Does your cat
scratch furniture, rugs, and drapes? Have you considered
having your cat declawed more than once? Declawing should
not be a decision that you quickly make. You should consider
all of your options first. Declawing should be your last
resort.
Consider these
alternatives to declawing:
If you make the
decision to declaw your cat, please keep the following things
in mind:
-
This surgery
involves the amputation of the last joint of each toe of
the cat's front paws.
-
Once declawed,
your cat has to remain indoors at all times as she has lost
her primary means of defense.
-
The best
time to have your cat declawed is at the time of spay/neuter.
We do declaw older cats but we do not recommend it due to
longer recovery time.
-
Our veterinarians
will do the best they can to ease the discomfort of your
pet by applying a pain medication (fentanyl) patch to your
cat's leg prior to surgery. This patch will remain
on your cat and gradually release the medication for about
three days. During the surgery your cat will also
receive injectable pain medications to make their recovery
time more comfortable.
Check
out this website for more information on declawing and its alternatives:
www.veterinarypartner.com
Keep
your Cat's Nails Trimmed
-
This
is most easily accomplished with two people. One person
holds the cat, while the other does the trimming.
-
Gently
hold paw in one hand with your thumb on top of the paw and
forefinger on the pad.
-
Squeeze
your thumb and forefinger together to push out your cat's
claws.
-
Notice
the pink near the base of the claw. You do not want to cut
this living tissue. Only cut the clear tip of the nail.
Here are some helpful hints:
-
Accustom
your cat to having her paws touched by massaging her paws
when she's sitting on your lap.
-
While
massaging, gently press on the pads at the base of her claws.
-
Consider
rewarding her for being good.
-
Trim
only a couple nails at a time. Cats do not have a lot of
patience for restraint.
Buy an Appropriate Scratching Post
Scratching
is a natural behavior and you will never stop your cat from
scratching. You can teach your cat the appropriate place(s)
to scratch.
Scratching posts must meet your cats behavioral needs. Some
cats prefer to scratch on horizontal surfaces while others
prefer a vertical surface. Cats prefer certain substrates.
Common preferences are carpet, wood, and sisal (rope-like
material).
You will have to pay attention to where your cat is choosing
to scratch so you can provide an appropriate scratching post.
Some cats will take to a scratching post right away, while
others have to be taught.
Consider
these suggestions:
- Position
the post in front of or on the area the cat is currently
scratching.
- Reward
kitty when she uses the post.
- Use
aversives when kitty is scratching inappropriate items or
areas. Squirt her with a water bottle or make a loud noise.
Cover the inappropriate area with an unfavorable substance
such as double sided tape or aluminum foil.
