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Here are some points to keep in mind about
declawing: |
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1. "Declawing is an inhumane, unnecessary
procedure that has many
alternatives. It is never in the cat's best interest. With
declawing, we
are interfering with a species' nature because of our own
whims,
misconceptions, misinformation, and sometimes,
laziness.
" Dr. Neil C. Wolff, D.V.M. |
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2. The harmful consequences of declawing are beginning to be
recognized. The following are a sampling of the many humane
organizations that publicly oppose declawing and publish
informational materials on the subject: |
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3. Declawing is actually multiple amputations comparable to the
removal of human fingertips at the first knuckle. Sensory and
motor nerves are cut, damaged, and destroyed. Recovery from
the surgery is a slow and painful process. Since cats are
digitigrades
(they walk on their toes) this procedure can hamper the sensations
and enjoyment involved in walking, running, springing, climbing,
and stretching. |
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4. Numerous case studies confirm the fact that many cats suffer
irreversible psychological damage when their natural defense
system is removed. The nervous, defensive attitudes of many
declawed cats suggest there is a heightened awareness of their
vulnerability. Stress in cats, as in humans, takes it's a toll in a
variety of health and behavior problems.
MYTH: "New surgical procedures eliminate the harmful effects of
declawing." While more of the toe may be left intact, the cat
is still
handicapped for life, both physically and temperamentally |
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5. Veterinarians generally see only those pets that people want to
keep, so they may not be aware of the fate of their patients who
were unable to adapt to a clawless life. Those in humane work,
however, see not only the lovable, well-behaved animals, but also
the many that may have been rejected by their owners due to
behavior or temperament problems. Euthanasia is often the sad
ending for a declawed cat that might have otherwise led a normal
and happy life.
DECLAWING DOES NOT GUARANTEE A CAT
PERMANENT INSIDE HOME. |
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6. Feline behavior counselors, humane workers, and cat owners
who have the opportunity to observe clawed and declawed cats in
their home environments, have noted that often declawed cats
exhibit one or more of the following problems: |
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 | Peculiar litter box preferences (e.g. smooth or soft surfaces) resulting in
litter box avoidance (not always immediately after the operation, but frequently occurring later in life) |
| Unprovoked biting |
| Impaired balance and agility |
| Extreme timidity, especially when strangers or other animals are present |
| Lack of playful and vigorous activity in adulthood, resulting in obesity |
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NOTE: It's easy to train a cat to use a good scratching post. To be cat-appealing, the post should be at least 30" tall, mounted in a stable
base, and covered with sisal rope. For information on how to make an irresistible scratching post see our article on
scratching posts. |
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The above
information was provided with permission: CatsInternational.org |
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