WHY TABBY TOWN OPPOSES DECLAWING:

Claws are vital to cats! They are essential for balance, mobility and survival!

Cats scratch to mark their territory. If they cannot mark their territory with their claws, they will tend to spray.

Cats walk on their toes, not on their pads. Declawing is NOT like removing a fingernail - it is removing their entire digit, much like removing a person's entire finger - and many cats suffer lifelong phantom pain like a person does after amputation!

Declawing changes the cat's personality. Declawed cats tend to:

• hide more and bite more
• stop using the litterbox
• suffer chronic leg, back or shoulder pain
• become withdrawn or depressed
• be in a constant state of distress from real or imaginary predators
• suffer lifelong phantom pain

90% of declawed cats who end up in shelters are euthanized because of behavioral problems!

Cat declawing is illegal in many major countries except the United States (Click here to see the list).

Cats are living, breathing, feeling companions. They should not be placed on the same level as furniture. Your cat trusts you - declaw him and he may never trust people again!

Declawing is abuse! It is mutilation!
It is barbaric, immoral and inhumane!

There is no valid reason today to ever remotely consider declawing as a solution to destructive scratching. Declawing is done strictly for the convenience of people. If you are still considering declawing after reading this, consider getting a different pet! We can offer you solutions to scratching problems - just ask!

Thank you - for their sakes!

ALTERNATIVES TO DECLAWING:

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats. It feels good, it’s territorial instinct to leave their scent, and it’s great exercise to work his muscles. You can’t keep your cat from scratching, and you certainly don’t want to declaw, so what can you do? Here are some options:

• Soft Claws are vinyl nail caps that glue on to your cat’s claws. They are similar to “fake” fingernails that are hollow to fit over the claws. They are pretty, affordable, and available via the Internet, from most pet supply stores or call 1-800-989-2542 to order.
• Sticky Paws for Furniture are transparent adhesive strips that easily apply directly to furniture, carpets, fabrics, stereo speakers, or anywhere else you don’t want cats to be. Sticky Paws for Plants help keep cats out of potted plants. Available via the Internet or call 1-888-697-2873.
• Trim your cat’s claws every 10-14 days. There is a right way to do this. Tabby Town personnel show adopters how to trim their kitty's claws.
• Provide Scratching Posts. Cats love to scratch. It’s what they do. Cats prefer sisal fabric to sisal rope for scratching. It is irresistible to cats. Make sure kitty’s scratching post is tall enough to allow him to stretch (usually 30 inches) and sturdy enough that it won’t topple and frighten him when he attacks it. If your cat isn't the brightest bulb in the pack you may have to actually show him how to use the scratching post. As an added bonus, occasionally rub some catnip into the fabric. Be sure to keep the scratching post in a busy part of the house so it’s readily available. Give your kitty plenty of praise (or a special treat) when he uses his scratching post.
• Do Not Punish your cat for scratching furniture. He won’t understand that you’re punishing him for scratching the couch – he’ll just think that when you catch him he is treated badly. It could make your situation worse. However, using a spray bottle (set on stream) when you catch him in the act may deter him. Be careful not to spray him in the face.