Is declawing your cat a harmless procedure or is it an inhumane act? The answer to this question all depends on whom you are listening to. Declawing your cat is an acceptable practice in the United States. There are several things you should consider when trying to decide on declawing your cat. You should understand why your cat scratches on things in the first place. You should also have some sort of understanding of what the declawing process will involve. Here are some tips to think over while trying to make your decision.
- Cats scratch for a number of reasons. First of all, IT FEELS GOOD! It exercises their paws and leg muscles. It helps with itching when their claws are growing out. Scratching is a way to mark their territory, as well as a way to work out aggression.
- If you have your cat declawed, he will have to spend a couple of nights at the veterinarian´s office. He will have to be put to sleep to perform the surgery. Basically, the last joint of his feet will be removed. His paws are sort of like toes and this is what will be surgically-removed. They cannot be replaced or repaired once removed.
- You should also consider the fact that cats are naturally graceful. Much of that grace comes from good balance. Those nails contribute to that balance. Without them, he has to learn new boundaries and will not be quite as sure of himself as before. But you should also know that he can survive perfectly without his claws.
