Is it necessary to remove the claws?

Declawing is an area that causes a lot of controversy among cat owners.

Some people feel that declawing is the only way to go if you have an indoor cat; while others feel that it is a very inhumane way to treat an animal.

As a cat owner, I never considered it as I always had indoor/outdoor felines.

My friends have indoor cats and several of their cats are declawed and I have never thought about whether that was good or bad.

However, after doing some research on the subject to write this section and having the experience of caring for a friend’s clawless cat, I have formed an opinion. “Do not do it”.

It all comes down to this. If you are going to have a cat or any pet in your life you must be committed to your pet.

It really is a relationship, something like a marriage or a man/woman relationship, having and caring for a pet requires time, effort and patience. If you look at it realistically, it is a living thing that shares a home with another living thing and requires give and take. It doesn’t matter whether the other living thing is a cat or a dog.

For any relationship to work requires effort. They learn about each other and if they really care, they try to find out what is important to their partner (in this case, a pet).

You learn what makes him happy and what makes him unhappy and do your best to create a happy environment for both of them.

If you can’t take the time to do this, do yourself and your pet a favor and find Mr./Miss Kitty a new home because you’ll both be miserable in the end.

In the next paragraph or two, I’m going to lightly touch on the basics of declawing to give you an idea of ​​what you may be considering doing to your cat.

Declawing is not just removing the claw (or nail). The claw is an actual moving part of the leg attached to a muscle like a finger. In most other animals, their claw acts more or less like a toenail. It’s not like that in cats, it’s a real functional part of their anatomy. There are ligaments and tendons attached to the claw that give your cat the power to extend and retract her claws.

These simple claws that you’re thinking of removing actually help your cat grasp things, establish their position for walking, running, jumping, climbing, and stretching.

When the claw is removed, it is like cutting off the tips of the toes. Sensory and motor nerves are cut, damaged and destroyed. They do not repair themselves and will take many months to grow back.

There is a lack of sensation in the paw and then comes a tingling sensation. While all of this is going on, your cat must walk on the stump end of the second toe and suffer with the pain.

From a human aspect, just think if you had surgery on one or both feet, what would you be doing? Stay away from them, correct.

Your cat can’t.

The cat must use the litter box and that requires scratching, it must walk and try to lead a normal cat life with a pain that it cannot even complain about.

A cat’s senses are more acute than ours and their suffering is much worse than ours. There are very few, if any, pain medications that you can give your cat. The humble aspirin is even toxic.

After surgery, infection can set in and guess what, the claws can grow back. Not in the usual way, but possibly through the top or bottom of the leg causing even more pain and trouble.

Nature created a cat in a very unique way. Every part of a cat’s body was designed for a particular purpose and those mischievous claws are part of the package.

I realize you really like the curtains, the couch, and the stereo speakers, and living with shredded clutter is not your way of life.

So what does a person do?

Here are some tips that might help solve your problems.

1. If you don’t have time and patience, don’t buy a cat.
2. Get some good scratching posts. (More on that later.)
3. Learn how to trim the tips of your cat’s nails with a special nail clipper designed for cat nails.
4. Put plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or double-sided tape over the items the cat is shredding. Cats don’t like the feel of these things and will soon forget to scratch them.
5. Buy a set of “Soft Legs.” Soft Paws is a cover that sticks to the claw and can be purchased at most pet stores or online. They do not hurt the cat and will not damage your furniture. They will need to be replaced from time to time.
6. A bored cat can turn into a cat that scratches things just for entertainment. He plays with your cat. Give your cat toys to keep him entertained. Cats need attention.

Scratching posts really are the answer to the claw problem.

What’s interesting is that many of these posts are actually creating the problem rather than curing it. Posts made of soft carpet teach kitty that soft is nice to scratch and that opens up a whole new world of things to discover.

Cats really need something they can sink their claws into. If your cat were an outside cat, tree trunks would fill the bill nicely. Since they are inside cats, I don’t recommend bringing a tree.

However, sisal rope or regular upside-down rug will really fill the bill.

If you’re shopping for a scratching post and I’d suggest buying several, make sure you buy one that’s at least 3 feet tall and made from sisal or hemp. In this way, the kitten can stretch and scratch at the same time.

I’ve found that making my own is the least expensive and easiest way to do it. All you need is some boards, some spare carpet, some small nails or strong staples, and some catnip.

Okay, so you don’t have a spare board or two in your apartment. Run don’t walk to the nearest home supply store (Home Depot or Lowe’s will work great) and ask someone in the lumber department if they have any small pieces of plywood you can buy (it’s usually very cheap and possibly free). ). you need pieces about 8 to 10 inches wide and about 18 to 24 inches long.

Flea markets often have small pieces of rug for sale for about a dollar, if you don’t have spare rug pieces.

All you need to do is use the wrong side of the rug for your scratcher, keeping the smooth side next to the wood. Wrap the rug around the remaining pieces of wood, trim off the excess with scissors or a sharp knife, and nail or staple the rug to the wood.

Rub some catnip on the carpet and spread your scratch pads around the apartment or in places where your cat likes to scratch. These will be lying on the floor and you will have to show Kitty what they are for. The smell of catnip will intrigue your cat and hopefully she’ll discover it for herself.

Remember that it takes time and patience.

Of course, pet stores have tall scratching posts for sale if you’re not willing to build your own, but just think of the fun you’ll be missing out on.

I think cats are very smart and just play dumb for fun.

My cats understand almost everything I say to them. I’m not sure if it’s because I keep talking to them or if they can tell what I mean by the tone of my voice. Whatever it is, it works. The word “No” said offhandedly usually does the trick.

Whatever you do, DO NOT hit your cat for misdeed. A resounding “NO” or a quick spray of water will usually do the trick. Hitting will only create fear and mistrust and they will wait until you are out of sight to misbehave again.

Praise, love and lots of pets are the way to your cat’s heart. Spending time with your pet will create a bond and I believe that once that bond is established, your cat will instinctively know what is expected of him or her.

My intention here is to make you aware of what declawing does to your cat and to suggest one of two ways to eliminate the need for such a drastic measure.

Just one more thought. Many cats, once declawed, turn to biting as a form of defense.

My friend’s cat, whom I take care of from time to time, is a biter. Coop’s claws are removed and he bites without warning. I have learned to be very aware of that fact and although he is very friendly and loves to play, I take care of my arms and legs.

I hope this information gives you more insight into declawing and that you take the time to digest it and act on it. Good luck.