Should I Declaw My Cat?
Should I declaw my cat? Many people ask themselves this question when they get a cat. Many people get their cats declawed automatically, while others take a wait and see approach to it. There are many alternatives to the declaw surgery and it is something you should look into.
Understand the Procedure
Some people think a declaw procedure is just removing the claw. The surgery actually entails removing the first bone of the digit, so it is more involved than most people think.
The majority of these procedures have no complications, but as with any surgery there can be complications. Some common ones are bleeding, pain, and trouble walking. These are rare but do happen.
Dealing with the Pain
Cats are normally painful for up to 48 hours after a declaw procedure which is why it is necessary that they are given a pain medication like buprenorphine or some other opioid.
Also, cat paws have to stay really clean and are normally bandaged for the first couple of days after surgery.
Declawing Alternatives
There are many alternatives to declawing like using a product called Soft Claws. This product is like plastic sleeves that fit over the claws to prevent them from scratching. These need to be reapplied every few weeks, and often fall off early.
Scratching posts and other toys can help satisfy your cat’s natural tendency to scratch. These can be placed in front of furniture your cat likes to scratch.
Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed nice and short can also help. Regular trimming is needed. For more options check out Problem Cat Behaviors
