Declawing a Cat
Cruel, Complicated, Dangerous, and Unnecessary
Despite growing knowledge that declawing a cat can be far more dangerous and painful than owners are often led to believe, the procedure continues to be offered and accepted.
Some new surgical ideas are currently being tested that promise less pain and fewer post-surgical complications. Until those methods are commonplace and proven safer, however, most veterinary clinics continue using the same old method.
Declawing is Amputation, and it's Painful
Current surgical methods involve not just removal of the claws but complete amputation of the tip of each toe including bone, ligament and tendons.
Nicholas Dodman, DVM, author of The Cat Who Cried For Help, wrote: "The inhumanity of the (declawing) procedure is clearly demonstrated by the nature of the cat's recovery following surgery. (We) see cats bouncing off walls of the recovery cage because of excrutiating pain. Declawing fits the dictionary definition of mutilation. Words such as deform, disfigure, disjoint and dismember all apply to this surgery."
Nobody doubts that cats feel pain. It's in its inherent nature, however, to avoid displays of distress in order to prevent attack by predators that sense the cat's weakened state of defense. Felines are magicians at hiding pain so many owners may erroneously regard absence of symptoms as proof that declawing surgery was uneventful, successful, and trauma-free.
Cats Need Intact Paws for Healthy Body Balance and Alignment
A cat's paws are a crucial component to its overall body design which is built for agility and grace. It depends on its natural paws to absorb and properly distribute body weight as the cat walks, climbs, jumps and stretches. Partial amputation of a cat's toes can be compared to the removal of a human's finger at the last joint of each digit. Bad for a human who depends on a full set of fingers for everyday use; worse for a cat that depends on intact paws to provide complete body balance and alignment.
Problems During and After Surgery
The rate of complication during surgery and post-surgery is relatively high compared with many other types of "routine" procedures. Problems can include damage to the radial nerve, bone chips that prevent healing, deformed regrowth, infection, hemorrhage, and life-long sensitivity and pain.
In addition, according to AVAR (Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights), "General anesthesia is used for this surgery which always has a certain degree of disability or death associated with it. Because declawing provides no medical benefits to cats, even slight risk can be considered unaccceptable. In addition, the recovery from declawing can be painful and lengthy and may involve complications requiring additional surgery."
Declawed Cats Can Experience Changes in Personality
Some people report that their declawed cats experience changes in personality. Felines who were previously friendly and happy can become withdrawn and skittish and may bite due to deprivation of their main source of defense. Litterbox problems can also become a factor when a cat's sore feet are further aggravated by the harshness of litter material and urine. The association of pain with litterbox activity can reverse a previously fastidious feline.
Other behavioural issues following declawing may include territorial urination, and spending its time in high places (such as atop the refrigerator, kitchen counter, or bookcase) in an attempt to avoid real or imagined predators, plus a host of other physical and psychological issues.
Declaw Surgery vs. Giving Up for Adoption or Euthanasia
Recently declawed cats often arrive on the doorsteps of animal shelters due to sudden onset of behavioural problems. Or they're euthanized for the same reason.
Again quoting AVAR, "Some veterinarians have argued that some people would have their cats killed if declawing was not an option. We should not, however, allow ourselves to be taken 'emotional hostage.' If a person would really kill his or her cat in this case, it is reasonable to question the suitability of that person as a feline guardian, especially when there are millions of non-declawed cats living in harmony with people."
Alternatives to Declawing
- Tips of the claws can be trimmed on a regular basis to avoid shredding of furniture and other household items. This task can be accomplished at home by the owner or by a veterinarian or groomer.
- Cat scratching posts are widely available and offered in many different formats. There are kitty condos, for example, or simple posts incorporating different types of cover material such as sisal. Others are impregnated with catnip or include a cat toy to help direct the cat's attention. Many people construct their own posts or simply provide their cat with a natural wooden log.
- SoftPaws(R) is another option. These are vinyl nail caps that adhere to each claw with glue, similar to a false fingernail for a human. These caps can be installed by a veterinarian or groomer or at home by the owner.
- Consult with a veterinarian for more ideas beyond declawing.
Cats Need Claws for Balance and Alignment
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