De-clawing Your Cat
Thanks to www.TuWOW.com for today’s article!
Removing your cat’s nails is not the only choice in your battle
against cat scratching. There are many alternatives to this
surgical procedure.
The claws of a feline serve many purposes, most of which are
overlooked y owners who just want to protect their belongings.
Claws are not just a device for scratching. They are a
multi-purpose tool that cats use for many things, such as
balance, climbing, defense, kneading, playing, and
self-expression.
The act of de-clawing itself involves more than you may think.
De-clawing not only removes the nail itself, but also the first
knuckle on each toe of the paw. This removal of bone is very
painful for the animal, especially since it has to walk on its
paws in order to sustain itself. The surgery itself is related
to disfiguring, dismembering, and disjointing the animal,
resulting in severe pain. It is much more closely related to an
amputation, as often the digits of the toe are removed. Upon
removal of this end digit, sensory and motor nerves are cut and
destroyed; they do not grow back for months. The cat is left to
walk on the stub end of the remaining second digit, experiencing
considerable pain.
Understanding the physiology of the cat may make this horrific
the process easy to comprehend. Cat’s nails are unlike those of
humans. They are more similar to the human finger, as the
feline nail is a movable digit, attached by muscle. Ligaments
and tendons attach to the claw, giving it strength and motor
function.
There are several alternatives to the procedure of claw
removal:
• Scratching Posts. If scratching furniture is the problem,
provide your cat with an adequate scratching post for which to
scratch on. Make sure it is as tall as your cat at extended
stretch. Do not purchase carpeted posts as your pet will have a
hard time differentiating between what carpet she can and cannot
scratch. Praise your pet when she uses the post to encourage
the behavior.
• Discourage Wrongful Behavior. Each time your cat uses the
scratching post, praise her and spend time playing with her near
the post. When the animal scratches at the wrong area, say her
name followed by the word “no,” and move her to the post. Try
dangling a toy in front of the post. When the cat goes for it,
she will end up scratching and playing at the post.
• Trim the Claws. Keeping the nails clipped will minimize the
need for her to scratch, as well as lesson any damage she can
do. Use clippers especially made for cats, and enlist the help
of a second person to hold her still. This can be done once per
week.
• Nail Covers. Plastic nail caps have been manufactured to aid
cat lovers in their attempts to protect their belongings. The
plastic sheaths are attached to freshly trimmed claws with glue.
They are replaced every month, or as needed.
De-clawing your cat is unnecessary if the proper measures are
taken. In fact, the United States and Canada are the only
countries where this procedure is performed. It is considered
inhumane or illegal in most places.
About The Author: David Beart is the owner of
http://www.professo rshouse.com. Our site covers household
finances, dogs, cats, family, cooking and other household
issues.