Having a kitten declawed is not an easy decision to make.
Kittens can be very loving and affectionate companions, but sometimes their claws are a nuisance. You may grow tired of your cat scratching your expensive furniture or even scratching people who pick them up. As a result, you may choose to have your cat declawed. However, this is not a decision to be made lightly. Before you decide whether to have your kitten declawed, you should be aware of the basic facts about declawing, as well as maintaining awareness of the alternative options available.
Why Cats Scratch
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. Cats scratch as a way to mark their territory, much the same way as a dog urinates to mark its territory. In addition, scratching also provides stretching and foot exercise for a cat. When a cat scratches, secretions are emitted from its glands that can be smelled by other cats
Fundmentals of Declawing
Declawing is typically performed on the front feet. However, it is more than just removal of the claws. What actually happens during this procedure is a portion of the cat's toe is amputated as well. For a human, this would be akin to removing the fingertips at the last knuckle. The rear claws of a kitten should never be removed, since this is the cat's only line of defense once the front claws have been removed. The healing and recovery process from this procedure can be quite painful for the cat.
Risks of Declawing
As with any surgery, there are several risks involved. First, the front claws are the cat's primary method of defense. As a result, a declawed cat should not be allowed outdoors, where it can be vulnerable to attacks from other animals. Additionally, a declawed cat's balance will be impaired, and its leg muscles will gradually weaken over time. Some cats also have been known to suffer behavioral drawbacks. A declawed cat may become withdrawn or aggressive. Also, the cat may experience a feeling of defenselessness without its front claws, and it could make it more susceptible to disease.
Alternatives to Declawing
A scratching post is a healthy alternative to declawing. The post should be tall enough so the cat can stretch while it scratches, and it also should not be wobbly. If the cat continues scratching your furniture, spray it with a spray bottle. Cats hate water, so this will eventually deter the cat from scratching the furniture. Regularly trimming your cat's nails will limit the amount of damage that scratching can cause. When trimming your cat's nails, be sure to offer praise and give it a treat when you are done.
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