Declawing Cats

Disclaimer: This is just my knowledge from working at hospital for two years. I'm definitely not an expert and I'm sure Wikipedia has much more detailed info and maybe accurate info, but here ya go...

Typically, I can understand the reasons for declawing a cat: you don't want them scratching up the corners of your favorite chair or ruining your throw rug by the sharpening of claws. While I do understand that, here are some facts before deciding to declaw a cat.

First, declawed cats should NOT go outside. If you plan on declawing, make sure they are indoors at all times, they can not be indoor/outdoor cats. Reason being, their front claws (most declaws are just front paws, but some people go for all four), anyway, their front claws are one of the main, if not their main way, of self defense. Maybe equate it to a human being thrown in a boxing ring, expected to fight, without any arms. Not much defense there.

Second, I am not sure a lot of people understand what actually happens when a cat is declawed. Since their claws are attached to the first "segment" of their "finger," that bone must be broken for the claw to be removed. Look down at your fingers...see that first knuckle right under your finger nail? If a person were being declawed, that bone would be be broken and removed, so there would no longer be a nail. You can imagine how painful and uncomfortable that would be.

Thirdly, there is a LOT of after care. Most cats have to stay overnight if not two nights after being declawed. It's a very painful operation, so a lot of pain meds are required. And some pain meds can only been given for so many days or doses before becoming toxic to the cat. You are probably also looking at multiple bandage changes because it is a bloody procedure as well.

While I would never personally declaw a cat, I don't really judge anyone who does, as long as they are properly educated beforehand. If you are not educated, I will definitely judge you.

The way I see it is, if you don't want to deal with a cat's claws, then maybe don't get a cat. On the same token, if you are going to debark a dog, maybe you shouldn't have a dog. Since barking is a form of communication for them, imagine someone removing your tongue, making it so you couldn't talk anymore.

Just something to think about...hope I wasn't too soapbox-ish.

Music: Sublime - Slow Ride