Why do cats shed their claws? Well, cats are the only animals who walk directly on their claws and not on the pads of their feet. (Think of a ballerina balancing "en pointe" - without her toe shoes!)
Getting around on tiptoe is a very useful skill when moving at high speeds. Being the great hunters they are, cats need to keep this skill very sharp. Contrary to what you may think, your cat does not manicure its nails on your furniture out of spite....nor is he just "sharpening" his claws. Your cat is tearing off the ragged edges of the sheaths of his talons. All year long, he sheds the old claws, to expose new sharp claws underneath. These claws are not just for protection. They are responsible for the cat's perfect balance and for awesome feats of climbing, running, stretching & grooming.
Declawing not only causes physical affliction, but psychological anguish, as well. He is deprived of his only defense and also, his most versatile tool for survival. Cats pull their claws IN to protect the claw & keep it sharp. Claws need to be kept sharp, for all the reasons stated above. They are also needed to mark territory. When scratching, sweat glands between the paw pads transfer a scent to the tree trunk or other object being marked. In the case of your house cat, this can be your furniture. Your cat identifies the scratched area as his own.
To discourage scratching of your furniture, be sure that your cat has multiple scratching posts and scratching pads (sold at all pet stores and discount stores, such as Target) throughout your home. A squirt bottle filled with water works wonders too! Just spray your cat each time you see him scratching furniture, and redirect him to his post or pad. It won't take long to see a change!
Next month: Detailed information on the horrors of the de clawing surgery itself! {End}.
Getting around on tiptoe is a very useful skill when moving at high speeds. Being the great hunters they are, cats need to keep this skill very sharp. Contrary to what you may think, your cat does not manicure its nails on your furniture out of spite....nor is he just "sharpening" his claws. Your cat is tearing off the ragged edges of the sheaths of his talons. All year long, he sheds the old claws, to expose new sharp claws underneath. These claws are not just for protection. They are responsible for the cat's perfect balance and for awesome feats of climbing, running, stretching & grooming.
Declawing not only causes physical affliction, but psychological anguish, as well. He is deprived of his only defense and also, his most versatile tool for survival. Cats pull their claws IN to protect the claw & keep it sharp. Claws need to be kept sharp, for all the reasons stated above. They are also needed to mark territory. When scratching, sweat glands between the paw pads transfer a scent to the tree trunk or other object being marked. In the case of your house cat, this can be your furniture. Your cat identifies the scratched area as his own.
To discourage scratching of your furniture, be sure that your cat has multiple scratching posts and scratching pads (sold at all pet stores and discount stores, such as Target) throughout your home. A squirt bottle filled with water works wonders too! Just spray your cat each time you see him scratching furniture, and redirect him to his post or pad. It won't take long to see a change!
Next month: Detailed information on the horrors of the de clawing surgery itself! {End}.
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This is such an important informational piece. There are people who generally don't understand feline behavior or anatomy and make quick decisions without proper reflection. To further complicate the matter, there are still some old school vets that do declaws. Fortunately, most new vets refuse to do this surgery any more. Education!
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