February 11, 2005

Ask the Animal Behavorist

Declawing cat removes necessary body part for movement, defense

By Maureen Strenfel
Animal Behaviorist,
Humane Society Silicon Valley

Q: I just got a cat and he’s ripping up my furniture. My friend suggested I get him declawed, but I’ve heard that’s cruel. Is it okay to declaw a cat? I need to do something before my furniture is in shreds.

A: Declawing is a painful procedure for your cat and removes a much needed body part for movement and defense. Think of it as removing the last part of your finger, all the way up to the joint closest to your fingernail! All declawed cats should remain indoors 100 percent of the time, as they have limited ability to climb to safety or to defend themselves outdoors. Humane Society Silicon Valley recommends the following alternatives to declawing:

—Purchase a sturdy scratching post or climbing furniture, or build your own using sisal, wood and carpet scraps. Make sure the post is secure, so if the cat lunges at it with all his force, the post won’t topple over.

—Cats mark their territory when they scratch; they usually release small amounts of oil or “scent” from glands located under each claw. So it’s important to teach your cat where he can and cannot scratch.

—Once an item is marked, the cat will prefer to return and scratch there again. If you train your cat to mark his scratching post and make it as inviting as possible, he will use it over and over again. Hiding treats, hanging toys at different levels, and generously spraying catnip on the post, are terrific ways to attract your cat to the post.

—If you’re initially having problems luring him away from the furniture, there are some possible deterrents. Double-sided sticky tape placed on the corners of the furniture will discourage your cat from clawing, as will simply placing a sheet over the furniture.

—Cats generally don’t like strong citrus smells, so if you spray orange air freshener in conjunction with using sticky tape, your cat may decide to stay away. Plastic nail caps, otherwise known as Soft Paws, offer another alternative.

They fit over your cat’s nails and are available through your veterinarian, online and in select pet stores. We carry them at our AlphaPet Supply store.

—If you’re not home to supervise, put your cat in a separate room where he can’t do any damage to your furniture. It is similar to putting a child in a playpen; your cat will be safe and won’t be able to destroy anything. Remem-ber to leave plenty of food, water, a litter box, a scratching post and toys for your feline.

Claw trimming
Sharp claw tips can catch on furniture and cause it to tear. Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed reduces this type of damage.

Trim claws every few weeks by using a nail clipper. Make sure that your vet or groomer gives you instructions and/or demonstration. If you cut your cat’s “quick,” the pink part of the nail that has nerves and blood, you will hurt your cat and he will not want you to touch his claws again.

Most cats can learn to have their claws trimmed regularly without too much fuss, as long as you provide them with gentle handling and lots of special food treats as you trim.

Recommended Reading
“Cat Behavior and Training,” Compiled by Lowell Ackerman, DVM, T.F.H. Publications, Inc. 1996

“From the Cat’s Point of View,” by Gwen Bohenkamp, Perfect Paws, Inc. 1991. Order direct from (415) 595-1962

“Good Owners, Great Cats,” By Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, Warner Books, 1995

If you have any questions, problems or concerns please call Humane Society Silicon Valley’s FREE Animal Behavior Helpline at (408) 727-3383, extension 753, or e-mail us at: animalexpert@hssv.org.