When I first got Acyl - gads, over 25 years ago now - I had planned to get her declawed until, while looking for a vet to do it, I saw an ad from a cat-only clinic saying they don't declaw cats at all. When I realized how much money they were giving up by refusing to declaw cats, I figured it must not be good for cats, and decided not to have Acyl's claws removed. And, of course, by the time Piper came along, I was used to living with an indoor, clawed cat, so it wasn't even a question.
I didn't know why declawing was bad for cats, however, until reading the following post at clipnotes. I'd assumed it probably had something to do with a possibility of infection from having to claw in litter that might have "stuff" still in it, or that it was simply painful - I didn't realize that declawing isn't just pulling the claws out of the paw - they actually amputate the last knuckle of the claw to remove it and the area the claws retract back into. It'd be like having someone cut off the first joint of your finger, leaving you with just the stubs.
One of the commenters noted that she'd heard Martha Stewart say that even though she has all that high-end, silk furniture and such in her home, she won't declaw her cats because she can always replace the furniture. I know most of us can't replace furniture as easily as she can (if only we had her budget to work with, eh? hehe) but I have to say I appreciate her principled stance on it.
The post was originally from declawing.com, at the clip ends by noting that there is an "acceptable solution" which, I presume, is what declawing.com sells
But I think it's good information, nonetheless, and something worth considering when bringing a new cat into the home.
First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their
own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and
"unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude.
Declawing is actually an amputation of the last
joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act.
This is not a surgery to be taken lightly.
Your cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is unique
to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design.
Amputating the important part of their anatomy
that contains the claws drastically alters the conformation of their feet.
I have also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being declawed.
declawing is too drastic a solution
Is there an acceptable solution?
Happily, the answer is yes.
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