Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
that controls claw movement is removed. It prevents the cat from pro-
truding or retracting her claws, and it is a less painful procedure since
no bone is removed. When this procedure is performed, the cat's toe-
nails still need to be trimmed regularly because the animal cannot con-
trol them and the nails will not wear down.
Side Effects of Declawing
It is rare for physical complications to arise from declawing, but it is
always a possibility. Infections are not common, and they do respond
favorably to antibiotic treatment. Swelling of the paws can occur and is
controlled with bandaging. If a veterinarian uses careless surgical tech-
niques, a toenail or part of a nail can regrow. Noticeable regrowth may
not be apparent for years following surgery, but presents as swollen toes
with areas that drain fluid, or have pieces of nail sticking out.
Studies show that declawed cats do not bite any more than clawed
cats. Declawing does not directly change a cat's behavior, either. Declawed
cats can still climb (but not as well), but their ability to defend themselves
is curtailed, so they should not be allowed outside unsupervised.
PREVENT A PATERNITY SUIT
Part of being a responsible owner is sterilizing your cat, whether the cat
is male or female. Men who own cats are sometimes empathetic about
their male cat and do not want to castrate him, but this is ridiculous. Cats
have sex to reproduce, not because they derive any pleasure from it.
Neutered cats live happier, healthier lives and make much better pets
than intact animals. If you have ever smelled the urine of a tomcat, you
will understand why you would not want one in your home. Once tom-
cat urine soils something, the odor cannot be removed. It is even hard to
deal with the smell of tomcat urine after a litter box has been emptied!
HIGHER RISK
Two deadly viruses, feline leukemia virus and feline immunodefi-
ciency virus, are much more common in intact male cats.This is
because the viruses are passed by direct contact, especially through
biting—and biting and fighting occur most often between two
male cats. Neutering can help prevent the spread of these diseases.
