Don't De-claw!
De-clawing means:
the painful severing of ligaments and tendons
the creation of an imbalance that can lead to injury
a possible change in personality/temperament (cat may become depressed, bite or growl)
you have renounced your position as a loving cat owner.
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Paws come with claws...
that’s one of Nature’s laws!!
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Scratching is Natural, But Need Not be Harmful
Few things frustrate cat lovers more than their pets' desire to claw furniture and carpeting and other prized possessions like stereo speakers. The first step to preventing or stopping this natural, but undesirable behaviour is understanding the reasons behind it:
Grooming-
Because their nails grow continuously, cats need to scratch on dense or textured surfaces to help remove the outer layer of their nails.
Marking territory-
By clawing vigorously, cats create visual evidence of their presence and also release their own scent from glands that are located on their paw pads.
Exercising-
When they scratch, cats stretch out and exercise the muscles of their front quarters. Their enjoyment of this activity is obvious to onlookers.
Punishing cats for instinctive behaviour will not help to solve the problem and will likely lead to further undesirable behaviours. Instead, they should be given alternative places to scratch that are more acceptable:
 Buy or build a scratching post made of wood, cardboard, carpeting or sisal. A springy or dangling toy tied to the top of the post will add to its appeal. Some cats will enjoy a log, the most natural post of all. Some cats prefer fabric of a texture that is similar to that of their favourite couch or chair. This fabric can be attached to a scratching post or to a bulletin board placed low on a wall. Many cats love scratching boxes that can be purchased from local pet supply stores. These inexpensive boxes are filled with corrugated cardboard and sprinkled with catnip.
Multiple-cat households require multiple scratching sites. The sites must be tall or long enough for cats to fully extend their bodies, and secure enough to never topple or the cats won't use them. To satisfy the cats' need to mark territory, the scratching sites must be placed in an area of the home that is used by the family, not hidden in a back corner.
Cats can be encouraged to use new scratching surfaces by "showing them" how to scratch, rather than trying to "make them" scratch. Placing them on the side of a new post will cause them to hang onto it and will help them discover its usefulness. Cats can be lured to a new site by rubbing catnip leaves onto it, or by having them chase string or a toy around it. It is a good idea to reward cats with treats or praise them when they use appropriate scratching surfaces.
To help cats give up undesirable scratching sites:
Remove their scent with a pet odour remover purchased at a pet supply store. Cover the area with aluminum foil or plastic. Cats dislike the sound and the feel. Apply double-sided tape to the area. Cats don't like getting stuck to it. Use lemon-scented cat repellant sprays or place orange and lemon peels on the area. When they are caught in the act, clap and firmly say "No!" Other deterrents include a loud whistle or squirting them with a water spray bottle.
See also http://www.declawing.com/ and http://www.animed.org/cats_declawing.htm |
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