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| Not-Using-Litter-Box | Stop-Cats-from-Biting | Cat-Shedding |
| Cat-Health-Problems | Should-I-Declaw-my-Cat? | Cat-Discipline |
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Articles | main | Should-I-Declaw-my-Cat |

Should I Declaw my Cat?

The question "Should I declaw my cat" is something cat owners should talk to their veterinarian about. We feel it is generally best to avoid declawing your cat because it can lead to behavior problems.

Many cat owners are naturally concerned about their furniture being torn up so they have their cats declawed. Here are some reasons why we think you should avoid declawing and consider some alternative methods to preserving your furniture.

If you must have a cat without claws consider buying them this way from the humane society. It is probably the best option if you need to have a cat that is de-clawed. Even when a cat's claws are removed, they will often sharpen their "claws" on your furniture. It will do little, if any damage your furniture when a declawed cat scratches it.

One of the problems with de-clawed cats is that they can often have behavior problems as a result of the operation. Nature gave your cat claws for climbing, hunting and as a tool for defending themselves. When their claws are removed, cats will often bite to compensate for their lack of claws. This has been our experience.

Unfortunately, biting is a common behavior problem for de-clawed cats that end up in the shelters. If you wind up inheriting a cat that is a biter, there are things you can do to stop this behavior, but it takes time and patience. Many cat owners simply give up before giving their cat a chance.

If you have decided to keep your cat's claws intact, try and keep them trimmed regularly. You can do this yourself at home or have a professional groom them for you. Trimming often will help avoid damage to your furniture. You can usually expect to trim their claws once every couple of weeks.

There are also rubber tips that you can have coating your cat's claws. This is a humane alternative to de-clawing and will not lead to the behavior problem of biting that many cats develop.

There's an old joke that a scratching post is the only thing in the house your cat won't scratch. If this is the case, consider the type of material that your cat usually scratches. Compare the type of material they are scratching and replace your scratch post material with the type your cat is scratching.

The main reason why cats scratch is to sharpen their claws. This sharpening involves shedding the outer layer of the claw. It usually takes a strong material for this shedding to be effective. A rope like material is often the best solution.

Also make sure that the scratching post is sturdy and not wobbly. A durable piece of furniture that does not wobble when your cat scratches, can be an attractive item to scratch. Try to make sure your scratching post as stable as possible for this reason.

If your cat is still not using his scratching post, try and put him in a room with only the scratching post available to scratch. You may have to keep your cat in the room for a few days but they will likely get used to using the scratching post instead of your furniture.

Catching your cat in the act of scratching your furniture is essential if you want to provide discipline for scratching. A spray bottle, air can, or an aluminum can full of coins will often do the trick. When you see them scratching the furniture, yell "NO" and use one of these tools to divert the behavior.

It is however, important to catch them in the act of scratching if you are to use discipline effectively. You cannot discipline your cat for scratching after the fact; they will not understand why they are being punished.

The same can be said for rewards. Does your cat enjoy a certain treat, catnip, or brushing? If you want your kitty to use the scratching post then provide them with the reward during or directly after they use their scratching post. Simple Praise is also a good idea when supplementing this reward.

In conclusion, we feel it is a good idea to avoid having your cat de-clawed if possible. De-clawing can interfere with a cat's natural instincts and lead to other behavior problems such as biting. If you must have a de-clawed cat consider buying them this way from the humane society.

Consider some alternative methods to de-clawing that will help you preserve your furniture. Clipping their claws, providing a scratch post they'll want to use and even considering rubber claw coatings. Also remember to only use disciplinary action when you catch your cat in the act of scratching. Hopefully this article answered your question, "Should I declaw my cat?"

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