Mission Statement
My mission is to help you become educated about the consequences and risks involved with declawing and to be informed of safer alternatives. I hope you’ll find our website a comfortable, learning environment. The surgery is described, through a description of the surgery, FAQ, and information on complications.
What is Declawing?
Many people believe that declawing a cat consists of just removing the cat’s claw. It is actually an amputation of the toe’s last joint, including ligaments and tendons. Declawing all four paws of a cat, means 10 separate amputations. It is similar to having our finger cut off at the first knuckle.
Why Cats Scratch
Cats have a natural desire to scratch. It’s part of who they are. Before cats were domesticated they scratched trees. It’s difficult for cats to break a habit that has been part of their instincts since their existence.
Cats scratch for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is to mark their territory. They need to let other cats know that the area is already spoken for. When they scratch a scent is left behind, that other cats will smell. This is similar to cats rubbing against walls and your leg. They are just trying to make sure other cats know to stay away.
Another reason cats scratch is for exercise. Scratching works out their muscles in a cat’s front quarters, keeping the muscles toned and strong. Scratching not only stretches the muscles, but also keeps the claws healthy. Like some humans, cats enjoy exercising and stretching their muscles. This is the only way cats can get exercise and tone their muscles. After declawing a cat, they will never be able to fully stretch out their body.
What happens when cats can no longer scratch? Read the complications page for information about personality changes, litter box problems, and feeling defenseless.