Why you shouldn't declaw
your cat
Although it may seem to be a
quick and convenient way of solving scratching problems, DECLAWING YOUR CAT
IS NOT NECESSARY TO PREVENT SCRATCHING DAMAGE. Your cat's claws are
an integral part of your cat's life. Although scratching is as normal
and natural as eating and breathing for your cat, it can become a problem when
the object being scratched is an item of value to you.
Scratching conditions the claws by
removing the dead outer layer or sheath; it provides a way of marking
territory by leaving both a visual mark and an odour or scent (cats have scent
glands in their paws); it provides a way of stretching the entire body and
flexing the feet and claws. Scratching is also believed to communicate
dominance when performed in front of other cats.
Because scratching is a normal
behaviour, and one which cats are highly motivated to display, it is
unrealistic for owners to try to prevent their cats from scratching.
Unfortunately, many cat owners simply choose to declaw their cat(s) instead of
resolving the scratching problems by redirecting the behaviour onto acceptable
objects.
Problems Associated With Declawing:
Contrary to popular belief,
declawing your cat will not make him or her more "mellow".
Often declawed cats become morose, reclusive and withdrawn, or they may become
irritable, aggressive and unpredictable. Declawing your cat will not
make him or her more safe around babies and small children. On the
contrary, declawed cats often feel so insecure without their first line of
defense that they resort to biting more often as a means of self-protection.
Declawing a cat involves general
anesthesia and amputation of the last joint of each toe, including the bones,
not just the nail. Possible complications of this surgery include
reaction to the anesthetic, hemorrhage, bone chips which prevent healing,
recurrent infections and damage to the radial nerve, pain and possible
abnormal regrowth of the nails. In addition, the nails may even grow
back inside the paw, causing pain but remaining invisible to the eye.
Declawed cats require regular X-rays to monitor this problem.
Declawing your cat will not stop
your pet from his/her instinctive scratching. Some cats develop hard,
horny pads which can do extensive damage to furniture and cause discomfort for
your cat.
Declawing results in a gradual
weakening of the leg, shoulder and back muscles, and because of impaired
balance, declawed cats have to relearn to walk much as would a person
who lost his or her toes. Without claws, cats are virtually defenseless,
and this often leads to neurosis and even skin and bladder problems.
Without claws to mark their territory, even housetrained cats may urinate and
defecate outside their litter box in a desperate attempt to keep other animals
away from their space.
Humane Solutions:
By following the methods below,
you can reduce or eliminate clawing damage entirely.
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NEVER DISCIPLINE YOUR CAT
IF YOU DO NOT CATCH HIM SCRATCHING. Punishment after the fact will
not change the behaviour. Instead, it may cause your cat to be afraid
of you and his environment. If you do catch him scratching something
he shouldn't, discourage him with a firm "NO" or other loud noise.
Lukewarm water from a squirt gun directed at the back of your cat is often
successful. Take your cat immediately to the appropriate scratching
item and show him/her where s/he CAN scratch. Always pet and praise
your cat when s/he uses the right scratching area. It is important to
follow "NO" with a positive interaction like praise when the right
item is used.
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Provide objects for
scratching which are appealing and attractive from your cat's point of view.
If your cat is scratching unacceptable objects, note the physical features
of these items by answering the questions below. They will help you
understand your cat's scratching preferences.
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Where are they located
(prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas and areas near the
entrance to a room are often chosen).
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What type of texture are
they? (soft, coarse, silky, etc) |
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Are they horizontal or
vertical objects?
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How tall are they?
At what height does your cat scratch? |
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Substitute similar but
acceptable objects for the cat to scratch on (ie: carpeted or
corrugated cardboard posts or possibly a log). These objects
should meet the criteria you determined above. Place these objects
near the inappropriate objects that the cat is already using. Make
sure the object is stable and won't fall over or move around when the cat
uses it. BE SURE TO PRAISE YOUR CAT WHENEVER HE USES THE POST.
By doing so, your cat will begin to associate something good with his new
scratching object.
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Cover inappropriate objects
with something the cat will not find appealing such as double-sided
sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper, old bed sheets, plastic
carpet runner with the pointy side up, or attach cotton balls with perfume,
muscle rub or some other unpleasant odour. Be careful with odours -
you don't want that nearby acceptable object to smell unpleasant!
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When the cat is
consistently using the appropriate object, it can be moved very gradually
(about an inch a day) to a location that is more suitable to you.
It is best to keep the appropriate scratching object as close to the cat's
preferred scratching location as possible.
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Do not remove the
unappealing coverings or odours until your cat is consistently using the
appropriate objects in their permanent location for several weeks or a
month. They should then be removed gradually, not all at once. |
Trimming Your Cat's Nails
Trimming your cat's nails will
reduce the amount of damage caused by scratching before and after training
begins.
Before trimming, get your cat
used to having his paws handled and squeezed. Begin by gently petting
the cat's legs and paws while giving it a treat, making this a pleasant
experience. Gradually increase the pressure so that petting becomes
squeezing, as you will need to do to extend the claw. Continue with
treats until your cat will tolerate this kind of touching and restraint.
This may take longer with cats that have rarely had their legs or paws
handled.
When your cat is relaxed and
unafraid, gently press on the toes until the claws extend. Use a pair of
nail clippers and cut only the tip of the nail, taking care not to damage the
vein or the quick. The nails can be trimmed weekly, keeping the trimmer
perpendicular to the claw as not to crush the nail. If you are hesitant
to cut your cat's nails, consult your vet who will clip them for you and show
you how to do it at home.
