Does Your Cat Have A Problem With Scratching? What You Need To Ask Before You Choose Declawing
Posted on: 1 February 2018
If your cat has a problem with scratching and clawing, you may have been considering declawing, which will permanently rid your cat of its claws. Before you opt for surgical declawing, you should consider whether or not the procedure will be best for your cat. Here are four questions you should ask before you choose declawing.
Does Your Cat Go Outside?
When cats go outside, they often make good use of their claws. For instance, they use them for climbing, for fighting off other animals, and for burying their waste. If your cat goes outside on a regular basis, declawing might not be the best option. In fact, you might want to consider other options even if your cat only heads outside on an occasional basis. You wouldn't want your cat to be unable to jump to safety should a dog come chasing after it.
Do You Have Other Pets?
If you have other pets, it might not be the best option to declaw your cat. Your cat may be using its claws to protect itself during rough and tumble play, or from the overly-aggressive behavior of other pets. Before you choose to declaw your cat, watch it for a few days to see if it uses its claws for protection from other pets. It's important to note that if your cat is the aggressor, declawing may be in your best interest, and in the best interest of your other pets.
Have You Tried Other Options
If your cat is lashing out with its claws, it still might not be time to resort to declawing. There may be other options available to stop the behavior. If your cat is clawing because it's bored, try adding a few scratching stations around the house. It's also a good idea to keep your cats claws trimmed short. This can prevent serious scratches when your cat claws. You can also talk to your veterinarian about protective claw tips. These small rubber caps can be glued to the tips of your cats claws, preventing it from causing injury.
Has Your Cat Caused Injuries?
If your cat has been using its claws to cause injuries to you and other family members, and you've tried other options to stop the behavior, it might be time to consider declawing. This is particularly true if your cat is uncommonly aggressive, or lashes out for no apparent reason. If you've been subjected to serious injuries as a result of your cat, you should talk to an animal hospital or veterinarian. While you may need to resort to declawing, there could be other underlying reasons why your cat is acting out aggressively.
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