Are you thinking of declawing your cat?
Declawing is considered an inhumane practice and as such, it has been banned in most countries around the world. It is illegal in Japan, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden Netherlands, Ireland, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Yugoslavia and Great Britain. Did you know that declawing is also banned in 8 American cities?
Facts about declawing (from the Paw Project)
- Declawing is amputation; it is not merely the removal of the claws. To declaw a cat, the veterinarian cuts off the last knuckles of a cat’s paw – cutting through bone, tendons, skin and nerves. In a person, it is equivalent to amputating each finger or toe at the last joint.
- Declaw surgery can be an extremely painful procedure with associated health risks and complications such as infection.
- Declaw surgery can produce permanent lameness, pain or arthritis.
- Declawing is the same mutilating procedure for house cats or big cats.
Alternatives to declawing include:
1. Trim your cats nails regularly (a veterinarian will be happy to show you how to do this)
2. Buy or make a good scratching post.
3. Try a product called ‘Sticky Paws’ to help curb unwanted scratching behavior
4. Purchase ‘Soft Paws’ from your local pet store to cover the cats’ nails.
5. Play with your cat using interactive tools such as a string, laser pointer or other toys available at most pet stores.
We would be happy to answer your questions on this topic! Email info@gths.ca
