An alternative to declawing

By Brandi Princell, Best Friends Network Volunteer

Have you ever injured your finger and then tried to do your normal activities like take a shower, tie your shoes or cook dinner? I have, and it was no fun. When I healed up and was able to go back to my usual activities, I was so happy!

While I was healing, I thought about how my injury compared to what a cat must feel like when he/she is declawed. Well, let me tell you…there is no possible comparison. Cats experience pain (sometimes for the rest of their lives), bleeding, muscle weakness and so much more.

Declawing a cat is often thought of as a simple surgery that removes just the nail. Sadly, this is not the truth. The surgery is actually the removal of bone. An easy way to understand this is to think about your human hand. Imagine having your finger cut off at the first joint (just below your fingernail). What you are picturing is what actually happens to cats. Click here to see a diagram of a cat claw.

You wouldn’t want that done to you, so why would you do it to a cat? If you or someone you know is considering declawing a cat, please wait. Before you make a decision to change a cat’s life this way, talk to your veterinarian, do your research and consider possible alternatives. Do for the cat as you would want done for you.

Please remember, there are many alternatives to declawing and all of them are safe, affordable and feline friendly.

Instead of declawing your cat, try these tricks:
• Trimming (ask your veterinarian to show you how)
• Nail caps (ex: Soft Paws)
• Training (teach your cat where it is ok to scratch)
• Scratch posts/toys (give your cat a place to scratch)
• And of course, a little understanding! Cats need their claws to stretch, grab toys, scratch a personal itch, climb, grip, balance, and as a means of defense. Remember, all of this is cat nature.

DID YOU KNOW???
You can find care tips, toys, and veterinarians in your area on the Best Friends website.
• Just go to the Best Friends Store for toys, treats and some training tools.
• You can also visit the Best Friends Pet Care Library for tips on caring for your pets.

If you must have a cat who is without claws, please consider adopting a homeless cat who has already been declawed. Luna (pictured in the lead photo) and Cybil (pictured to the upper right) are both available for adoption from Best Friends and are without claws. Or visit the Petfinder website and check “only declawed pets” as a search criteria to find a kitty missing her claws, but still needing love, at a shelter or rescue near you.

Already banned in several countries, you can help take action by signing this petition, which calls for the banning of declawing in the United States.

For more information:
• Declawing: The Price of Convenience
• What's Wrong with Declawing? No More Homeless Pets

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: taken by Best Friends staff

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