de-clawing is a surgical procedure wherein the cat's toe bones are amputated so that claws can no longer grow. Cats that have been de-clawed undergo a post-operative recovery period that involves a lot of pain.

What they do have are litter boxes, and the pet owner's place in which to stay as they regain the use of their feet -- a process that is not without pain, to say the least, since cats can't resist walking, jumping and scratching. These self-sufficient animals would rather hide their pain than be helpless. But they may also begin to exhibit untoward behavior to cope with their discomfort, putting your furniture and other property at risk of damage.

A De-clawed Cat is a Vulnerable and Hostile Cat

A de-clawed cat, once back in his litter box, will not be able to dig properly. Thus, he may wander off to other places where he can pee: on the living room carpet, the cupboard or by the door. Many cat owners discover that scratches on the drywall or floorboard are much easier to deal with than cat urine, which can penetrate deeply.

It is important to note that when a cat is de-clawed, his primary means of defending himself is permanently taken away from him. De-clawed cats are highly vulnerable to threats coming from other animals and predators, especially when they are outdoors without human protection. De-clawed cats also become less mobile and balanced, which invariably causes insecurity and leads to hostile and aggressive behavior towards people, including pet owners.

Mutilation in the First Degree

Claws are a natural part of every cat's make up. Claws are what give cats their fearsome grace. Thus, de-clawing is literally crippling the cat, mutilation in the first degree. Many cat owners de-claw their cats in an effort to correct their cat's "vices," but even the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR) is strongly against this inhumane practice. In reality, de-clawing is an act of mutilation wherein only the pet owners benefit; de-clawed cats have to contend with both physical and emotional sufferings.

Alternatives to De-clawing

* If you do not want your cat clawing on your furnishings or scratching his claws on any part of your house, temporarily protect these areas with duct tape or aluminum foil. Cats typically are averse to scratching these surfaces.

* While you are training your cat, you can squirt him with water, blow a whistle or make loud noises whenever he claws or scratches on something that you do not want him to.

* Trim your cat's toenails regularly.

* Get your cat a few scratching posts and place them in designated areas in the house. You can train your cat to use his claws on these scratching posts instead of using them on your furniture.

* If your feline is still a kitten, get him Soft Paws vinyl nail caps. They will keep your cat's claws from damaging furniture. Soft Paws was developed by a veterinarian. As your cat's nails grow, the nail caps fall off, ready to be replaced with new ones.

Clawing- Normal Cat Behavior

Scratching with claws is one way cats mark their turf. This is accomplished through glands beneath their paws that secrete a distinctive scent. The pulling and stretching of muscles in cats' front quarters when they scratch also serves as a form of exercise that helps to keep them fit. This facility for clawing is such a natural part of these felines' behavior that taking it away from them amounts to one of the more cruel forms of deprivation.