Declawing and welfare
Declawing and welfare
What is declawing?
Declawing is the surgical process of elimination of cat claws. This surgery is very painful as it cuts off the last phalange of each finger.
It´s understandable that cat tutors don´t like them to destroy furniture or to be aggressive, but we shouldn´t forget that claws have multiple functions for cats.
What are the consequences?
This antinatural process affects directly the cat´s welfare and is forbidden in various countries because cats use their claws in their normal behaviours such as climb, play, hunt, stretch and many more. For cats going outside, claws are the main defence against enemies.
When walking, cats touch with their claws on the ground so, after declawing is possible their posture when walking changes.
This surgical procedure may not result in 100% of cases and can cause lameness, irregular nail growth, haemorrhages, chronic pain and other associated problems.
The most important fact is that claws could be considered naturally calming because marking their territory is a way cats have to eliminate stress, just as the scratching behaviour and if they are unable to perform these behaviours they can develop behaviour problems.
What can I do if claws upset me?
- Prevention: Is very important and often ignored. If we educate our cats since the beginning and teach them where to scratch, to tolerate manipulations so that they won´t be aggressive and to play adequately, we shouldn´t have problems. As scratching is a natural behaviour we should question ourselves if we will accept it before bringing a cat to our family.
- Plastic covers for claws: It´s not our favourite option. It won´t allow the cat to scratch us and can reduce the marks in our furniture but he will be able to perform those behaviours. On the other side, there won´t be his natural marks on his territory and this could cause problems in the long term.
- Repellents: It’s no 100% effective with some cats, but can be used on the surfaces we don´t want him to scatch.
- Nail trimming: Regular nail trimming can avoid this kind of behaviour. This procedure should be done by someone experienced, otherwise, we can cut the claw vein inadvertently and transform it into a negative experience for the cat.
- Pheromones: There are synthetic analogues from the interdigital feline pheromone available in the market. It can be applied in anywhere we want our cat to scratch, as in his scratcher.
- Animal behaviour consultant: Is part of the prevention and also part of the treatment of the problem is already instaled. Is a professional specialized in behaviour problems that will help you find the best choice for your cat. If you want to contact us, email us to: felingood2018@gmail.com