As a cat lover, you always want the best for your feline companion, from the greatest food to the most comfy bed. This means you are always willing to go to great lengths to ensure their joy and well-being. You may have come here, like many others, to learn more about whether or not declawing is beneficial for your cat and you.. It’s an issue that frequently provokes debate, as well as confusion and doubt among cat owners. That is why we have come to shed some light on the situation.
You might be shocked to find that declawing is a procedure that can cause chronic discomfort, behavioral issues, and joint damage in cats. It is not as easy as nail clipping or even cosmetic surgery. Furthermore, because of its severity, it has been ruled illegal in several jurisdictions. You may even be shocked to learn that the declawing procedure will not fix the problems you are aiming to solve. Therefore, how do you deal with such a situation?
So, grab a cup of catnip tea and settle in, because we are about to embark on a significant journey that will open your eyes and make you think twice about declawing. We’ve covered all you need to know about cat declawing, as well as alternate solutions if you don’t want to put your cat through the procedure. So, let’s get down to the arena of claws to uncover the 7 shocking truths about declawing that you need to know right now.
1) Declawing is Not Like Nail Trimming
As cat owners, we too understand that their sharp claws may do considerable harm to your skin and furniture. So don’t make the decision to declaw right away to address the problem. because this procedure differs from standard nail clipping. To proceed, you must understand that declawing is the removal of the last bones from your cat’s feet. As you can see, the entire digit is removed, including the toenails, bones, tendons, nerves, and joints.
We all know this sounds scary, don’t we? However, we are thoroughly presenting the procedure to you so that you may fully comprehend the facts and make a well-informed choice. To be honest, don’t think that laser surgery will be less intrusive or painful for your pet because the aftereffects are still severe. In fact, it can occasionally cause more tissue damage and increase the risk of infection.
2) Declawing Causes Chronic Pain
We have already informed you that declawing is a serious surgical procedure that involves the removal of the terminal bone of a cat’s toes. Although you may believe that this procedure will save your skin and belongings, it won’t. On the other hand, your pet will suffer from chronic pain as a result of this. Declawed cats are more likely to have lameness, stiffness, and trouble walking as a result of surgery, along with joint disorders.
3) Declawing Is Illegal In Several Countries.
Did you know that in many countries throughout the world, declawing is illegal? Yes, several countries have acknowledged the cruel and barbaric nature of declawing and have prohibited it.
Declawing is illegal in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and several European countries, because of the negative consequences it has on cats’ health and well-being. These countries think that declawing is a harsh and unnecessary practice that creates physical and behavioral difficulties for cats.
Who knows, the surgery might even be illegal in your area! So, why take the risk of putting your beloved buddy through the agony and suffering of declawing when there are alternative options?
4) Declawing Increases the Risk of Litter Box Issues
Cats are famous for their cleanliness, but did you know that decluttering can even ruin their ability to use the litter box? It’s true that declawing can increase the risk of litter box problems for your feline friend.
Declawing can cause physical discomfort and pain for cats. As a result, they face a difficult situation when they walk, climb a high place, or use this litter box. Many cats may find using the litter box a painful activity and may try to avoid it altogether.
Litter box issues can be frustrating and unpleasant for both you and your furry friend. So, before considering declawing, it’s important to understand the potential consequences it can have on your cat’s litter box behavior.
5) Declawing Doesn’t Fix Behavior Problems
You may believe that declawing will eradicate your cat’s scratching habit, however this is not the case. Because scratching is a natural behavior in cats, attempting to stop it exposes your cat to other behavioral issues. You need to understand that cats do this to keep their claws sharp, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. In addition, declawing can also increase a cat’s stress levels, which can further exacerbate behavioral issues.
Because of such behavioral issues, many cats can become fearful for seemingly insignificant reasons and hide for long periods of time. If you’re trying desperately to find your cat and don’t know how long or where they’ve been hiding, it’s extremely important that you read our How long will a scared cat hide post.
6) Declawing Leads to Joint Problems
One of the most serious issues with this procedure is joint pain. Declawed cats find it difficult to flex their muscles and joints. As a result, they are unable to adequately use their claws during regular exercise. This lack of exercise and movement can result in a variety of joint issues, including arthritis and joint stiffness.
The threats do not really end there; removing the claws might cause your cat’s natural balance and movement to be disrupted. This can put excessive pressure on the joints and further complicate the physical condition of your fur ball.
7) Declawing Affects Your Cat’s Natural Instincts
Cats are creatures of instinct, and declawing can disrupt their natural instincts in a number of ways. Declawing removes a cat’s primary means of defense, making them feel vulnerable and afraid. This can lead to increased anxiety and stress levels, as well as a decreased ability to hunt and catch prey.
In addition, declawing can also disrupt a cat’s ability to climb and balance, as well as their natural gait. This can make it difficult for them to perform routine activities, such as jumping onto a bed or climbing a scratching post.
There is no obligation that you believe everything we say without question. It’s fine to have some doubts, but when a vet speaks out against this practice, there’s no reason to doubt him!!! Here is the advice of an experienced feline paramedic who will walk you through the things you need to know about the declawing procedure for your cat.
Safe and Effective Alternatives to Declawing
So, you love your feline friend, but they’ve got a little bit of a scratching problem. No worries, my friend! You don’t have to resort to declawing. Trust me, there are alternatives that will not only keep your furniture and skin safe, but also make your cat a happy camper.
Here are some options that you can try:
- Give your cat plenty of scratching posts and toys. These will keep their claws in tip-top shape and provide them with endless entertainment.
- Trimming their claws regularly is a quick and easy way to keep the sharpness at bay.
- Soft claw caps can be a lifesaver for furniture and skin. They’re like little gloves for your cat’s claws and they come in all sorts of fun colors.
- Training is key. Show your cat where they can and cannot scratch and they’ll get the hang of it in no time.
- If all else fails, deterrent sprays and double-sided tape can help discourage your cat from scratching in certain areas.
By trying out these alternatives, you and your feline friend can coexist in harmony. Plus, your cat will be able to express their natural instincts without causing any pain or discomfort.
To Wrap Up
As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to make informed decisions that will protect the health and well-being of our furry friends. We must also be mindful of the laws and regulations surrounding declawing, and support efforts to ban this procedure in countries where it is still legal.
So, let’s take action. Let’s make sure that our feline friends are protected from the harmful effects of declawing, and that they are able to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Share this information with other pet owners, spread the word about the alternatives to declawing, and join the effort to ban this procedure for good. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of cats everywhere.