The Case Against Declawing Your Cat
Declawing a cat is a major surgical procedure, performed under general anesthesia. It is actually amputation of the last joint on each toe, not a simple removal of the claw itself as many are led to believe.
Cats walk on their toes, unlike most mammals who walk on the soles of their feet. Their musculature, joints, tendons and ligaments are all designed to distribute their body weight to their toes. The claw is not a nail like human fingernails or toenails. It is actually a part of the last bone in a cat's toe. If you were to "declaw" a human in the same way a cat is declawed, you would be amputating all 10 fingers at the last joint!
There is a real possibility of complications after any major surgery, and declawing is no exception. There is the possibility of hemorrhage, infection, extreme pain and bone chips.
There is also the possibility of nerve damage.
The cat can become withdrawn, distant, fearful and/or aggressive, and often start biting, as this is the only means of defense left to them. Occasionally the cat will stop using the litter box because immediately after surgery it was painful to scratch in the litter box, and now they associate that pain with the litter box
Some countries have made declawing cats illegal. They have considered it an abusive practice. Getting a good scratching post for your cat and teaching him to use it will help save furniture. Your cat needs his claws for defense and hunting if he ever gets lost. Look for alternative methods to save things from your cat's claws-just save your cat's claws. He will be happier and healthier from the choice and you will be happier knowing your feline friend has what he needs to survive.
Cat Health Care
Benefits Of Playing With Your Cat
Stopping Your Cat From Spraying
Does Your Cat Have An Allergy?
Is My Cat's Aggression Normal?
Urinary Tract Infection In Your Cat
Cat Health Care
Benefits Of Playing With Your Cat
... claws - end the play session. This will teach your cat that aggressive cat behavior is best directed to his toys, and not you! Cats need fun in their lives, just like humans need it. Relieve the monotony of eating, snoozing and using the litter box by putting a bit of fun in your cats life. You will have ...
Is My Cat's Aggression Normal?
... their hands and feet. Owners must learn to recognize the postures exhibited by cats engaging in problematic, as opposed to acceptable, play aggression. The typical play aggression cat will demonstrate predatory type of behaviors. The cat will stalk the owners and pounce on moving body parts such as hands ...
... Open/closed mouth vocalizations include all the variations and intonations of "meow" that a cat uses to greet you, or ask for food, or otherwise demand attention. Intensity vocalizations are created when the cat holds her mouth open the entire time she is making sound. These are the highly emotional vocalization ...
Helping Your Cat Survive Your Move
... two cats who, until now, were barely tolerant of each other will become friendly and form a lasting bond. Going through a confusing situation together will cement that bonding. Make sure you give your cat extra attention during this time. He will sense your mood and the stress you feel at moving may increase ...
... of food, pick him up by the back of his neck like a mother cat. This will render him momentarily unmovable. Gently pry open his mouth and place the medication as far back as possible. Holding his mouth gently closed, stroke his throat. This will cause a reflexive swallowing reaction. Once the medication ...