Scratching is a natural behavior for cats.
This removes the dead husks from their claws, marks territory, both visually and
with scent glands in their paws, and stretches their muscles. Unfortunately,
what is natural behavior for a cat often is considered misbehavior by a cat's
human guardian, especially when furniture or other household objects are damaged
in the process.
The sensible and humane solution to undesirable scratching is
to modify the cat's conduct by making changes in the environment. Many
guardians, however, choose to modify their cats by having the cat's claws
removed. Usually, the front claws are the only ones cut off, but some guardians
also have the back claws removed.
A Painful Surgery
Surgical claw removal or declawing is
called onychectomy. By any name, it is an extreme measure in
which the entire last part of the ten front toes are amputated. A graphic
comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the
last joint.
General anesthesia is used for this surgery, which always has
a certain degree of risk associated with it. Because declawing provides no medical benefits to cats, even slight risk can be
considered unacceptable. In addition, the recovery from declawing can be painful
and lengthy and may involve postoperative complications such as infections,
hemorrhage, and nail regrowth. The latter may subject the cat to additional
surgery.
A less invasive procedure, called tenotomy or deep digital
flexor tendonectomy, sometimes is done. In this procedure, the tendons
controlling the claws are severed without removing the claws. Although
postoperative problems are lessened by this procedure, the risks associated with
general anesthesia and the ethical question of performing surgery which does not
benefit the patient still apply.
Physical and Psychological Effects
Declawing robs a cat of an integral means
of movement and defense. Because they cannot defend themselves adequately
against attacks by other animals, declawed cats who are allowed outdoors may be
at increased risk of injury or death. Moreover, it is unknown whether declawing
causes some degree of deprivation with respect to satisfying the instinctive
impulses to climb, chase, exercise, and to mark territory by scratching.
Some declawed cats behave as they did before they were
declawed, but others undergo a profound personality change. They may become
extremely timid or unusually aggressive. Whether such problems develop from the
trauma of surgery or the absence of claws is a matter of speculation.
Philosophic Concerns
Anesthesia and postoperative analgesics
may minimize the pain and discomfort experienced by cats who are declawed. It
may also be that there are no long term psychological effects, if this could be
assessed adequately. But, these are not the only issues and may not even be the
most important issues. The cat is treated as if he or she
is an inanimate object who can be modified, even to the point of surgical
mutilation, to suit a person's perception of what a cat should be. It would seem
more ethical and humane to accept that claws and scratching are inherent feline
attributes, and to adjust one's life accordingly if a cat is desired as a
companion. If this is unacceptable, then perhaps a different companion would be
in order.
Some Options to Declawing
Scratching Posts
Training a cat to use a scratching post is the most common
alternative to declawing. Ideally, cat guardians should install scratching posts
in their houses before they bring home a cat. Otherwise, guardians should put
scratching posts next to the sofas, breakfronts, or carpets into which cats are
currently sinking their claws.
A scratching post should be well anchored so that it will not
tip over when the cat uses it. The post also should be tall enough so that the
cat can stretch herself or himself while scratching. The scratching surface
should be made from a strong material like sisal, hemp or carpet, whichever the
cat prefers. Even better would be a combination of materials. Scratching posts,
like litter pans, should be deployed on every story of the house to which a cat
has access.
To teach a cat to use a scratching post, wave a toy directly
in front of the post so that the cat's nails dig into the post as he or she
grabs for the toy. Play this game two or three times a day for a few days and
the cat will soon be climbing the post spontaneously. You could also apply some
catnip to the post for additional enticement.
Discourage Certain Behavior
To keep your cat off what you do not want
scratched, try changing the texture of the item, such as placing a sheet over
the sofa or using aluminum foil or double sided tape on the object. You may also
be able to discourage her or him by using a scent which cats generally do not
like, but which is not unpleasant for human beings. One which may work is the
fresh smell of citrus.
Trimming Nails
Keeping a cat's nails trimmed is another alternative to declawing. Cat guardians can lessen the amount of husk-removal scratching their
cats engage in by seeing that the claws are clipped regularly. The tip of the
claw should be removed along with any loose husk covering the fresh, sharper
claw underneath. If their claws are clipped as needed, once every week or two,
cats will have less desire to remove the husks of dead claws by scratching — an
activity frequently mistaken for sharpening the claws.
To trim a cat's claws, place her or him on a table or on your
lap, and facing away from you. Lift one of the legs so that the lower part of
the leg rests in your upturned fingers. Holding the leg securely but
non-threateningly between the heel of your thumb and the tips of your middle,
ring, and little fingers, grasp the paw between your thumb and forefinger. Press
down gently on top of the paw with your thumb, spreading the toes and extending
the claws. Check each claw individually. Do not trim blunt or rounded claws. If
the nail is honed to a talon-like point, clip it. Be careful to clip the hooked
part of the claw only. Avoid cutting into the pink tissue visible inside the
nail.
Nail Caps
There are commercial products which cover the
claws and reduce the need for frequent trimming of the nails. A non-toxic
adhesive is used to attach a plastic cap over each claw. These are alleged to
last up to 6 weeks and are not harmful if eaten by the cat.
Soft Paws (Nail Caps for Cats)
Visit
http://www.softpaws.com
for more information on soft paws or call us at
604-795-5721
