Is Cat Declawing Humane?
While declawing has a history of being accepted as part of cat ownership, many question whether cat declawing is a humane practice. Alternatives to cat declawing are now seen as ideal ways to prevent cat scratching.
What is cat declawing? When a cat is declawed, the end portions of the cat’s toes are removed. Another method of declawing, called a tendonectomy, involves cutting the tendon to the nails. This leaves the cat without the ability to extend its claws.
Cat declawing is done to prevent or stop destructive cat scratching of furniture, doorways, or other areas commonly targeted for cat scratching. Sometimes, declawing is used to stop the cat from scratching during play, however what often happens is the cat will start to bite since they can no longer use its claws as a defense.
Complications of cat declawing can lead to long-term health problems and infection. Cat declawing can cause a cat to walk differently which can lead to abnormal joint where and skeletal problems. If a declawed cat becomes stray, the cat is defenseless and at risk of serious injury.
Declawing has been associated with litter box problems. After cat has been declawed, the cat often experiences a great deal of pain. A cat that is experiencing pain from declawing may have increased pain while digging in the litter box which can make the cat want to avoid the litter box.
Many organizations that promote the humane treatment of animals are opposed to cat declawing. Instead, there are a number of humane options available for cat owners. Trimming the cat’s claws and providing scratching posts are a couple of the alternatives to cat declawing.
Trimming the cat’s claws can be done with regular fingernail clippers. By gently pressing on the cat paw, the claws are extended and the cat owner can see the pink area of the quick which should be avoided. The cat owner and needs only to clip off the pointed tips of the nails.
Providing scratching posts for the cat can reduce the likelihood that the cat will engage in distractive scratching of furniture or walls. Some cats are not immediately drawn to scratching posts. Cat owners can rub the scratching post with catnip and place the scratching post near areas where the cat has done any destructive scratching.
Vinyl claw covers are tiny plastic nail caps that glue onto a cat claws. Vinyl nail caps typically stay in place for about five weeks.
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Tags: Cat, cat health, family, home, pet
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