Feline De-Clawing - Is It An Inhumane Practice?

De-clawing is physically and emotionally maiming cats. Case studies have shown that de-clawing is a cruel act of mutilating animals that result to the de-clawed animal becoming lame, not to mention developing arthritis, depression and a host of other long-term cat health complications. Any way you look at it, de-clawing cats is inhumane. In fact, many countries consider de-clawing illegal. In the United States, however, self-serving cat owners practice this cruel act.

Not a Simple Matter of Trimming Toenails

You may think that de-clawing simply involves trimming a cat's toenails. In actuality, de-clawing is a surgical procedure wherein the cat's toe bones are amputated so that claws can no longer grow. Cats that have been de-clawed undergo a post-operative recovery period that involves a lot of pain.

What they do have are litter boxes, and the pet owner’s place in which to stay as they regain the use of their feet -- a process that is not without pain, to say the least, since cats can’t resist walking, jumping and scratching. These self-sufficient animals would rather hide their pain than be helpless. But they may also begin to exhibit untoward behavior to cope with their discomfort, putting your furniture and other property at risk of damage.

A De-clawed Cat is a Vulnerable and Hostile Cat

A de-clawed cat, once back in his litter box, will not be able to dig properly. Thus, he may wander off to other places where he can pee: on the living room carpet, the cupboard or by the door. Many cat owners discover that scratches on the drywall or floorboard are much easier to deal with than cat urine, which can penetrate deeply.

De-clawing a cat deprives him of one of his primary means of defense, rendering him vulnerable to threats from unfriendly animals or, worse, predators, should he ever step outside the house unaccompanied. The loss of claws also invariably impairs mobility and balance orientation. The sense of insecurity this engenders sometimes leads to hostility and aggressive behavior that may be directed at people, including the pet owner. Remember, the de-clawed cat still has his sharp teeth with which to bite human flesh!

A Cruel Act of Mutilation

Claws are a natural part of every cat's make up. Claws are what give cats their fearsome grace. Thus, de-clawing is literally crippling the cat, mutilation in the first degree. Many cat owners de-claw their cats in an effort to correct their cat's "vices," but even the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR) is strongly against this inhumane practice. In reality, de-clawing is an act of mutilation wherein only the pet owners benefit; de-clawed cats have to contend with both physical and emotional sufferings.

Alternatives to De-clawing

Instead of de-clawing your pet cat, you can temporarily cover furnishings or parts of the house you want protected with aluminum foil or duct tape. Cats do not like to scratch surfaces made of these materials. You can also squirt water, blow a whistle or make other loud noises to deter clawing during the kitten’s training period. If by chance, you have opted to trim your cat’s nails, then you need not be as thorough about shielding surfaces, as the cat’s ability to scratch has been greatly diminished.

Soft Paws vinyl nail cap can keep furniture from being scratched by feline claws. Developed by a veterinarian, this product falls off as the cat’s nails grow, to be replaced by a new one. A possible drawback is that it may keep your kitten from enjoying the act of clambering up his post.

You may also want to buy scratching cat furniture and pet steps from your local pet supplies retailer. I have used these materials extensively around the house since my cat Maui was a kitten. He enjoys clawing on them so much that pawing any of the chairs and sofas has probably never occurred to him!

Clawing- A Natural Part of Cat Behavior

Cat Care

Scratching with claws is one way cats mark their turf. This is accomplished through glands beneath their paws that secrete a distinctive scent. The pulling and stretching of muscles in cats’ front quarters when they scratch also serves as a form of exercise that helps to keep them fit. This facility for clawing is such a natural part of these felines’ behavior that taking it away from them amounts to one of the more cruel forms of deprivation.

David Lee is the owner & designer of several pet sites. Find info on cat kidney disease , cat flea control , cat feline leukemia or for dog lovers German Shepherd training or Dog Disease, Dog Illness