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Columbia-Greene Humane Society
125 Humane-Society Road
Soft Paws By Aaron Clause Declawing: Myths and Facts MYTH #1: Declawing is simply the removal of a cat’s claws. FACT: Claw removal, or onychectomy, is the surgical procedure involving amputation of the last phalanx (knuckle) of all ten front toes of a cat. In a human, it would be equivalent to removing each finger below the fingernail. It is far from a simple procedure, and by its nature threatens with possible complications via anesthesia and infection. MYTH #2: Declawed cats are more prone to other unwanted behaviors, such as litterbox mis- or non-use, biting, and aggression. FACT: No scientific study has proven that declawed cats have shown a tendency toward unwelcome behaviors versus cats who are intact. However, the refusal to use a litterbox has been linked with pain association, and pain can occur in the paws from using a litterbox after a declawing procedure. As well, a cat has three defense measures – scratching, running, or biting – and declawing hampers their ability to effectively use all but the latter. MYTH #3: All animal organizations dreadfully oppose declawing at all costs. FACT: This, again, is untrue. While many organizations have stated their disapproval of declawing for reasons involving human convenience, veterinarians and organizations alike have voiced that there are times and places for exception. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has stated, “The declawing of the domestic cat is justifiable when the cat cannot be trained to refrain from using its claws destructively,”1 while Dr. Michael Fox of the syndicated Ask The Vet question/answer column says “…[declawing] should be outlawed except in very rare instances, such as a super-aggressive cat that attacks strangers or is schizophrenic and claws the hand that pets it, or when all attempts at behavior modification have failed.”2 One recurring point, however, that is made through animal welfare organizations and veterinarians alike is the fact that behavior modification tactics must be employed before surgery is an option. FACT: I’ve tried to punish my cat for scratching and clawing, but it doesn’t work. And it won’t. Training a cat not to claw and scratch is like training him or her not to eat or not to urinate. Claw use is instinctive in cats, and the only way to make the instinct more tolerable is not to stop it, but to redirect it into more suitable channels. Consider these options provided by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)3: - Provide the cat with an alternative piece of furniture to claw – her own scratching post. It should be as tall as she is when she stretches up to full length (the position most cats scratch in). It should be sturdy and covered in bark or carpeting. - To entice the cat to use the post rather than the couch, place it next to a favorite scratching place, cover it with catnip, and “show” her how to use it by extending her claws on the post and making a scratching motion. - Most importantly, praise her when she tries it in her own and whenever she uses the post. - Use a repellant such as perfume or vinegar on the former scratching places, or cover them with plastic or tape to make them undesirable. A squirt with a water pistol or plant mister or a very firm “no” will remind the cat not to scratch where she shouldn’t. - Trim the cat’s claws weekly, using nail clippers to remove the white tip of each claw. This will keep her from causing damage when she does claw. In my opinion, the moment we decide to sacrifice natural animal behavior for nothing more than human convenience and comfort is the moment that we should reconsider the choice of companion. If you don’t like chirping, would it make sense to get a bird and surgically remove its vocal cords? What about removing the teeth of a dog that chews shoes? Why should it be different for felines? If you can’t accept the amount of effort required to train an animal how to redirect their instincts, then simply don’t involve yourself. Don’t get a cat if you’re worried about clawing. A final option or two: if you must have a cat with no claws (for example, if you are a hemophiliac), the shelter usually has previously declawed cats up for adoption. Please consider one of these rather than putting another cat through a traumatic surgery. There is also a fairly new product on the market called (appropriately enough) Soft Paws, which are small nylon-coated nail caps that you can glue onto your cats claws. You can see your veterinarian or visit www.softpaws.com for more information. As I sign off, please consider the following statements: - Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): “It is the policy of the HSUS to oppose the declawing of cats when done solely for the convenience of the owner and without benefit to the animal.”4 “There are ways to solve the problem without putting your cat through the trauma and discomfort of declawing.”3 - Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA): “CFA believes the declawing of cats…to be elective surgical procedures which are without benefit to the cat. Because of postoperative discomfort or pain and potential future behavioral or physical effects, CFA disapproves of declawing…”1 - Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR): “The AVAR is opposed to cosmetic surgeries and to those performed to correct ‘vices.’ Declawing is generally unacceptable because the suffering and disfigurement it causes is not offset by any benefit to the cat. Declawing is done strictly to provide convenience for people.” 1 “The AVAR believes that people who desire cats as companions should endeavor to learn about feline behavior prior to adopting a cat. If certain behavioral traits are unacceptable, then the desire for a cat should be reconsidered.” 1 1 “Why You Shouldn’t Declaw”, The Whole Cat Journal, June 1999, pp 12-13, 21. 2 Ask The Vet, by Dr. Michael Fox, United Feature Syndicate 3 “Is Your Cat Shredding Your Nerves As Well As Your Furniture?” a flyer provided by the Humane Society of the United States 4 HSUS website: http://www.hsus.org/programs/companion/pet_care/declawing.html
Columbia-Greene Humane Society (518) 828-6044.
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