Declawing Your Cat
Declawing has become a very controversial issue. Many people feel very strongly that declawing a cat is inhumane and even go so far as to consider it a form of mutilation. Some communities have even tried to pass legislation banning the procedure.
However, other people feel strongly that a declawed cat makes a much better, safer, less destructive cat.
A declawed cat cannot generally damage furniture, carcating or draperies (making them more adaptable to indoor living) nor can they injure their caretakers by scratching them. Proponents of the declaw procedure point to this as an advantage. However, opponents say that making life more convenient, less expensive or safer for a cat owner is not a valid reason for performing the procedure on a cat.
Our goal here is not to make a decision of right versus wrong. Our aim is to educate you about this procedure so that you can make an educated decision regarding your cat's care.
We would like to make you aware of some general considerations concerning declawing your cat.
Firstly, declawing removes one of your cat's primary defense mechanisms: his/her claws. Therefore, declawed cats should live indoors exclusively. They should never be allowed outdoors, except perhaps on a leash under human supervision and protection. These cats will not be able protect themselves adequately outdoors.
The other side of that coin is the fact that cats living indoor lives never encounter many of the risks that outdoor cats face on a daily basis.
Indoor cats are much less likely to be exposed to serious contagious illnesses such as feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV, or feline AIDS).
They are unlikely to be exposed to toxins placed outside by unknowing (or even malicious) neighbors. And, the likelihood of getting into cat fights, or fights with other wild-life, getting mauled by a dog or other animal, or getting injured by a car is virtually eliminated for cats living indoors.
This is a controversial subject and we recognize that many people feel that cats live more "normal" lives being allowed outdoors. You will need to evaluate the issues yourself and follow your own conscience in making this decision.
There are many surgical procedures for declawing a cat and laser surgery is starting to become much more commonly done, in addition to the more traditional surgical procedures.
If you do decide to declaw your cat, your cat will need to be placed under a general anesthetic in order to perform the procedure. As with any other surgical procedure requiring anesthesia, there are risks involved. The risks associated with a declaw are not higher than those associated with any routine procedures, such as a spay or a neuter. Your veterinarian will take as many precautions as necessary to ensure your cat’s safety and the risk is minimal, but you should not assume that no risk is involved.
Generally, cats which are declawed at a younger age have a faster recovery rate than those declawed later in life. Older, more mature cats tend to weigh a great deal more than young kittens and the difference in body weight will make a great deal of difference in the recovery time after surgery. Discuss with your veterinarian the most appropriate age for your cat's declaw surgery.
Remember, your cat's claws are one of his/her primary means of defense. Therefore, if you are not sure that you can keep your cat indoors at all times, you should not declaw your cat.
**Some owners have found a product called "Soft Paws" a viable alternative to declawing their cat. Basically, this system involves placing a protective covering over your cat's claws. This covering is glued into place over the nail. "Soft Paws" do need to be replaced periodically, usually every 4-6 weeks.
