Many cat owners think that declawing is the best way to get rid of furniture scratches. However, a number of cat owners complained that declawing didn't give any satisfying results to their pets.
Many veterinarians suggest declawing. The good thing is that laser surgery is now available. Cats do not need to suffer much during the surgery.
Just like any other person or animal, your cat should feel calm on your way to the veterinarian. A cat carrier is useful to comfort the cat before and after the declawing procedure. Cats are usually uneasy after the surgery. Since they are not their usual selves, it is advisable to provide a comfortable cat bed to rest on as soon as you arrive home.
There are many issues to be faced in declawing. Most of which pertain to ethics, physical aspects and psychological behaviors of cats. By nature, cats are born with claws. Claws are important to defend themselves against predators. Also, cats use their claws to catch their preys.
Declawed cats should stay indoors. Otherwise, they won't be able to defend themselves or run quickly to escape from predators. If cats find out that they are not able to defend themselves, they might act violently indoors. Cats scratch to relieve stress. If they are unable to scratch, there will be stress build-up. This makes them moody and cranky. Also, other cat owners observe that after declawing, their pets start acting clumsy and restless unlike before.
Scratching is innate in cats. Taking away their claws limits them from scratching. Sometimes, the pain of declawing lasts for a very long time. Contrary to what veterinarians claim, some declawed cats suffer sore feet during their entire life after the procedure.
The next issue is the litter box problem. Research cannot link a specific evidence why this problem is associated with declawing. This is probably because the cat assumes that the litter box is associated with surgery. Fear and trauma are usually the reasons why cats refuse to use the litter box.
It is difficult to keep your declawed cat from defecating or urinating around the house if it ditches its litter box. It takes so much effort and a lot of money for home maintenance. Sad to say, when these things happen, cat owners are usually thinking of getting rid of their pets.
If improper declawing was performed, like any surgeries, it can lead to serious medical illnesses or even death. The common complications are respiratory problems and blood loss. Also, declawed cats may suffer from walking and balance difficulties. In worst case scenarios, it can result to permanent disability or paralysis.
Other than those mentioned, here are some common issues faced after declawing:
- Lameness
- Arthritis
- Biting
- Muscle atrophy
- Infections
- Blood spotting
- Crippling
Declawing might not be the best decision to take. So before making any hard decisions, be sure to evaluate the pros and cons. Another alternative that you can use is by giving your cat a handy scratching post. Nail caps, nail training and soft paws are other alternatives worth looking at.
Ella Hall enjoys writing for Thecatpetshop.com which sells cat carrier and cat bed as well as a host of additional products.
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