The truth about Declawing

 

        Scratching is a completely normal feline behavior.

It isn't to destroy a favorite chair or sofa.

Cats scratch to remove the dead husks from their claws, mark territory, and stretch their muscles.

Cats are usually about 6-8 weeks old when they begin

scratching. This is the ideal time to train kittens to use

a scratching post. You should also begin trimming your kitty's nails if you would like to get them used to the procedure. However, nail trimming is not a necessary procedure. Pet caregivers should not consider declawing a routine prevention for unwanted scratching.

Declawing can actually lead an entirely different negative set of behavior that may be worse than scratching.

                             

 

                What is declawing?

 

Far to often, pet owners believe that declawing is a simple

and painless surgery done in order to prevent their feline from scratching, the equivalent of having your fingernails trimmed. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Unlike humans, where our nails grow from our nail beds, cat's nails are an extension of the bone.

        Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. If performed on a human being, it would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle.

It is an unnecessary surgery that provides no medical benefit to the cat. Educated pet parents can easily train their cat to use their claws in a manner that allows everyone in the household to live together happily.

         Declawed cats can exhibit many negative behaviors as a direct result of declawing. It can even affect their health. The most common issue is the abrupt stop of normal bathroom behaviors. Even with a cat who has been well trained to use their litter box, all of the sudden they may urinate elsewhere. Either near their litter pan or some where else entirely.

        Now that a cat missing a portion of their paws, it is very painful for them to walk upon the litter provided to them. They are unable to dig in the litter and cover up their mess, therefore they go potty somewhere more comfortable.

 

         Cats can also experience serious medical issues such as: arthritis, infection, tissue death, lameness and other joint problems. An arthritis and lameness may take years to present themselves. Some declawed cats may experience negative social behaviors as well. They are more likely to bite and be antisocial because they no longer have their claws as a part of defence.

         By providing a scratching post within the home and the use of catnip or another cat attractant, your kitty is actually more likely to use the scratching post rather than your furniture to stretch and scratch.