Declawing - What and Why?

Declawing is the surgical removal of the first segment of the cat�s paw - the phalange. Not only is your cat at risk during the unnecessary surgery, but the removal deprives a cat of its natural means of defense and increasingly it is recognized that declawed cats may be stressed with behavioral problems.

The procedure is banned and/or considered inhumane in many countries including the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia. In the United States the Cat Fanciers� Association as well as many animal groups, do not condone the practice. Increasingly more and more veterinarians are refusing to do the surgery for non-medical reasons recognizing the increased risk of behavioral problems.

It is recognized that some cats may have behaviors that are inconvenient, disruptive or even destructive. A responsible owner will adjust to these behaviors and will work to socialize and train that pet while maintaining a relationship comfortable and beneficial both to the cat and to the cat owner.

Declawing your cat takes money, training your cat takes time and attention!

Cats� Claws

The claws of a cat are there for a reason just as with the fingers and finger nails of a human. Scratching allows the cat to stretch, to build up muscle tone, to trim off the dead part of the claw, and to mark their territory.

Some people seem to feel that a cat scratching is undesirable rather than a natural behavior. They seem quick to decide to have the animal declawed rather than trying to foster the natural behavior to fit in with their environment. It isn�t a good idea to let that cat claw your furniture, but providing them with their own furniture - a scratching post - is a great idea. Just as a parent of a baby clips their nails, it is important for the cat owner to clip their cats� claws on a regular basis.

Surgical Claw Removal

What is it: The most common declawing surgery is called onychectomy and is the amputation of the toe at the last joint. Comparing this surgery to a human would be like cutting off the fingers at the last joint on your hand. Declawing is removal of the bones, nerves, ligaments and tendons in the paw.

Another surgical procedure is deep digital flexor tendonectomy which involves the severing of the tendons attached to the end toe digit but retaining the claw in the sheath. After this surgery, the cat no longer is able to extend it's claws though they still grow. The cat can still scratch but will not damage surfaces as long as the claws are kept trimmed.

How: The veterinarian does this surgery which has no medical benefit to the cat under general anesthesia. There is always a degree of risk of disability or even death of the animal. Recovery many be lengthy and painful. Postoperative complications may arise such as infections, hemorrhage and sometimes even nail regrowth. Abnormal growth of servered nerve ends can occur which causes long-term painful sensations in the toes.

Behavior Concerns of the Declawed Cat: No definite studies, as of this date, have been conducted, however many owners and veterinarians have noticed personality and behavioral changes. The primary source of defense - the claws - is gone and sometimes the cat becomes nervous, and/or aggressive resorting to using their teeth for defense. Some cats stop using their litter box, maybe as a result of the pain or the different sensations. Friendly outgoing cats after surgery may become introverted and withdrawn.

If a declawed cat stops clawing the result may be the weakening of the muscles with a result of loss of balance. Remember also that the cat's surefootedness depends on its ability to grasp with their claws - with them gone they may be prone to falling.

Alternative to Declawing

Scratching Post: Provide at least one scratching post for your cat. It should be tall enough to allow the cat to stretch and ideally be covered with a combination of materials - rope and carpet seem to work well. Different cats use different surfaces and if you provide a few, it is more likely to work. The post needs to be sturdy enough or anchored so it doesn�t fall over when the cat uses it.

Place the post near the forbidden spot of furniture or carpet and when the cat starts to use it, take it to the post and move his paws on it in a scratching motion. Praise the cat when they use the post. With persistence on your part your cat will quickly learn the acceptable behavior. Placing a toy near the post or hanging it on the post helps as does the addition of catnip.

Squirt the cat with a spray of water and say "NO" firmly when inappropriate scratching occurs. Also immediately take him to the scratching post. Remember to praise him when he uses it.

While the cat is learning how great his new scratching post is and still returns to that best piece of furniture, help him a bit by making that furniture undesirable until he learns to stay away. A piece of double-sided tape, aluminum foil (cats don�t like the sound), or heavy plastic seem to deter the scratching on the treasured piece of furniture.

Nail trim: Trimming cat claws should be done regularly and is an important part of the grooming process. If you start the claw trimming with a kitten, by the time they are an adult cat the trim will be the norm. If you adopt an older cat, ask the shelter staff or better still at your next veterinarian visit find out the proper equipment to use and where and how to trim the claws.

Trimming: Put light pressure on cat�s foot to expose the claws. Using sharp clippers, cut off the white tip - do not cut into the pink quick. This will result in pain and bleeding.

Nail Caps: There are commercial products available which cap the claws. A nontoxic adhesive is used to affix the caps. They last between 4 and 6 weeks. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

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