Question:
Here's a solution for all the kitten/cat owners who are thinking of declawing their indoor pets -- a cruel and painful practice.We rescued a 5-month-old kitten from a local shelter years ago. Initially, we had a difficult time training her not to scratch our sofa, and, after several unsuccessful attempts, we were ready to return her to the shelter. However, we found the perfect solution and would like to share it.As a scratching post, we placed a piece of tree branch (about 2 feet long) vertically into a corner of a room the cat frequents, protecting the floor from falling fragments by placing the bottom of the branch into a cardboard box. When the bark is worn down, we turn the branch around and eventually replace it with a new one.From the first day on, our cat has been sharpening her claws on the tree branch, and we have had no more problems with scratched furniture. A win-win situation!.
G.B., Washington, DC Sep 17, 2006
Answer:
Thank you for your contribution to the antideclawing movement that is gaining considerable momentum.There are many horror stories of cats suffering from chronic pain and infections after being declawed. The correct term for this mutilation is phalangectomy, not onychectomy, because the phalanges (or fingertips) and not just the nails are cut off.This routine procedure for captive, large cats, like tigers, may play a role is these cats turning on their keepers. Many have been found to have severely infected, painful paws after this horrendous procedure, which should be prohibited by law for all cats, large and small.
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