What to know before you declaw your cat

August 27th, 2008

Having a cat’s nails removed is a very controversial issue. Many view declawing as inhumane and cruel, while others look at is as necessary. There are alternatives to the declawing procedure, so middle grounders may use declawing as a last resort. Whether or not you would like to declaw your cat is completely up to you and your veterinarian. But, before you rush into the procedure, you should understand the process, the alternatives, and the reasons why an owner would have a cat’s nails removed.

Onychectomy is a surgical method of removing a cat’s claws. The surgery is similar to an amputation where last phalanx on each toe is removed. For a human, it would be similar to removing the last segment of bone on a finger. By removing this bone, the nail bed is removed; thus, the nail is unable to grow. Surgical glue is used to seal the incision, and the cat is usually kept overnight. Another method used, tendonectomy, does not involve removing the claw. Instead, the tendons that allow the cat to flex its nails are cut. The nails are still there and continue to grow throughout the cat’s life; she is just unable to move her claws. Both procedures require anesthesia and many veterinarians will write a prescription for pain medication. Recovery for the procedures can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. An advantage of tendonectomy is that it is considered less painful for the cat after the operation. A disadvantage of the procedure is that the owner must keep the cat’s nails clipped throughout its life to prevent ingrown nails. Although an onychectomy may cause more pain for the cat initially, there are normally no additional side effects once the incisions heal.

There are a few alternatives to declawing, but all take time and patience. Soft Paws and Soft Claws are vinyl coverings that glue onto your pet’s nails. It may take time to get your cat used to the feel. For some cats, the claws will stay on anywhere between four and six weeks; but, the claws can detach earlier than that. Often, placing an intriguing scratching post in your home can deter your cat from clawing your beloved furniture. Using a scratching post combined with methods to keep your cat off the furniture (such as a spray bottle) has proven successful for many cat owners.

A fairly common belief is that all indoor cats are declawed; but, in truth, going through with the procedure is the owner’s choice. Some people automatically think that if they have an indoor cat, then it’s going to claw the furniture. All cats are different; and, yes, some will go straight for your favorite item. But, many owners are able to discourage furniture clawing and encouraging other forms of nail sharpening. Since you don’t know what behaviors your kitten will adopt, some veterinarians suggest holding off on the surgery until a problem arises. Others, however, suggest performing the surgery at an early age, since young kittens can heal faster than older cats. Many veterinarians will discourage or refuse to declaw a cat’s back claws, leaving them for protection.

If you are having a hard time deciding whether or not to declaw your cat, then consider the situation. If your cat spends times outside, then declawing is definitely not recommended; she needs her claws to defend herself. If she never leaves the confinements of your home and alternatives have not been successful, then you may need to have your cat declawed. Rest assured knowing that the procedure is performed regularly, and rarely do cats have problems later down the road.

Declawing a cat is a great debate in the United States. Many people feel that the procedure is inhuman, but others think it’s the only way to keep their home intact. There are different methods of performing the procedure; each has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are also alternatives to declawing, but they all take time and patience. Cats that spend time outdoors should never have their claws removed, since sharp nails are a way for them to protect themselves. Whether or not you want to have your cat declawed is up to you and your veterinarian.

Article provided by Pet-Super-Store.com a site selling dog couches, wrought iron dog feeders and dog ramps.

Entry Filed under: Pet Health

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