Declawing your cat is a very controversial topic which leaves some cat owners very confused at whether or not to do the deed. While some say declawing your cat is very beneficial, others say that it is harmful. Here are the facts and answers to some questions about declawing your cat.
The Types of Cat Declawing
There are two different methods of declawing that veterinarians use. The first method, which is also the most common method, involves a straight blade similar to that of a guillotine blade. The blade cuts straight through to the bone, cutting the pads as well. This method has a more extensive recovery of up to at least two to three weeks. This type of declawing is especially painful for your cat, since all of a cat’s weight is on his pads.
The second method of declawing is called cosmetic declawing. Cosmetic declawing is touted as a “more gentle” method. It involves a tiny curved blade to go in and draw out the claw without harming any of the soft tissue in the pads. This leaves recovery time to last only for a week. Cats can typically walk around comfortably on unharmed pads. However, cosmetic declawing is a more extensive process, which results in not very many veterinarians performing this method of declawing.
Why Declawing Is Done To Cats
Declawing is done for the benefit of some owners who are on blood thinners or have weak immune systems and cannot be around the bacteria on their cat’s claws. It also is done for the benefit of preventing scratch-caused destruction around the house.
Declawing a cat is mainly for the purpose of benefiting the owner! But it is important to keep in mind what will be helpful, and what will be harmful, to your pets. Declawing can be painful, much less certainly uncomfortable for your cat.
Consider Your Options
Before making a final decision, consider the other options available, such as buying a scratching post, trimming their nails, or even using vinyl caps.
Your cat’s main forms of defense are their claws. If they spend any amount of time outside, you’re leaving them open to attacks from more aggressive animals. Even if your cats spend all of their time inside, they’ll often just show their claws to other pets to let them know they’re getting too rambunctious and they need to leave them alone. Plus, you never know when an indoor cat might accidentally slip outside… At that point, the only defense they have left are their teeth.
Always choose the safest effective option for you and your pet when making decisions that will affect both of you!
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