Declawing is a surgical procedure involving removal of claws and should not be mistaken for pedicure. Declawing puts the pet in great pain not only during the surgery but also after it. Although it is practiced widely in many countries, it is still considered as an unnecessary mutilation and is illegal in some countries. Another drawback is that this surgical procedure isn't reversible.
Before getting this surgery, owners should understand many aspects of it. The claw is very different from a toenail as it is attached to the bone. The last bone and the joint are removed along with the claw, during declawing. Nature has designed the body in a way such that everything is used to balance its movement, agility and grace.
The main purpose of claws is to defend an enemy and to get proper grip while walking. By amputating the joint, the whole walk is altered. Other than walking, even other behaviors like eating, hunting, grip, etc. also gets changed. They can no longer enjoy climbing trees and tall objects which also means that they cannot jump from heights.
Declawing changes the life of a cat. Some owners have even sworn that the whole personality of the animal is changed after the procedure. Although medical science hasn't reported any side effects, but there are physical and emotional complications in the animal. The recovery is also full of pain and the pet can aggravate the situation by walking and scratching the litter box.
Unlike other animals that walk on their paws, cats step on their toes. And when the last bone and joint are imputed, the animal steps on its hind quarter, which can make them lose balance. The shift of weight can also affect the front quarter muscles. The imbalance can be very disturbing for the cat.
Some cats even develop secondary contracture of the tendons. Claws are the primary defense for animals. When they loose the claws, they do not go outside a lot because of the possible threats and the feeling of insecurity. And even if they do, there are chances that they will hurt themselves or even get lost. It will develop a tendency of biting. It can get distressed and not only bite strangers but also familiar people and even owners.
As a natural instinct, cats have a tendency to scratch after they pass urine or stool. When the claws are missing, they get an uneasy feeling, making them to pass on rugs, soft furniture and filling the house with odor. Another thing which actually aids this habit is the fact that it experiences pain when it scratches the hard litter box, so it will choose to do it on a softer surface.
There are many options to declawing. Firstly, the owner should understand that scratching is a natural instinct of cats. The act of scratching is nothing but exercise for the animal. It exercises the front quarter muscles and they also gain pleasure out of the whole act.
Nail caps are available in the market, which need to be filled with adhesive and slipped on the claw. The structure of these nail caps is very soft and animals can hardly feel the foreign object. The home furniture can be saved from further cat scratches. The claws can also be trimmed, but it should be done carefully.
Only the tips should be clipped and not the whole claw especially the opaque part, as those are the tissues and cutting them can lead to bleeding and pain. In the market, many different types of nail trimmers are available depending on the animal and its size. Before trimming the claws, the animal must be made comfortable by massaging its paws so as to not to raise suspicion.
Also the animal can be provided with a scratching post and there are many options available at the local pet stores. But the animal should be trained to use it and it should be done from an early age. Usually animals like rough surfaces which it can shred to pieces. A tree stump can do a great job, but scratch posts are available with a familiar texture.
Many cat owners must make the decision of whether or not to declaw their pets. Owners must realize that cat declawing is not a simple issue. Whether they realize it or not, there are short and long-term effects that declawing can have on a cat. It is ultimately the owner's decision, however, to weigh these issues and see whether or not declawing is necessary. Below are some of the issues that can be considered by cat owners.
First, it is important to consider what a cat uses its claws for. They use them to mark their territory. They also use them for their agility in jumping, chasing, and running. Their retractable claws help them establish good footing and balance. A cat will also use its claws for defense against predators. Often, an owner will only see a cat's claws as the reason their sofa, carpet, or curtains are torn and ruined.
When a cat is declawed, it is not as simple as cutting off its toenails. A cat's claws are attached to ligament, tendons, and bones. Removal of the claws is likened to amputating each finger off a human hand. Similarly, declawing cuts off the first bone of each of the cat's toes. It is also a very painful recovery for the cat, since it walks on these now tender paws. There is no pain medication given to the cat afterward, since cats do not tolerate them well - so every step it takes will produce pain for some time. Often, owners will note a psychological affect from declawing also. The once friendly, playful cat will become quiet and aloof.
Since declawing is an operation that requires anesthesia, complications from the procedure itself can arise. Although rare, infection, excessive bleeding, possible paralysis, as well as death from the anesthesia can occur. If not done correctly, there is also the possibility of the claw growing back in an abnormal manner, growing through the top or bottom of the paw.
A cat's whole defense system relies on its claws. Once declawed, a cat should never be allowed outside. If confronted, especially by another animal, a cat will claw or chase and run. When chasing and running, a cat relies on its claws. Without claws, it is unable to fight. You may honestly believe that since your cat is solely kept in the house, it will have no need for self-defense, and use this as an excuse to declaw. Unfortunately, even a house cat can get loose. You have now left your cat totally defenseless in the world. What chance would it have in the face of danger?
The fact is that declawing is banned in many countries, as they consider it an inhumane procedure. Declawing does have alternatives though. Proper training of the cat will eliminate human scratching, as well as furniture scratching. To deal further with furniture scratching, buy a scratching post. Make sure the post is not made of carpeting, but rather of some type of material similar to the backing on carpeting. Also, be sure to trim the cat's claws regularly as part of your routine cat grooming. This will enable you, the cat, and its claws to live in harmony.
Both Dora Redman & Matthew Hick are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dora Redman has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dogs, Training A Cat and The Internet. Dora Redman writes articles for various websites. Only Natural Pet Store: Your source for healthy supplies for dogs and cats.