"To Claw or Not to Claw: That is the Question" - Part 2 ...... by Sunny Thornton

Declawing removes the cat's claw immediately above the mechanism for extending it. The joint is cut off and the underlying tendon is cut. The result? AMPUTATION of the cat's toes!!!

According to Dr. David Hammett DVM "The consequences of declawing are often pathetic.  Changes in behavior can often occur. A declawed cat frequently resorts to biting when confronted with even minor threats. Biting becomes an overcompensation for the insecurity of having no claws. Bungled surgery can result in the regrowth of deformed claws, or .....in an infection leading to gangrene.  Balance is affected by the inability to grasp with the claws.  Chronic physical ailments such as cystitis or many skin disordered can be manifestations of a declawed cat's stress and frustration." Whew!

In addition to the physical pain caused by declawing, the cat often suffers psychological damage and is at a serious disadvantage in all climbing pursuits and feline social relationships.

The Department of Veterinary Sciences at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine conducted a study of 163 cats who were declawed. They found that more than 50% of these cats suffered complications immediately after surgery - including hemorrhaging, lameness, swelling and inability to bear their own weight. The progress of 121 of these cats was followed for 5 years after surgery. The results showed 23% of these cats had continued complication such as infection, regrowth, bone protrusion into the pads of their paws, abnormal standing posture and intermittent extended lameness.

70% of the cats turned into shelters are declawed cats. 25% of cats turned into various shelters are purebreds.  If you prefer to have a declawed cat in your home, please try one of the many local animal shelter/sanctuary and adopt a cat who has already had surgery. Have your vet carefully check the animal for any foot problems before committing to the adoption so that you won't be setting yourself up for unexpected health issues.

But please, do not maim a helpless animal in the interest of your home furnishings. If possessions are more important than the health and welfare of a cat, we strongly suggest that you DO NOT OWN A CAT! Instead, sponsor a needy cat at a shelter/sanctuary every month.

FOUR PRECAUTIONS to PREVENT DAMAGE to FURNISHINGS:

1) Provide your cat with a sturdy, well built scratching post. A wood log with the bark intact is an excellent scratching post!

2) Provide your cat with a multi-level climbing/jungle gym designed for cats. This will provide hours of safe play in a scratch appropriate environment so you cat won't be nearly as interested in your heirloom furniture!

3) Train your cat not to scratch your furnishings. This means that you will need to put forth effort to work with your cat, providing time and patience to help him understand what his posts & play area are for. Give the offending cat a little squirt from a water pistol or spray bottle.  Then carry him over to his scratch appropriate area and praise him when he uses it. Mimic an exasperated mother cat. When the kittens annoy mother she stops them with a low growl. When your cat is scratching your furnishings, imitating a mother's growl may be the most effective deterrent.

4) Provide your cat with nail covers from SoftPaws. The covers are temporary, take only a few minutes to attach and last for about 6 weeks.  The are available on line or at most quality pet stores. They are completely safe - even if your cat manages to get one off & eat it! They come in 3 adult sizes and in kitten size. Don't laugh! It's less expensive than surgery and does not harm your cat in any way!

Here's meowing at you, kid!

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