Declawing cats is a cruel practice that causes 10 painful amputations and can lead to lifelong physical and mental pain. Despite bans and restrictions in nearly two dozen countries, this procedure is still widely practiced in the U.S. Without a doubt, cats deserve better.
In this article, we’ll look at the reasons cats claw objects, the consequences of declawing, the lasting difficulties for declawed cats, bans and condemnation of declawing, compassionate alternatives, and the role of veterinarians in declawing.
Finally, we’ll discuss how we can take action to protect cats from declawing.
Reasons for Cats Clawing Objects
Cats claw objects for fun and exercise, to maintain their nails, and to mark their territory. It’s a natural behavior that can be guided to satisfy their desire to scratch without damaging property.
Cats use their claws to stretch by digging in and pulling against their claw-hold. They also use their claws to scent-mark their territory.
Declawing is a serious surgery that involves 10 painful amputations and can cause permanent nerve damage, pain, and balance issues. It weakens leg and shoulder muscles and can make cats more aggressive and unpredictable.
Alternatives include providing scratching posts and teaching cats where to claw. Compassionate owners should avoid declawing and instead opt for responsible alternatives.
Understanding the Consequences of Declawing
Declawing involves 10 painful amputations and can cause a variety of complications in cats. This is a serious surgery, not just a manicure. Adverse reactions to the anesthesia, gangrene, and hemorrhaging are all possible.
Additionally, cats may experience persistent pain, reluctance to walk, and even skin disorders. The procedure weakens the leg, shoulder, and back muscles, and impairs balance, causing cats to relearn how to walk. Declawed cats may also urinate and defecate outside the litterbox, and can become morose or aggressive.
Furthermore, lack of claws can make cats feel insecure, increasing the likelihood of biting. As such, many countries have banned or restricted declawing, and numerous veterinarians refuse to perform it.
Compassionate alternatives to declawing include regularly trimming nails, providing scratching posts, and teaching cats where to claw.
Lasting Difficulties for Declawed Cats
Declawed cats are more likely to experience behavioral problems and back pain, and may resort to increased biting as a means of self-protection. Without claws, cats can feel insecure and vulnerable, leading to excessive scratching and aggression.
Declawed cats are 7 times more likely to have behavioral issues and 3 times more likely to suffer from back pain. Additionally, they may urinate and defecate outside the litter box as a way to mark their territory. Cats may also become withdrawn, reclusive, and irritable, and their weakened leg, shoulder, and back muscles can impair balance. As such, they must relearn how to walk.
All of this can be prevented through humane alternatives to declawing, such as regular nail trimming and providing scratching posts.
Bans and Condemnation of Declawing
Nearly two dozen countries have banned or severely restricted declawing surgeries in recent years. This is due to the immense suffering cats endure from the procedure, which involves 10 painful amputations. England, Australia, Japan, and multiple cities within the United States have all banned or limited the practice.
Denver, Colorado became the first city outside of California to pass a declawing ban in 2017. Furthermore, many veterinarians have refused to perform the surgery, prioritizing animal welfare over convenience for owners. The procedure has been condemned by veterinary professionals due to its unnecessary pain and negative consequences.
This is an important step in protecting cats from the cruel practice of declawing.
Compassionate Alternatives to Declawing
Owners of cats can take steps to prevent property damage without resorting to declawing. Regularly trimming their cat’s nails and providing sturdy scratching posts are effective alternatives. Declawing can be extremely painful and lead to lasting difficulties, so it is better for cats’ health and overall wellbeing to avoid this procedure. Placing cardboard and sisal scratching boxes around the house can encourage cats to use them instead of furniture. Teaching cats where to claw by scenting and making the scratching post a fun place to be is also a great way to discourage clawing. If a cat still chooses to claw furniture, owners should discourage them with a firm voice, loud noise, or lukewarm water. It is highly recommended to protect upholstery during the training period. These compassionate alternatives are far better for cats than the cruel practice of declawing.
The Physical and Mental Pain of Declawing
Declawing cats involves 10 painful amputations, which can lead to long-term physical and psychological issues. Complications from the surgery can include adverse reactions to anesthesia, gangrene, hemorrhaging, and permanent nerve damage.
Cats may experience persistent pain and reluctance to walk, with scar tissue and skin disorders forming as a result. The procedure weakens leg, shoulder, and back muscles, impairing their balance and making them relearn how to walk.
Declawed cats are more prone to urinating and defecating outside the litter box and may become withdrawn or aggressive. Lack of claws makes them feel insecure, leading to biting as a self-defense mechanism.
These lasting issues can be avoided through humane alternatives.
The Role of Veterinarians in Declawing
While declawing is a commonly accepted practice in some countries, veterinarians have become increasingly critical of the procedure. Many veterinarians condemn the surgery for its unnecessary pain and negative consequences for cats. More and more veterinarians are refusing to perform declawing surgeries, prioritizing the welfare of animals over convenience for owners.
In some countries, declawing is prohibited or severely restricted, and several cities in the U.S. have adopted bans. Denver, Colorado became the first U.S. city outside of California to outlaw declawing in 2017.
Veterinarians are taking a stand in favor of cats and their welfare, and their commitment to animal rights is commendable.
Taking Action to Protect Cats From Declawing
Legislation is being passed to protect cats from the painful and unnecessary procedure of declawing. Nearly two dozen countries have banned or severely restricted declawing. In the U.S., multiple cities have made it illegal, with Denver, Colorado becoming the first outside of California to do so in 2017.
Many veterinarians refuse to perform the surgery, instead prioritizing animal welfare. The consequences for cats can be severe, including persistent pain, reluctance to walk, and aggression.
To prevent cats from being declawed, owners should trim their nails regularly, provide sturdy scratching posts, and discourage clawing furniture with a firm voice or noise. By taking action, we can ensure cats are safe from this cruel procedure.
