While declawing has a history of being accepted as part of cat ownership, many question whether cat declawing is a humane practice. Alternatives to cat declawing are now seen as ideal ways to prevent cat scratching.
What is cat declawing? When a cat is declawed, the end portions of the cat's toes are removed. Another method of declawing, called a tendonectomy, involves cutting the tendon to the nails. This leaves the cat without the ability to extend its claws.
Cat owners may believe that cat declawing is necessary to stop or prevent destructive cat scratching. If a cat has a habit of scratching during play, the cat owner may feel that declawing is necessary. However, when robbed of its defenses, the cat may resort to biting.
Complications of cat declawing can lead to long-term health problems and infection. Cat declawing can cause a cat to walk differently which can lead to abnormal joint where and skeletal problems. If a declawed cat becomes stray, the cat is defenseless and at risk of serious injury.
A cat that has been previously litter box trained may start to avoid the litter box after being declawed. Recently declawed cats often experience pain while digging in litter box. The cat may associate the litter box with pain and avoid the litter box.
Many organizations that promote the humane treatment of animals are opposed to cat declawing. Instead, there are a number of humane options available for cat owners. Trimming the cat's claws and providing scratching posts are a couple of the alternatives to cat declawing.
A cat's claws can be trimmed with a regular fingernail clippers. That cat owner can extend the claws by gently pressing on the cat's paw. The pink part of the nail, called the quick, should be avoided as they will bleed of cut. Only the very tips of the claws need to be cut.
Scratching post can be an effective alternative to cat declawing. If a cat refuses to use his scratching posts, the cat owner may encourage use by rubbing the scratching post with catnip and placing it near where any destructive scratching has occurred.
Vinyl claw covers are nail caps that are glued over the cat's claws. These vinyl claw covers come in a variety of colors and will stay in place for up to six weeks. - 29958
What is cat declawing? When a cat is declawed, the end portions of the cat's toes are removed. Another method of declawing, called a tendonectomy, involves cutting the tendon to the nails. This leaves the cat without the ability to extend its claws.
Cat owners may believe that cat declawing is necessary to stop or prevent destructive cat scratching. If a cat has a habit of scratching during play, the cat owner may feel that declawing is necessary. However, when robbed of its defenses, the cat may resort to biting.
Complications of cat declawing can lead to long-term health problems and infection. Cat declawing can cause a cat to walk differently which can lead to abnormal joint where and skeletal problems. If a declawed cat becomes stray, the cat is defenseless and at risk of serious injury.
A cat that has been previously litter box trained may start to avoid the litter box after being declawed. Recently declawed cats often experience pain while digging in litter box. The cat may associate the litter box with pain and avoid the litter box.
Many organizations that promote the humane treatment of animals are opposed to cat declawing. Instead, there are a number of humane options available for cat owners. Trimming the cat's claws and providing scratching posts are a couple of the alternatives to cat declawing.
A cat's claws can be trimmed with a regular fingernail clippers. That cat owner can extend the claws by gently pressing on the cat's paw. The pink part of the nail, called the quick, should be avoided as they will bleed of cut. Only the very tips of the claws need to be cut.
Scratching post can be an effective alternative to cat declawing. If a cat refuses to use his scratching posts, the cat owner may encourage use by rubbing the scratching post with catnip and placing it near where any destructive scratching has occurred.
Vinyl claw covers are nail caps that are glued over the cat's claws. These vinyl claw covers come in a variety of colors and will stay in place for up to six weeks. - 29958
About the Author:
Moses Wright has been a pet lover since young. He started this site to provide pet lovers with free pet advices and tips on homemade pet food.
