A cat's claws are used to capture prey, for climbing, and are used in self defense. Claws are an integral part of a cats life. But their use can also be a problem for cats' human co-habitants. Declawing, however is a painful, and permanently crippling procedure that should not be practiced. There are effective, and humane alternatives to declawing, that can reduce or eliminate clawing damage.

Cats claw to maintain the proper condition of the nails, for fun and exercise, and to mark territory visually, as well as with scent. (1)  They stretch by digging their claws into something and pulling back against their own clawhold. A cat's natural instinct to scratch serves both physiological and psychological needs, Before domestication, cats satisfied these needs by clawing tree trunks. Domesticated cats can be trained to satisfy their desire to claw without damaging valuable property.

Declawing involves 10 separate, painful amputations. It is serious surgery, not simply a "manicure" The British Veterinary Association calls declawing "an unnecessary mutilation" (2). Indeed it is illegal in Germany (3) and other parts of Europe (4) 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 anesthetic, (5)  hemorrhage, bone chips, which prevent healing, recurrent infections and damage to the radial nerve, pain, and possible abnormal regrowth of the nails (6)  the nails may grow back inside the paw, causing pain, but remaining invisible to the eye. Declawed cats will need regular xrays to monitor this problem. Declawing results in a gradual weakening of leg, shoulder and  back muscles, and,  because of impaired balance, declawed cats have to relearn to walk, much as would a person who has lost their toes. Without claws, cats are virtually defenseless, and this often leads to neurosis and even skin and bladder problems. Animal protection groups, including the American Humane Association and the Humane Society OF the United States, as well as many other verterinarians have spoken out against declawing. Many vets refuse to perform the surgery, calling the operation cruel, and in most cases unnecessary. Veterinarian Florence Barton says, "I won't perform this operation. The cat is missing (his or her) most important means of defense and...feels very insecure" (7). In "The Cat Care Question and Answer Book" verterinarian Barry Bush concurs: "veterinary removal of the claws (onychectomy) is a painful mutilation which cannot be recommended under any circumstances" (8)  Dr.  Louis J. Comuti, a practicing vet for more than 58 years sums up his objections this way "I wouldn't declaw a cat if you paid me $ 1000 per nail!" (9) Without claws to mark their territory, even house-trained cats will often urinate and defecate outside the litter box, in a desperate attempt to ward off intruders (10) There are several misconceptions about declawing. It does not make cats more "mellow". Declawed cats may be morose, reclusive or withdrawn, or they may be irritable, aggressive and unpredictable. Many people think that declawing makes a cat safer around babies, but this is far from true, as the lack of claws turns many cats into biters. Declawed cats feel so insecure, lacking their first line of defense that they tend to bite more often as a means of self protection (11). People who have their cats declawed simply do not understand how important claws are to a cat, and do not know how else to deal with the problem. With a little effort and committment to your cat's welfare, you can eliminate the excuse to declaw your cat, and make you and them better companions as well.

To train a kitten or to retrain an adult cat, the following measures are suggested:

Regular nail trimmings. When the cat is relaxed and unafraid, gently press on the toes until the claws extend. Use a pair of animal nail trimmers and cut only the tip of the nail, taking care not to damage the vein or "quick". The nail hook is what tears up the upholstery, so when it is removed, damage is greatly reduced.

Buy or build two or more scratching posts. These posts must be sturdy and tall enough to allow the cat to completely stretch, (3 feet or taller) and properly placed. A bark covered log, a post covered with sisal, or a tightly woven burlap covered post, works well. Soft ,fluffy, carpeted scratching posts don't work -- they are one of the greatest causes of declawing, because cats often don't like the posts, and frustrated human companions resort to surgery. If you use carpet, secure it to the posts with the rough backing on the outside; soft carpeting will not satisfy the cats need to claw. Place one scratching post where the cat is already clawing, and another close to where he or she normally sleeps (cats like to strech and scratch when they first wake up). Another option is the cardboard or sisal "scratching box" which lies flat on the floor. These are inexpensive and small enough to scatter around the house, allowing your cat easy access to an "approved" scratching spot at all times. These do wear out fairly quickly, however, and will need to be replaced every few months -- otherwise cats may get  frustrated and revert back to using furniture.

Give your cat specific instructions as to where to claw and where not to claw. Place your cat's paws on the new scratching post and move their paws, or pretend to scratch it yourself. This will "scent" the posts and enourage exploratory clawing. make the post a "fun" place to be. Play games with your cat on and around the post, and attach hanging objects and toys to it. Sprinkle catnip on the post too (a once-a-week or so "refresher" application will keep your cat interested) When kitty uses the post, reinforce this behaviour with praise, but be careful not to startle or frighten him or her. When the cat claws furniture, discourage this behaviour with a firm voice or other loud noise, but never with physical force. Lukewarm water from a squirt gun, directed at the back of the animal is often successful. During the training period you may eed to cover upholstery with plastic or other protection 9cats don't like the slippery feel and will quickly learn to stay away. (12)

not a part of the original article... just my own opinion

I think we need some perspective here, what is more important?, a living , breathing creature, or an inanimate object? Does your couch keep you company, does it snuggle on your lap, does your favorite chair purr, do they come to greet you at the door when you get home???? Furniture can be replaced, and does it really matter if there are some pulled threads? If things like upholstery are the most important things, or the need to live in a "perfect" household, then maybe you need to reconsider having pets. They bring so much to our lives; love, companionship, laughter,  without demanding anything in return, except to be treated with kindness and compassion. My first response to the declawing question is always "would you have your childs fingers amputated because they touched something they were not supposed to, or broke something?" I think not. Treat your cat with the same principles as a child, care for them, love them, spend time with them, take the time to teach them what is acceptable and what isn't, and you will have very few problems. If they do claw or damage something, keep in mind that they are animals, and that instinct and behaviour are a part of the package.  Accept them, and love them for what they are, after all, that's what they do with you. People NEVER have the right to mutilate any animal for "convenience".

An excellent book that will help you to understand your cat better is "The New Natural Cat" by Anitra Frazier , Campman and Co., Bridgeport., Conn., 1981. By understanding cat behviour and by using common-sense precautions and behaviour modification methods, you can prevent clawing damage without inflicting pain on your feline companion. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Townsend, Jean B., "How to Deal With Your Cat's Claws", Maryland Feline Society, Inc., 1982. (2) Marsden, Donna, "Cats With Claws: It's Only Natural", Washington Humane Society News, Spring 1995, page 3. (3) Riddle, Roz, "The City Cat ", Charles Scribner Sons, 1984, page 40. (4) "Place For Cats", New York, N.Y., 1993. (5) Wilbourne, Carol C., "Cats Prefer It This Way", Coward, Mcann and Geoghegan, 1976. (6) Townsend, op cit. (7) Barton, Florence, D.V.M., "Ask The Vet ",  Cat  Fancy (8) "Declawing: Convenient But Cruel ?", PAWS News, Feb., 1989. (9) "Paws Come With Claws", Friends Of Animals Brochure. (10)Ibid (11)Ibid (12)Ibid

The above article (with the exception of my contribution in pink) was reproduced from the PETA online "fact sheet"

PETA for kids...teach them to be kind to, and respect animals from an early age

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