What age can i declaw my cat
As a general rule, declawing is illegal in most states. So if you want to declaw your cat, you'll have to do so outside these states.
When can i declaw my cat?
The reason that most veterinarians refuse to declaw cats is because they have a better understanding of the pain that it causes.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. In certain situations, sacrificing the last few claws on the front paws of a cat is a legitimate medical procedure.
For example, if your cat is a tom, a female cat that has had a litter of kittens, or if the cat is a congenital abnormality, then it may be a good idea to have your pet declawed.
Declawing is not recommended for cats that are young or that have an injury to the paw or leg.
How can you tell if your cat has been declawed?
If your vet has declawed your cat, then he'll likely say something like this.
"Your cat is declawed because the last few claws on the front paws of a cat are used to help the cat grip things on the ground. This is called a "grip" claw. By removing the last few claws, your cat will be less likely to fall and injure himself."
If you're not sure whether your cat has been declawed, then you can do a quick internet search to find out.
What are the risks of declawing a cat?
Although most veterinarians will tell you that declawing is less painful than having the cat's front paws lopped off, this is not always the case.
In fact, you shouldn't have your cat declawed if he is an older cat, has an injury to the front paws, or if he has arthritis.
The risks of declawing are:
1. Pain
2. Suffering
3. Decreased quality of life
4. Decreased physical condition
5. Decreased self-esteem
6. Pica
7. Nail biting
8. Straying
9. Increased veterinary costs
10. Decreased productivity
11. Increased risk of injury
12. Decreased ability to catch prey
13. Loss of self-esteem
14. Decreased ability to perform normal daily activities
15. Declawing is never recommended for cats that are to young or injured
16. Declawing is not recommended for cats that are female and pregnant
17. Declawing is not recommended for cats that are to old
18. Declawing is not recommended for cats that are to aggressive
19. Declawing is not recommended for cats that are to sick
20.
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Are you aware of and willing to deal with the potential down sides of the surgery (e.g., pain, infection, damage to the legs from bandages or tourniquets)? Have you tried other options, like behavioral modification, weekly nail trims or rubber nail caps? Can you guarantee that your cat will remain indoor-only after the surgery? Read more
Declawing is a procedure for cats that involves a lot more than simply pulling out their claws. This surgery basically removes their knuckle bones from their feet. Essentially, it’s like having the tips of their fingers removed. Sounds painful, doesn’t it? Well, it is, and some cats never fully recover after being Read more
Should I Declaw My Cat? The American Animal Hospital Association strongly opposes the declawing of domestic cats and supports veterinarians’ efforts to educate cat owners and provide them with effective alternatives. Read more
Declawed Cats Can’t Defend Themselves. Once a cat is declawed, it should be kept strictly indoors since the pet will no longer be able to defend itself or climb to escape a potential predator. Declawing Might Not Stop Harmful Behavior. If a cat is intentionally scratching people or other pets in the household, owners should be advised that this cat, if declawed, may start biting instead of scratching. Read more
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