If you share your home with one or more kittens, or are a curious admirer of the feline world, you may have already heard about "declawing" and the controversy it arouses among veterinarians, researchers and tutors. However, many people still wonder: " What is declawing in cats?", what are its consequences for the he alth and routine of our beloved felines.
Declawing in cats consists of a surgical intervention performed under general anesthesia, which aims to amputation of the last phalanx of the fingersContrary to what many people think, this surgery not only removes the cat's nails, but also leads to mutilation of its paws. For this reason, on our site, we will explain to you why declawing has a very negative impact on the physical and mental he alth of cats. In addition, we will give you some tips to facilitate the maintenance of your cat's nails without harming their well-being.
What is declawing a cat?
Cats' toes are made up of three bones (phalanges) and two joints located between them to protect them from the wear generated by the friction produced during movements. We also find the nerves and blood vessels that allow the sensitivity and correct oxygenation of the tissues of its legs.
The cats' claws are born from the last bone or phalanx and have an impressive retractable system, which allows the feline to collect its claws and only leave them exposed when really necessary. In declawing, the last phalanx of your cat's legs is amputated to prevent his nails from growing back. Therefore, it is not a surgical extraction, but a mutilation that removes not only the claws, but also the bone and joint part, the nerves and the blood vessels that make up the fingers of felines.
For a few years now, this surgical procedure has gained some popularity in the United States and Europe, sparking heated debates among veterinarians and feline nature researchers. Happily, Today this practice is already legally prohibited in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
Why is declawing harmful to cats?
To better understand the risks associated with declawing cats, we must learn to differentiate the surgical procedure itself from its consequences for the quality of life of these animals. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, surgeries are safer and represent less and less risk to the patient's he alth.
The procedure performed during declawing involves the same risks as any other surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. Furthermore, it is a completely unnecessary mutilation that not only leads to an uncomfortable and painful recovery, but also negatively impacts cats physically and emotionally.
The body of cats is a whole and each of its parts plays a specific role that allows the balance of physical functions and cognitive. No organ, tissue or cell of the feline body is optional or irrelevant, much less disposable. This is the most basic and obvious reason why cat declawing is not a beneficial or recommended practice for your kitty.
What happens if you remove your cat's nails?
Speaking specifically of the nails, it goes without saying that they are key to your cat's well-being and make up their way of being. In the wild, it would be practically impossible for a feline to survive without its claws, since they use them to hunt and feed, defend themselves and escape from possible predators, dig the ground, stretch their body, and climb vertical surfaces, either to escape, reach a prey or simply rest in a high and safe place.
Although domestic cats do not need to hunt to get their food and are not constantly exposed to predators, their nails continue to be essential for the optimal development of their organism. Beyond enjoying their home routine, cats maintain their instincts and need to express themselves freely to lead a he althy and happy life. If you observe your cat you will see that he uses his nails to carry out practically all his movements and activities in his day to day. They are more than a natural tool and are part of their way of being and relating to their environment.
By amputating his phalanx and nails, you will be depriving your cat of fully developing his body and mind, thus limiting the exercise of his creativity and intelligence. After declawing, many felines fall back into a sedentary routine, as they cannot scratch or climb, as well as being unable to move, run and jump as safely and balance, thanks to the absence of its claws.
Sedentary lifestyle in cats has very negative consequences for their physical and mental he alth. In principle, a feline that does not exercise regularly can gain weight quickly, leaving it more vulnerable to the risks and diseases associated with obesity in cats. In addition, poor physical and mental stimulation can lead to behavioral problems, such as destructiveness or aggressiveness, as well as causing symptoms of stress and depression in cats.
Tips for maintaining your kitty's nails
Cats' nails grow constantly, throughout their lives. Therefore, your kitty needs to wear and sharpen his nails regularly to maintain an ideal length that does not interfere with his movements. It is a necessity of your body and also a habit that is part of your routine and way of being. As guardians, it is also our responsibility to offer the necessary means so that our cats can safely wear down their nails and rule out the operation to declaw a cat.
If you want to prevent your feline from scratching the floor, the curtains, your clothes or other household objects, you must leave at least one scratching post at your disposal In pet stores you can find a wide range of models and types of scratchers for one or more cats. You can also make a homemade scratching post for your cat, using inexpensive materials and a lot of creativity.
Also, you can trim your cat's nails to ensure they are always the ideal length. On our site you will find tips and recommendations to cut a cat's nails safely.
