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Often declawed cats become morose, reclusive and withdrawn, or they may become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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Where
are they located (prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas and
areas near the entrance to a room are often chosen).
- What
type of texture are they? (soft, coarse, silky, etc)
- Are
they horizontal or vertical objects?
- How
tall are they? At what height does your cat scratch?
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
