Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Veterinarians can use pain-relieving drugs to help with discomfort
after surgery. Oral pain relievers can be prescribed, but the application
of a patch that continuously releases small amounts of a painkiller is
becoming more and more popular. Ask your veterinarian about post-
operative pain relief if you declaw your cat.
Is Declawing Cruel?
There are different opinions regarding declawing. I personally think it is
a painful procedure, and before declawing your cat, you should try to
train him to use a scratching post. If a cat is being destructive or injur-
ing you with his claws, and you have bought the cat a suitable scratch-
ing post (tall enough, sturdy enough, of a suitable material) and placed it
in a spot where your cat likes to scratch, and a serious attempt at train-
ing is not successful, and you are going to keep the cat inside, declawing
may be a valid alternative. It should not be done routinely without a sin-
cere attempt to first train the cat to redirect his natural instincts.
Many humane groups and the Cat Fancier's Association condemn
declawing, but it is a personal choice for each cat owner. Some breed-
ers and cat rescue groups will require you to sign a contract stating that
you will not declaw any cat you buy or adopt from them.
During the recovery period it is common for cats to be hesitant to
jump, and they may hold their paws up in the air when sitting. These
signs indicate the cat is in pain. Owners are frequently concerned after
the surgery when their cats show these signs, but they need to under-
stand that it takes time for healing and calluses to form around the
newly exposed bones and nerve endings.
Declawing Alternatives
The most basic alternatives to declaw surgery are trimming a cat's nails
every few weeks and training the animal to use a scratching post.
Vinyl nail caps, called Soft Paws, are available. They cover the cat's
normal nail with a smooth cap, thus preventing nails from causing dam-
age, and last about a month. Many veterinarians carry this product and
will apply the caps for you.Take-home kits are available if you want to
apply them yourself.
Digital flexor tenectomy is an alternative surgical procedure, but
not one that I favor because I don't think there are enough benefits.
Instead of amputating the bone in the toe, a small piece of the tendon
