| Many cat owners must make the decision of | | | | anesthesia, complications from the procedure itself |
| whether or not to declaw their pets. Owners must | | | | can arise. Although rare, infection, excessive bleeding, |
| realize that cat declawing is not a simple issue. | | | | possible paralysis, as well as death from the |
| Whether they realize it or not, there are short and | | | | anesthesia can occur. If not done correctly, there is |
| long-term effects that declawing can have on a cat. | | | | also the possibility of the claw growing back in an |
| It is ultimately the owner's decision, however, to | | | | abnormal manner, growing through the top or |
| weigh these issues and see whether or not | | | | bottom of the paw. |
| declawing is necessary. Below are some of the issues | | | | A cat's whole defense system relies on its claws. |
| that can be considered by cat owners. | | | | Once declawed, a cat should never be allowed |
| First, it is important to consider what a cat uses its | | | | outside. If confronted, especially by another animal, a |
| claws for. They use them to mark their territory. | | | | cat will claw or chase and run. When chasing and |
| They also use them for their agility in jumping, | | | | running, a cat relies on its claws. Without claws, it is |
| chasing, and running. Their retractable claws help | | | | unable to fight. You may honestly believe that since |
| them establish good footing and balance. A cat will | | | | your cat is solely kept in the house, it will have no |
| also use its claws for defense against predators. | | | | need for self-defense, and use this as an excuse to |
| Often, an owner will only see a cat's claws as the | | | | declaw. Unfortunately, even a house cat can get |
| reason their sofa, carpet, or curtains are torn and | | | | loose. You have now left your cat totally defenseless |
| ruined. | | | | in the world. What chance would it have in the face |
| When a cat is declawed, it is not as simple as cutting | | | | of danger? |
| off its toenails. A cat's claws are attached to | | | | The fact is that declawing is banned in many |
| ligament, tendons, and bones. Removal of the claws | | | | countries, as they consider it an inhumane procedure. |
| is likened to amputating each finger off a human | | | | Declawing does have alternatives though. Proper |
| hand. Similarly, declawing cuts off the first bone of | | | | training of the cat will eliminate human scratching, as |
| each of the cat's toes. It is also a very painful | | | | well as furniture scratching. To deal further with |
| recovery for the cat, since it walks on these now | | | | furniture scratching, buy a scratching post. Make sure |
| tender paws. There is no pain medication given to | | | | the post is not made of carpeting, but rather of |
| the cat afterward, since cats do not tolerate them | | | | some type of material similar to the backing on |
| well - so every step it takes will produce pain for | | | | carpeting. Also, be sure to trim the cat's claws |
| some time. Often, owners will note a psychological | | | | regularly as part of your routine cat grooming. This |
| affect from declawing also. The once friendly, playful | | | | will enable you, the cat, and its claws to live in |
| cat will become quiet and aloof. | | | | harmony. |
| Since declawing is an operation that requires | | | | |