Since February 10, 2024, declawing cats has been prohibited in Quebec. The entry into force of the Regulations for the safety and welfare of companion animals and equines "prohibit the performance or commissioning of (...) any other surgical procedure intended to prevent the normal use of the claws", which includes onychomycosis.

What is onyxectomy?

Onyxectomy: term meaning amputation of phalanges.

Declawing a cat is a major surgical procedure that involves amputating the third phalanx of each toe. This surgery, which carries certain risks, is now prohibited in Quebec. Cat owners must find other solutions to live comfortably with their pet's claws.

The risks of declawing your cat

Onychomycosis is not a medically necessary procedure and can cause finger deformities, discomfort, and chronic pain. It is a traumatic operation for the animal, and recovery can be painful or lead to complications.

Like any surgical procedure, declawing your cat carries several risks during and after the operation:

• reaction to anesthetic products;

• excessive bleeding;

• postoperative pain;

• wound infection;

• deformation (contracture) of the fingers;

• changes in the cat's behavior (aggression or increased stress);

• any complication related to general anesthesia.

Why does the cat “scratch”?

The importance of claws for cats

A cat's claws are its primary means of defense. Even if it's an indoor cat, there's a good chance it'll sneak up on you and run away. In the wild, predators and dangers lurk everywhere. With its claws, it can hunt, climb trees, and, of course, defend itself and eat.

A natural behavior in cats

Just as cats rub their whiskers on door frames, they rub their paws on the floor, walls, or objects. This completely natural feline behavior serves, among other things, to:

• mark its territory (under its paws, the cat has glands that secrete pheromones);

• sharpen its claws (just like human nails, cat claws grow and need to be maintained);

• stretch the spine to relax.

The best alternatives to declawing for your cat's well-being

For a long time, many cat owners chose to declaw their pets primarily to eliminate the risk of the cat damaging furniture or injuring a child. Since the ban on this practice, owners have had to turn to a combination of alternative solutions that take into account the well-being and safety of cats.

Regular nail trimming

Just like human nails, cats' claws grow constantly. To sharpen them, they scratch objects and certain surfaces. Maintain your cat's claws with clean nail clippers and plenty of cat treats . Start clipping your cat's claws from a young age to get them used to them. Cat veins are quite visible. However, be careful not to cut their claws too short.

Additionally, by trimming your cat's claws regularly, you extend the lifespan of the accessories you provide for scratching.

Nail protectors

If your cat scratches sofas, door frames, or chairs, you can use nail caps. These are small vinyl or plastic caps that wrap around each claw individually. You can find this cat accessory in a variety of colors at most pet stores.

Choosing a good scratching post (and its location)

Your cat needs to stretch its spine to relax. Adding a scratching post or cat tree to your home is a great way to attract its attention and prevent it from damaging your furniture.

When you buy a scratching post or cat tree and install it in your home, you must train your cat to use it correctly by drawing its attention to the object while rewarding it at the right time.

How to choose the right scratching post?

The materials

Scratching posts and cat trees offer a variety of materials to encourage your pet to dig in their claws: carpet, rope, cardboard, and wood. Experiment and find the winning formula for your cat!

The height

Choose a scratching post or tree that's tall enough for your cat to fully stretch its spine. If your cat has already started scratching walls or furniture, pay attention to the height of the scratches. These are usually located where the cat can reach when stretching out at full length.

The attractions

Opt for a scratching post or tree with a wider base for strength and stability. For an added bonus, consider adding a shelf for your cat to lie on. You can make this accessory even more appealing by adding a feather toy attached to a rope or some catnip. This will make your cat want to go there and play!

The location

If your cat has a scratching post or cat tree at home but isn't using it, it's probably because it's in the wrong place in the room or house. Observe your cat and see if they prefer to use their scratching post near the couch or at the entrance to a room , or near a window so they can look outside.

Positive reinforcement

Whether you choose to trim your cat's claws yourself, install claw caps, or provide a scratching post, all of these alternatives to declawing should be introduced gently as part of your cat's training using positive reinforcement!

CONCLUSION

It's not about training your cat not to scratch, but rather showing them where it's allowed to do so. As owners, we recommend training your cat with patience and positive reinforcement. Learn your cat's preferences by observing them and encourage them to adopt the alternatives you offer, such as clipping their claws, wearing claw caps, or using a scratching post.

It's also important to teach children to give their pets their personal space. It's essential to understand the body language your cat displays to avoid accidents. Don't hesitate to consult your veterinarian or a feline behavior expert if you notice any unusual behavior in your cat.

Last tip:

If your cat continues to scratch your couch, temporarily cover the corner with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or double-sided tape. This will make the surface less appealing to your cat, and the scratching post will become their best option!