To declaw, or not to declaw? That is indeed the ultimate question. There is a LOT of controversy surrounding the debate of cat declaw. Mainly people are concerned about the irreparable effects declawing has on your cat.
It has become very popular among cat owners mainly because cat claws cause tons of damage around the house. 3 years ago my wife bought a pair of kittens who still had their claws. During that time, you could visibly see the scratches she had on her neck and arms from handling the young kittens. Despite what you might think, cats don't hold anything against you when they use their claws, its just a regular part of life for them. Cats, but especially kittens, just simply have a difficult time NOT scratching you and every piece of furniture in your home with their claws.
Cats use their claws to balance themselves, get away from danger, defend themselves, attack their prey, mark their territory and much more. So removing their means of performing this ability is something which you should consider very carefully. Many people akin removing a cat's claws to having your fingers cut off. Sure, you can keep your hands, but no fingers....We have compiled several of the top pros and cons which you need to know when it comes to cat declawing.
Pros to cat declawingIts good to know that the entire procedure is very easy on the pocketbook. It is so common that most vets offer the procedure for a reasonable cost.It is also a very safe procedure. There are many surgeries your cat could endure which have a far lower chance of success than a simple claw removal. So if you are worried about the problems with the procedure itself, you don't have to worry so much because most vets are very good at performing claw removal.Its vital to your cat's health that you spend some time researching your veterinarian. Not all veterinarians are made the same, so make sure to check your vet out to ensure that they are doing a good job with their patients.And there is the old-time favorite pro to cat declawing. Your furniture will be much safer than if you chose to keep your cat's claws in place. Also, much as in the story with my wife, your cat won't be destroying your neck, chest, arms, and legs because of the cat's claws. Your cat's meanest attack after removing its claws will be a simple furry pressure from its paws.
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, does it not? Sadly, the list of cons is more extensive than you may think.
Cons to cat declawingThe biggest problem with the entire declawing experience is the pain associated with it. Unfortunately, many cats suffer a great deal of pain because of having their claws removed. This pain can be so traumatizing to the cat that their behavior will actually change. They'll become more reclusive and less friendly (especially to strangers). They'll seem more aloof. They'll feel helpless against the world because their main line of defense will have been removed.
They'll walk differently because of the change in their front paws, and if the vet accidentally leaves any bone fragments behind, they'll have pain in their front paws for the rest of their life.Also, declawed cats, removed of their ability to mark their territory will start to use urine to mark their territory. As you might imagine, this means that they will no longer use the litterbox, but instead will pee on the side of your couch instead of ripping a hole in it. Of course both behaviors can be controlled, but its important to know that there are all kinds of issues associated with cat declawing.
This doesn't mean that you cat will suffer from any of these symptoms, but they are relatively common in cats who have undergone claw removal.
And one last note on the cons to declawing. More of a warning, really. Don't declaw your cat if she is not in the age of 3-8 months. If they are any older, than they will find it VERY difficult to adjust to not having claws and will suffer severe emotional damage.
Cat Declawing In SummaryYour cat's fate rests in your hands, you are the decision maker. There are several ways you can keep your cat's claws without having them destroy the house, but it takes a little more work and training.Are you looking for the easy way out despite the risks? Or are you going to try to train your cat to respect you and your house with his claws?
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Want to learn more about caring for your cat? Check out this fantastic resource on cat symptoms!
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