Declawing Your Cat ------ The Devastating Effects

So you're not happy with the fact that your dear little kitty cat shreds your couch, climbs your curtains, and unpredictably decides to attack your bare feet with its piercing sharp claws. Perhaps you are familiar with the term "declawing," and perhaps you are a 'claw' away from making the decision to have this procedure done on your beloved feline. The idea of enjoying all the benefits of your cat without the downside of its sharp, destructive claws sounds great. Unfortunately, you couldn't be farther from the truth.

Don't be deceived into thinking it's a simple and healthy procedure for your cat. In order to remove the cat's claws, the cat's leg bone has to be amputated in three parts, and the claw is actually firmly connected to the last joint in your cat's foot. There are veterinarians who will lie and say that declawing your cat does not harm your cat in any way, but the truth is, cats do need their claws for stretching their back and shoulders, for balance when they leap onto things, and for security and protection when they feel threatened in any situation.

Despite what your veterinarian might tell you in order to ease your skepticism and pull out your wallet, your cat does not benefit from the surgery in ANY way; it is entirely for human convenience. Removing a cat's claws impairs the alignment in the cat's back and shoulders, making it difficult for the cat to balance properly when they leap onto objects, keeping the cat from...well, being a cat. Painful infections may also develop in their paws. Realizing that they no longer possess their prime source of defense against other animals or any other potential threat, the cat becomes insecure and withdrawn, often hiding away in a place where they feel is safe for them. Your cat will no longer be interested in cuddling next to you in bed, purring and 'making muffins;' they are too busy doing whatever they can possibly do to protect their newfound vulnerability. The cat you've grown to love and know is gone; all that's left of them is the permanent terror and trauma that you've caused them.

You Don't Have to Declaw --- There Are Alternatives

Your cat doesn't have to give up its precious claws; there are ways that you can keep your cat and your furniture in good standing! There are scratching posts available and even claw caps to put over your cat's claws to do damage control.

With a little extra effort, love, and patience, you can discourage your cat from attacking your couch with the following materials: a scratching post (or more, if you desire) and a clean squirt bottle filled with water.

• When you spot your sweet feline clawing 'forbidden' territory, spritz their back with the spray bottle. Do not spray them in the face! Do this consistently whenever they claw your furniture, and eventually, they will get the message. The idea is to encourage the cat to solely depend on their scratching posts for scratching instead of your furniture.
• Your cat will soon realize that the unpleasant water spritz is associated with scratching your furniture, and they will eventually stop and resort instead to the scratching posts, where they can freely sharpen their claws without the aftershock of being attacked with water.

Remember that your goal is to make a diversion from damaging your furniture, not to harm your kitty. This is one humane and reasonable solution that is good for both you and kitty.

Claw caps are another positive alternative for claw control. Enamel caps are simply glued over each claw, which eliminates the sharpness of their natural claws. Claw caps protect you, your furniture, and your cat's security at the same time. It's a win-win!

The claw caps are notorious for their fun colors, as well. Why not give your cat a mani/pedi with some cute hot pink claws?