Is Cat Declawing Bad?
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Have you ever considered declawing for your cat and wondered if cat declawing is bad or an option? Today we are going to answer that question.
Some Americans are strongly opposed to declawing (a.k.a. onychectomy) because of the physical pain and the likely mental anguish it can cause cats. Others in the U.S. think it should only be done sparingly as a last resort measure. While some cat owners think of declawing as just another grooming procedure aimed at preventing scratch injuries or property damages.
This article will address the practice of cat declawing and answer the question: Is cat declawing bad?
Most definitely, cat declawing is a bad thing in our opinion. In fact, declawing is a barbaric, dangerous and painful procedure that should be banned.
We’ll list the primary reasons why we think declawing is a bad thing for cat owners to do. Then we’ll briefly discuss why declawing should be made illegal in all of the U.S., except as a last resort measure to avoid abandonment or euthanasia. Lastly, we’ll list some humane ways to deter harmful scratching.
Please read on to learn more and don’t be shy about voicing your experiences or opinions by contacting us here.
Is Cat Declawing Bad? Pet Hooligan’s Position
We are strongly against cat declawing. In fact, our position on this surgical procedure is similar to that of the ASPCA. We believe that the only time declawing should be done is if it is the only reasonable and legal option for the cat other than euthanasia. Declawing should not be at the owner’s discretion. It should only be determined as a “last resort” treatment and performed responsibly by a licensed vet.
We commend the U.S. cities that have enacted laws against cat declawing and those states which are considering a declawing ban. Many countries, including the U.K. and Ireland, have either outlawed or severely restricted cat declawing. Go here for the complete country list.
Declawing cats cannot be condoned simply because the owner prefers clawless cats. This is not just a cosmetic procedure like grooming and it should not be taken lightly by cat owners or veterinarians.
Declawed cats are often:
- Suffering atypical stress and anxiety
- More timid around other pets and people
- Apt to spray and/or defecate around the house
- Prone to distress during the surgical and recovery process
- Defenseless and subject to injury or bullying from other animals
- Less apt to stretch and exercise their front legs, necks, and shoulders
- Inclined to post-surgery pain and complications such as fever and infections
Why Should Declawing Be Banned in the U.S.?
Because it is a painful, cruel, and unusual procedure akin to animal torture. Declawing, like all surgeries, requires general anesthesia. This procedure comes with serious risks and pain.
Unlike us humans cats walk, run, jump, and balance themselves on their toes. Declawing interferes with the cat’s ability to balance which can cause fall related injuries. Declawing can also leave the cat without its primary defense causing it to suffer injury and/or develop neurotic anxieties. Such anxieties can create undesirable shifts in the cat’s mental health, personality, and behavior.
Protect Your Stuff, Save Your Cat
Here are some humane ways to deter harmful scratching that your cat will love.
Buy quality scratching posts and pads for each room in the home. A quality post or pad must be attractive to the cat, strategically placed, and meet the cat’s needs. These needs include attractive scent, playful curiosity, territory marking, muscle stretching, and anxiety relief.
Regular nail exams and trimming is a must. Not just during trips to the groomer or vet checks but in between times as well. Ask your vet for nail trimming instructions if you have not done it before. The vet will be glad to do this and answer any questions you may have. Buy quality nail trimmers for cats and small pets on Amazon here, or on Chewy here.
These professional-grade nail clippers have a stainless steel frame, comfortable grip, and built-in safety switch. Suitable for all pet sizes and great for dogs, cats, and other animals.
Cap those claws! Soft Paws for Cats have been on the market since 1990. They were invented by a veterinarian and are made of non-toxic vinyl. These vinyl caps are a great and cheap way of avoiding injury or damage from cat scratches. They will not harm your cat or interfere with it’s normal behavior. Try capping your cat’s claws today!
In Conclusion
So is cat declawing bad? Here at Pet Hooligans we strongly believe that cat declawing is wrong and should be made illegal. It is a painful and needless operation no matter how one looks at it. It is our opinion that declawing should only be considered in those hopeless cases where euthanasia is the only other choice.
We would like to know your opinion. Please let us know by submitting your experiences here. Unless you specify otherwise, your feedback may be published here or on our social sites. Your initials may be used but your name and email will not be published to protect your privacy. Thank you!
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