Declawing your cat
Onyxectomy: a term that means amputation of phalanges. Declawing a cat involves amputating the third phalanx of each finger. This is a major surgical procedure, and even if it uses a laser technique, the operation and the pain are traumatic for the animal. This practice could involve many complications and risks. In addition, the cat could have a reaction to the anesthetic products. After the operation, it is important to obtain special litter to prevent wound infections.
In many countries, this procedure is no longer practiced, and has even become illegal. However, in Quebec, it is still authorized, but many veterinary clinics no longer offer this service. There are various reasons why a cat owner might want to have their pet declawed. Whether it is the feline use of the couch as a scratching post or the human fear for the safety of a child or other animal, you should know that there are other alternatives to onyxectomy.
Action: Cats scratch sofas, door frames or chairs.
Action: Cats scratch sofas, door frames or chairs.
- If there is one at home but the cat does not use it, it is probably because it is poorly located in the room. If, on the other hand, there is no place in the house for him to sharpen his claws, getting one and training the cat to use it is another good way to keep your furniture intact for as long as possible. As you will have noticed, a good place for the scratching post or cat tree is near the sofa or in the entrance of a room, or near a window so that he can look outside.
- The material used will greatly encourage your pet to dig its claws into it. Carpet, rope, cardboard, wood or even a mixture of all these materials could prove to be a winning formula for your cat.
- Notice the height of the scratching posts on your couch. They are usually located where the cat can reach when he stretches out. So, to maximize your chances, choose a 36-inch vertical scratching post, high enough for your furball to stretch his spine completely.
- Another very important point is the verticality of the structure. A wide base is essential. To add the winning ingredient, there could be a shelf for the cat to lie on.
- Make the scratching post attractive by adding a feather toy attached to a rope. This will make him want to go there and play.
Finally, tenotomy, also a surgical procedure, is a less painful and less traumatic alternative for the animal. It consists of cutting the tendon responsible for the retraction of the nail. In this way, the bone is not affected and the cat retains its third phalanx. After this operation, it is important to maintain the claws periodically - because they continue to grow - by trimming them and removing the dirt accumulated at the base of them.
It is not only necessary to train your cat not to scratch, but also essential to teach children to give the animal its personal space. The body signs that the cat projects are essential to know so that no accidents occur. Before declawing your animal, remember that even if it is an indoor cat, there is a possibility that it will slip between your legs and run away. In nature, predators and dangers arise from everywhere. A cat's claws are its first means of defense, which will allow it to survive alone, especially if it does not know the outdoors or how to survive. Its instinct will come into play, it will be able to hunt, climb trees and of course defend itself and eat.