Journal Article on Pain and Behavior in Declawed Cats
According to research published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery declawing increases the risk of a cat suffering long-term or persistent pain, usually resulting in unwanted behaviors such as inappropriate litter box use and aggression such as biting. This study from 2017 is shockingly the first long-term study on the results of declawing. “This study found that […]
American Animal Hospital Association Declawing Position Statement
The American Animal Hospital Association strongly opposes the declawing of domestic cats and supports veterinarians’ efforts to educate cat owners and provide them with effective alternatives. Scratching is a normal feline behavior. Cats scratch to (1) condition their claws by removing old nail sheaths, (2) scent mark objects with the glands on their paws, (3) […]
American Association of Feline Practitioners Declawing Position Statement
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) strongly opposes declawing (onychectomy) as an elective procedure. It is the obligation of veterinarians to provide cat owners with alternatives to declawing. If owners are considering declawing, they must be provided with complete education about feline declawing. The following points are the foundation of the position statement: Feline […]
Training Cats to Use a Scratching Post
Thanks to Kelley Bollen from Animal Alliances, LLC for the use of this article! Cats scratch on things for two reasons — to shed their claws and to mark their territory. To save your furniture from damage you should provide your cat with a scratching post or two and teach him/her how to use it. The […]
How to talk to your landlord about declawing
Are you excited about finally being able to adopt a cat or kitten, only to find out your new landlord requires declawing? You’ve done your research and know that declawing is a serious surgery with life-long implications for your feline’s behavior and health, and you don’t want to do that to your new friend. You […]
Learn more about declawing
Declawing is a serious surgery for cats that goes beyond just removing the claws; it is the amputation of ten toes with long-term implications for the health and behavior of the cat. Dr. Christianne Schelling says this: Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat’s claw is not a toenail. […]