Declawing

Cats get declawed because we humans have failed to teach them to use the scratching post. So, the furniture is being shredded, and you are wondering whether or not it would be a good idea to declaw your cat.

Cats have an innate need to scratch. They scratch because they need to clear off the old sheath to expose the new sharper claw that is underneath. They scratch as a way of stretching and toning their muscles. That is why it is a good idea to put one scratching post near the place where they usually sleep. Cats also scratch to mark their territory. Scratch marks on trees outside leave a small odor, declaring this as the cat's territory. They use their claws to groom themselves, and they use them for protection.

I discourage the declawing of cats for several reasons. Cats need their claws. Declawing is physically painful and, in some cases, psychologically damaging. If scratching-post training has failed, however, and the choice is getting rid of the cat or getting rid of the claws, I would think that any cat would choose the latter. I realize there are people who may be elderly, ill, or disabled and are badly in need of a kitty companion. For them, training a cat to use appropriate scratching material may be difficult.

Before considering declawing, however, be sure you have given scratching-post training a full and fair trial. If you decide to have your cat declawed, remove only the front claws. The rear claws can still be used for grooming and climbing. Carefully choose an experienced veterinarian who has successfully performed this surgery before and one who has modern up-to-date anesthetic equipment. Be sure you are committed to keeping your cat indoors because, after declawing, she will be unable to defend herself.

This operation will be traumatic for your cat, so expect her to act differently during the recovery period. Be patient and give her lots of love and attention for several weeks following the surgery. Discontinue use of a gravel-like litter. She may be reluctant to dig in this due to soreness or tenderness. I would advise using newspaper shreddings or a similar commercial material. It digs easily, and you only have to remove the waste and add more filler rather than completely change the litter.

If your cat is not acting like her "old self" within a few weeks, take her back to the veterinarian and have her checked to see if proper healing took place or it there is a soreness that can be treated.