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withdrawn or depressed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.
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