If you own a cat, then I’m sure you’ve heard the question, “are you going to get them declawed?”
Declawing your cat has now made its way into controversy, making it a hot topic to discuss among cat owners and animal activists. It is a big decision cat owners face and has now become banned in some countries except the US.
So, is declawing right for your feline? Let’s find out.
What is cat declawing?
Cat declawing is exactly how it sounds: removing your cat’s claws.
While this sounds like a positive thing (for the safety of your couch and other household items), it could be harmful to your feline.
When your cat is declawed, they lose the tip portion of their claws which could make walking painful for your cat. Studies show that declawing your cat could result in them having a harder time walking after the procedure.
Another downside to having your cats declawed means their natural tendency to scratch is not going to be fulfilled. Cats are born with sharp claws to help them dig in the litter box and to help them catch their prey. Without their claws, it can actually be painful to use the litter box, thus resulting in cats using the bathroom on your floor due to the softer surface.
So, what should you do if you decide to not declaw your cat?
Try training or taming your cat instead to have them understand your rules and guidelines.
A good way to use a training method for your feline to have a scratching post in your house for them to relieve the use of their claws. Since cats have the natural urge to scratch, they will appreciate the relief a simple scratching post will bring.
Is declawing right for your feline?
The United States is one country that has yet to ban cat declawing, however, there are some veterinarians who will not declaw your cat.
To know if declawing your cat is right for you and your feline, you should first determine the reasoning as to why you want your cat’s claws removed.
While we have been discussing cons to removing your cat’s claws, there are some positives which include:
- Less destroyed furniture or other items
- No harmful instances
- No scratching
If you are worried about your cat attacking someone or scratching your new couch, then getting your cat declawed would reduce the chances of that happening. It ensures the safety of your home and guests while not entirely limiting your cat’s abilities.
Being conflicted on whether or not you should declaw your cat is completely normal. It is a big decision, as it will impact your cat’s health, so it is important to know your facts before making a decision.
To better determine if declawing your cat is what’s best, it is highly recommended that you discuss with your vet in detail the process and the procedure.
