Paws Need Claws
March 29th is Declaw Awareness Day!
Did you know declawing is banned in over 40 countries? That's because declawing is NOT a manicure for your cat. It's a painful and inhumane procedure that can leave cats with lifelong health and behavioral issues. It involves amputating the last bone of each toe, which is essentially like cutting off a human’s fingertip. Declawing changes the way your cat’s foot meets the ground and can cause pain similar to wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes. This pain can be coupled with complications such as infections, nerve damage, and bone spurs. These physical issues can further cause behavioral issues, such as litter box aversion. You can learn more from your veterinarian and the following resources.
If you’re interested in alternatives to declawing, your veterinarian is your best resource. In general, regularly trimming your cats’ nails and providing ample scratching outlets, such as posts and boards, can deter your cats from scratching furniture. Soft plastic claw caps are also a suitable alternative, but again, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian. The links below also provide tips if you are interested in learning more.
