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What does it mean when a cat is declawed? How is it done? The cat's claw is not a toe nail like other animals. It is movable and attached to muscle as a finger is. There are strong ligaments and tendons which enable it to extend and retract the claws. This is unique to cats and enables them to properly grasp, hold and gain footing for walking, running, jumping, climbing and stretching. Declawing is the same as cutting off half their toes. The nerves are cut, damaged and destroyed.
Since cats have keener senses than humans, they suffer more than humans. Many pain-killers can not be given to cats because they can cause illness or even death. Consider how you would feel to have surgery and no pain-relieving medication afterward. There is the possibility of the claws growing back, but not like a normal claw. They grow through the top or bottom of the paw causing a bloody, painful sore. There is also the possibility of infection which can lead to amputation of the entire paw.
Cats like to keep their claws sharp and clean removing the outer sheath of the nail by working on the scratching post you provide. Giving your cat the proper scratching post and teaching him to use it will help preserve your furniture and carpets. Scratching posts made out of carpet only reinforce the idea that your furniture and carpets are good scratching surfaces. The best posts are covered with sisal rope. This encourages your cat to scratch on hard, coarse surfaces.
Training your cat to use this post does take some effort on your part. If you see him scratching someplace else, pick him up and gently place him on the sisal post. You can also use a squirt-bottle filled with water to spray at him for inappropriate scratching. There is a product which can be purchased at pet stores called Feliway. Spraying this per instructions for about 30 days is an excellent deterrent. Feliway is also available in a plug-in version (like an air-freshener). Each plug-in lasts approximately 30 days. There are scent glands in your cat's paws. To make himself feel more at ease, your cat wants to mark things in his household. Using the Feliway marks the area with pheromones making your cat feel more at ease. It also helps eliminate male cats spraying. It is also necessary to trim your cats claws with cat claw scissors on a regular basis. The sharp hook needs to be trimmed off without cutting into the quick (the pink portion of the nail).
Another thing to consider is the psychological effect this has on your cat. Without claws to protect himself, many cats will turn to biting with little provocation. Declawing is an American procedure. In other countries, most veterinarians refuse to do this procedure. I lived in Germany for 7 years and all of the Americans I knew that wanted their cats declawed had to take them elsewhere because the procedure was illegal in Germany. I believe it should be illegal here as well. For more information about declawing, CLICK HERE. Even more information can be found on our Links page. If you really love your cat, do everything you can for him to lead a long and happy life. Give him the love and affection he deserves and he will give it back 100-fold.
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