If your cat’s out-of-control scratching behavior has left you feeling at the end of your rope, you might have thought that declawing is the only option. This once-popular method for ending a scratching problem has now become taboo among cat owners. There are a few reasons why declawing does more harm than good, as well as safer ways to help control your cat’s scratching habits.
Why Declawing is Harmful
Not only is declawing painful, but it can also cause lifelong damage to your cat’s feet. Many cat owners do not know that the declawing procedure involves surgically removing part of the bone that the claw is attached to, which some would argue is inhumane. Even so, some cat owners may feel that this is a safe choice for their indoor cat, who will have less need to use their claws.
However, if your cat were to get out and become lost, lacking claws significantly reduces their chances of survival and being found. Across the board, the permanent nature of declawing means that you should think carefully before you commit to such a decision.
How to Fix Scratching
Fortunately, there are many alternatives to solving your cat’s scratching problem. But, did you know that, when your cat scratches your furniture or claws your carpet, it’s not a sign of bad behavior? Actually, scratching is instinctual. All cats need to scratch as a way of naturally filing their claws. If they stopped scratching altogether, their claws would become uncomfortably long.
For an immediate solution, many pet stores offer temporary anti-scratch tape that you can apply to your furniture. This slippery tape discourages cats from scratching. You can easily control scratching by adding scratching posts and scratching pads in the area where your cat likes to scratch.
With some patience and training, you can guide your cat to transition to scratching where you want them to. Try luring them into climbing a scratching post with their favorite toy; it probably won’t take long for them dig their claws into the inviting surface.
CONTACT CATONSVILLE CAT CLINIC TODAY!
For 20 years, the Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and beyond! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who purchased the practice in July of 2011, runs the Catonsville Cat Clinic with compassion in mind. A team of professionals with an advanced level of veterinary medicine is at your service to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. So stop on by; we’d love to get to know you and your cat!
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