Debilitating Practice
Something I wish more American veterinarians would counsel their human clients about is de-clawing cats. It is a practice seen as diabolical in other nations, it's only practiced in the US. This is not a procedure akin to cutting our nails. It's an operation that cuts off the end of the cat's paws - akin to having our fingers cut off past their first knuckle. It is, to a degree, debilitating.
Once declawed, the cat cannot live around other animals because it does not have its front claws for defense, nor can it be let outside for the same reason. Further, it can't climb trees or do other activities natural to our feline friends.
Why Are so Many Declawed Cats Surrendered?
At the shelter, I believe we see a disproportionate number of declawed cats surrendered, and I think I've figured out why.
People get cats declawed because they don't want the animal to, essentially, be an animal. They don't want to have to train the cat to not scratch here, not climb there, and in essence do what cats do until they are trained. Many owners of declawed cats don't seem to have the commitment to the relationship with the animal that requires them to educate themselves about how to train cats not to scratch the furniture, not to climb into places that would destroy their property, and so on. It really is not that time consuming or difficult to learn these things, but it does take time and attention.
Pet owners who are committed to dealing with their animals - learning to train, socialize and nurture the pet and their relationship with the animal - find they bond and enjoy their pet connection.
Reality Check is Needed
Owners who want their animals to be "perfect" are not dealing with the reality of living with an organic living creature who normally needs attention, guidance, affection and socializing. This owner will always be "disappointed" when their cat turns out to have needs normal to any cat or pet; when their cat behaves like any cat does - even shedding or having potty training trouble.
Training Resources Are Available
You want your cat not to scratch in a certain area? Put aluminum foil on it for a bit. Cats detest the feel of the stuff and won't scratch it. You don't want them on your sofa? Put some tightly blown up balloons on it - just popping one of them will send your cat flying away - BOOM!
There is so, so much information on the internet to assist you train and socialize your cat to prevent any need for declawing, that I hope it never becomes an option for you.
Working with your animal - helping both of you get what you want and need from one another is half the fun of living with a pet, and the direct path to a loving bond.
Cats Should Be Allowed to be Cats
A cat or any pet is not a commodity, an object to be looked at or an entertainment center to be shut down when it's not performing. It's a living creature meant to behave as its ancestors have. Humans have domesticated these formerly wild animals and now must take responsibility for their proper care in this altered lifestyle.
If you are considering declawing your cat, please read what veterinarian Dr. Christianne Schelling has to say about it from a medical point of view at http://www.declawing.com.
Consider Adopting a Declawed Cat
I sincerely hope you never consider having a cat declawed. But having said that, there are too many declawed cats in shelters seeking homes because the owners who declawed them have dumped them there and they are in need of good homes. Again, declawed cats need to be the only animal in your household, and they cannot go outside. If you can live with these stipulations, they're wonderful pets because they are yearning for people to love them just for who they are. Cats!
Colleen Patrick is a volunteer at the Seattle Animal Shelter, and has been involved in animal care for more than 20 years, including taking care of a farm and all its animals while the owners were away for several months. She also is the creator of Peaceable Pets, a petcalming tape/CD in which she actually talks to the animals in a calm, soothing voice. This is Colleen's second Guest Article at About.
More Suggested Reading
Declawing and Humane Alternatives
Aids to Prevent Destructive Scratching
How to Manage Your Cat's Claws
