The Truth About Declawing
What Is Declawing?
Declawing cats is a controversial practice where a veterinarian removes a cat’s front claws. Although it’s banned in many countries (including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom), in the US, it’s legal in all 50 states. Declawing is done with a scalpel under anesthesia.
What Are The Risks?
In addition to pain and infection, declawing can lead to:
- Lack of mobility: because they don’t have their claws anymore, cats aren’t able to climb up things or scratch at things as much—they have trouble getting around and will often sit in one place instead of exploring their surroundings. This could also mean they get less exercise than they would otherwise!
- Behavioral issues: because they’re so uncomfortable with their claws being removed from their body, many cats become more aggressive or territorial after they’ve undergone this surgery—which means they might lash out at people or other animals during playtime or when something comes
There are a lot of opinions out there about declawing cats, and it’s easy to see why: people love their cats! But what is the deal with declawing? Should you do it? What can you do instead of declawing?
Declawing is an elective procedure that involves removing a cat’s claws and tendons, which means the cat can’t defend itself if it needs to. This can be very stressful for them physically and emotionally, so if you weigh your options, you may want to look into alternatives.
Consider these choices for scratchy cats:
- Soft Paws: These are like little caps that fit over your cat’s claws, so they don’t scratch furniture or other surfaces. They’re not permanent and can be removed at any time if necessary.
- Scratching Posts: Cats need something sturdy and tall to scratch on so they don’t damage their furniture. If your cat likes scratching upholstery but doesn’t care for the post, try placing their favorite scratching material on top of it, so they get used to it.
- We also recommend trimming your cat’s nails regularly.
Have you got any questions? Read more on alternatives to declawing.
