Kimand Ragdolls Declawing Information

Declawing Information

Cat Claw While we know that it's impossible to change everyone's mind who favors declaw, we have the right to express our views just as much as those who think there is nothing wrong with declawing a cat. Anyone who loves cats also has admired their grace and agility. The cat has a faultless sense of balance. To a great extent, this is due to his claws. Claws allow a cat to establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing and stretching. A cat's claws are also his best defense. Many declawed cats get along OK without their claws, but many do not. You cannot possibly know before you have your vet do the deed which category your cat is going to fall into.

The outer part of a cats' claws regularly become worn down. When a cat scratches, he pulls off the outer part and exposes sharp, smooth claws. Scratching is also a way for a cat to mark territory. Not only does a cat mark an object visibly by scratching it, but scratching deposits secretions from glands in the paws as a signpost to other cats. Watch your cat blissfully scratching away at his post. Scratching serves psychological and physiological needs by providing comfort and expression in kneading. It also provides valuable stretching and exercise.

Not Just A Nail Trim!

It's not simply getting a nail trim. The standard declaw procedure removes the claw, the cells responsible for growth at the base and part--if not all--of the terminal bone of the toe. The operation is usually performed only on the front feet but there are some vets who will do all four feet if requested. It is actually an amputation comparable to the removal of the fingers of a human hand at the last knuckle. Many who favor declaw swear the cat does not suffer any more pain than any other surgery, but they don't really know this for a fact. The cat can't speak and tell them. Ask anyone who has had to have a finger amputated and they will tell you there is considerable pain. Regardless of what has been said, it IS more comple than a spay surgery. Spay surgery is a good thing. There is nothing beneficial about declawing. It is done for the convenience of humans.

There can be the risk of infection and blood loss. An incorrectly positioned cut can reove too much of the toe, taking with it part or all of the toe pad. It the whole claw is not removed, misshalpen claws can grow back, requiring more surgery. If a cat's nail is brittle or the trimmer is dull, the bone may shatter and cause what is called sequestrum, which serves as a focus for infection, causing continuous drainage from the toe. This necessitates more surgery. Abnormal growth of severed nerve ends can also occur, causing painful sensations to the toes. Great care must be taken after surgery to be sure that bandages wrapped tightly to control bleeding do not cut off circulation.

Although there have been no definitive studies conducted, some cats may develop behavioral problems such as not using the litter box or biting. Many a declawed cat has ended up in a shelter because of such behavior. North America seems to be the only place where declaw is done.

Scratching Posts

Bon Jovi workout With time and with patience, a cat CAN be trained not to scratch your furniture or your carpets. We prefer the sisal posts over the carpeted ones. We also have several of the "Alpine Scratchers" made from cardboard. They all seem to like these, especially kittens. Watching these cats blissfully scratch the heck out of these things, we stand by our belief that declawing is wrong.

Bon Jovi is getting a good workout on one of his posts. As you can see from it, he uses it frequently!

The Importance Of Cat Trees And Scratching Posts

Please--save a paw and don't declaw! Cats need their claws.

Cat Scratching Solutions

The Purrfect Post

Do It Yourself Cat Tree