By nature, cats like to scratch. If you have an indoor cat, this results in shredded carpets, torn-up sofas, and tattered curtains. Many pet owners get frustrated and will jump at the first reliable solution to help manage these behaviors. At Animal Health Care Center in Madison, AL, we offer pet owners options such as declawing to get rid of this problem.
What Is Declawing?
Declawing is a surgery for cats that involves amputating a cat’s first knuckle of toes, thereby removing where the nail grows. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, with varying surgical times depending on your veterinarian and clinic.
Effects of Declawing
Before deciding to get your cat declawed, consult with our veterinarian to learn about the benefits and effects the procedure may have on your animal.
Positive
Declawing is a painful process comparable to cutting off someone’s finger at the last joint of each finger. After a vet performs this surgery, your cat will require adequate time to recover, and you can enjoy the following benefits:
- Decreased property damage
- Safety for family members who are allergic and vulnerable to cat scratches
Negative
Declawed cats also display behavioral changes such as failure to use a litter box. When covering the waste in the box, they may feel pain in their paws, and seek out a less painful alternative, such as your carpet, bathtub, or pile of clothes.
Additionally, you will be limiting your cat to some of its natural activities, such as kneading and scratching. A declawed cat also loses its defense mechanism, making it simple prey and targets from other animals and dangerous situations. Therefore, this process is strictly for indoor cats only, since outdoor cats will find it difficult to survive on tender paws.
Alternatives to Declawing
In some countries, declawing is termed dangerous and is prohibited. If your cat is still causing damage to your home, you can opt for one of the following options instead of subjecting your fur friend to declawing cat surgery:
- Ensure your pet’s claws are well-trimmed to minimize damage to the house items
- Use Soft Paws – plastic caps glued to a cat’s nails and replaced every six months.
- Provide scratching materials like toys, boards, and posts in your home
- Tendonectomy – a medical procedure where a vet snips the tendons allowing the cat to extend its claws
Visit Us Today for Cat Declawing Services
If your cat’s damage is making you frustrated every day, visit us at Animal Health Care Center in Madison, AL to learn more about declawing and other options. You can also make an appointment with our veterinarian by calling (256) 461-8440.