Declawing: let’s talk

Facts about declawing

Despite cultural evolution on the subject, declawing continues to be a free and often-used practice in Quebec. Today, however, it’s important to know several facts about declawing that are recognized by many veterinary and behavioral professionals. In addition to the pain felt by the cat after being declawed, this can lead to several
consequences for the cat’s health
but can also lead to
behavioral problems
such as uncleanliness or bite disinhibition.

Although many people who have had their cats declawed have never experienced any problems afterwards, the fact remains that this practice, which is banned in 37 countries around the world, must be regarded as unethical in terms of animal welfare.

Tips for living well with claws

To avoid the need for declawing, here are 3 tips to easily manage your kitty’s claws:

• 
  Teaching your cat to trim its claws
  . If your cat is difficult to handle, take it gently and step by step:
  • Choose a time when he’s quiet, almost asleep.
  • Touch his paw very briefly, then give him a treat immediately afterwards.
  • Repeat this step.
  • When he’s comfortable and no longer paying attention to your hand, take his paw briefly. Then reward him with a treat.
  • Repeat this step.
  • Apply light pressure to its paw, as if to open its claws, again very briefly. Then reward.
  • Repeat.
  • Carry out the process gradually until you can trim the claws, one by one.
  • Above all: take your time, spread it out over several days, 5-minute sessions at a time.
• If you feel uncomfortable, call in a professional to trim his claws. : either in a grooming salon or at home.
• Put one or two claw posts in your home:
  • place it at entrances to territory: entrance to the house, at the beginning of the staircase, next to the sofa, etc.
  • Choose one that’s stable and won’t move.
  • The material doesn’t matter, but cats often appreciate rope, cardboard, carpet…
  • If your cat tends to scratch furniture, cover it with aluminum foil and place a pole of the same material on top.

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