What It Is
Declawing is the surgical removal of a cats nails by amputating the last knuckle joint in their paw. It would be the same as removing the last knuckle joint on your hand or foot. This surgery is actually considered cruel and is illegal in many countries.
What always amazes people is that their veterinarian will do something, such as a declaw, and not tell the owner of potential side effects. But you as an owner, need to be aware that since you are PAYING a vet to do this surgery, there is no reason for them to try to talk you out of it.
How it MIGHT Affect Your Cat
Heightened Flight or Fight Response
A declawed cat KNOWS that it is defenseless. It will react stronger to trivial situations. In nature, weak animals are easier targets and they know it, so they either must flee, or make an appearance that they are healthy and strong. This is why declawed cats often become nervous biters, or are easily frightened and react in a way that may seem too extreme for the situation.Increased Aggression
This combines with the above statement, as declawed cats often try to assert their dominance so they do not get challenged by other animals, including their owner. A declawed cat may become a bully to your other pets.Refusal to use their Litter Box
Because of the pain in their paws a declawed cat may refuse to use its litter, either permanently, temporarily, or it may develop as an issue later in life.Chronic Back Pain
Because they are now unable to walk naturally on their toes they must walk on the heel of their paw. This is unnatural, and as a cat gets older it may result in chronic back pain.- Complications from Surgery. Sometimes the surgery does not go correctly, bone chips remain, tendon damage occurs, or regrowth occurs. All of these may result in a cat that requires further surgeries or euthanasia.
Death
The declaw itself won't kill your cat, but if it gets out it could be easily killed by a dog or other animals.
Alternative Solutions
Claw Proctors
You can buy claw covers that you glue onto your kitties nails. These often come in packages of 40, but since cats to very little damage with their hind claws, you can save money by using them only on the front nails.Tolerance
Your sofa is still useful for sitting on, even if it has some scratches on it.Provide Cat Furniture
If your cat is allowed its own scratching place it will be happier. You need to indicate to the cat that it is allowed to scratch certain things. You can do this by rubbing cat nip on it. Also you can renew use by moving cat furniture around or laying it on its side.Deterrent Sprays
There are several spray products that cats do not like the smell of, you can use these on your furniture to prevent the cat from scratching there. Even a quick squirt with water will tell a cat not to scratch a certain area. Do not go crazy and spray a cat once it has stopped scratching or it will not understand the punishment.Slip Covers on your Furniture
Adopt a kitty that is already Declawed
Rather than buying a kitten and putting it through the risky procedure and pain, try finding one who has already had the surgery done.
Wait For It To Outgrow The Behavior
Kittens are typically claw aggressive, this diminishes by the time the cat is about 1 year old.
Select A Breed Not Known For Being Claw Aggressive
Himalayans and Persians are not known for being as claw aggressive as other breeds.Trim Your Cat's Nails
It is very simple to do or can be done by a groomer or veterinarian.
Other Thoughts.
If you do declaw your cat, you must make sure he or she does not go outside ever. They are an easy target for a dog or other cat, and they will not always run. Remember what I said earlier - they may want to appear tough so will stay and fight.
Declawing is a permanent procedure, once done it cannot be undone.
Scratching is completely natural to a cat. There is no point in getting a pet and depriving of the things that are natural to it. If clawing is something you cannot tolerate, then perhaps a cat is not the right pet for you.
