Health Topics

Alternatives to Declawing

(This information was printed in a brochure provided by www.catvets.com and you may download a pdf brochure here: PDF Brochure).

What is Declawing?

Feline declawing is an elective and ethically controversial procedure, which is NOT medically necessary for cats in most instances. Declawing entails the amputation of a cat's third phalanx, or third 'toe bone'. Unlike human nails, cats' claws are attached to the last bone in their toes. A comparison in human terms would be cutting off a person's finger at the last joint of each finger.

It is important to understand that scratching is normal behaviour for cats, which has an inherent function. The primary reason cats scratch is to maintain the necessary claw motion used in hunting and climbing, as well as a means to stretch their body. Scratching serves to groom front claws and leave markers of the cat's presence. A cat's claws grow in layers and scratching removes the worn outer layer to expose the new growth inside. Cat owners must therefore provide alternatives for cats such as suitable scratchers.

Alternatives to Declawing

SCRATCHING POSTS/PADS

Provide your cat with suitable 'scratchers' where they can exhibit normal scratching behaviour. Scratchers come in multiple styles and textures. It is important to experiment with a variety of textures and types of scratchers to determine which your cat prefers. Some examples include scratching posts or pads with sisal rope or rough fabric, cardboard boxes, and lumber or logs. Scratchers can be vertical or horizontal and there are even varieties that blend into your home decor.

The placement of scratchers is very important. Cats often stretch or scratch when they wake up so consider placing one near the place where your cat sleeps. It may also be effective to place a scratcher near or in front of a cat's preferred, yet undesirable, scratching object (e.g. corner of the couch). Kittens and cats can be trained to use scratchers by rewarding use of the scratching with the cat's favourite treat. If the cat scratches elsewhere, they should be gently picked up, taken to a scratcher, and then rewarded. Cats should always be positively reinforced and never punished.

REGULAR CLAW TRIMMING

Regularly trimming your cat's claws can prevent injury and damage to household items. Proper feline nail trimmers should be used to prevent splintering of the claws. The frequency of claw trimming will depend on your cat's lifestyle. Indoor cats, kittens, and older cats will need more regular trims, whereas ourdoor cats may naturally wear down their nails requiring less frequent trimming. If possible, start trimming as kittens so they become comfortable witht he process early on. if your cat does not like claw trimmings start slow, offer breaks, and make it a familiar routine. Ask your veterinarian for advice or a demonstration on trimming your cat's claws. Always trim claws in a calm environment and provide positive reinforcements. Proper training to scratch on appropriate surfaces, combined with nail care, can prevent damage in the home.

TEMPORARY SYNTHETIC NAIL CAPS

These caps are glued over your cat's nails to help prevent human injury and damage to household items. The nail caps usually need to be re-applied every 4-6 weeks; therefore they may be a less desirable alternative to regular nail trimming, suitable scratchers, and environmental enrichment.

SYNTHETIC FACIAL PHEROMONE SPRAYS/DIFFUSERS

Continued scratching by cats may be related to stress, anxiety, attention seeking, or a perceived lack of security in their environment. Anxiety can also be intensified by punishment, thus driving the cat to increase scratching behaviours in the same or other undesirable locations in the home. Consider using synthetic facial pheromone sprays and/or diffusers to help relieve anxiety or stress. Apply a synthetic pheromone spray such as Feliway on the objects or areas in your home where your cat has exhibited undesired scratching. Do so after cleaning with soap and water to remove the communication marking scents left by your cat's paws. Applying daily comforting pheromones can prevent your cat's need to mark these areas again. Feliway should not be sprayed on the desired scratcher. If undesirable scratching occurs in several rooms, indicating a more generalized anxiety or stress, it is recommended to also plug-in a synthetic pheromone diffuser such as Feliway to comfort your cat in their environment.

APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT

Providing your cat with an environment that is enriching is vital to teaching your cat to scratch on appropriate objects. Destructive scratching can occur in cats because their needs have not been fully met. Cats need the proper resources to perform their natural behaviours and have control over their social interactions. You can enhance your cat's health and well-being by ensuring all their needs are met in the home.

Additional Links

1. This is the declawing position statement of the American Association of Feline Practitioners: Statement.
2. Information on declawing submitted by the Partnership for Animal Welfare: Click here.
3. Information on declawing and its alternatives from VeterinaryPartner.com: Click here.