Have you ever woken up to shredded curtains or furniture thanks to kitty’s sharp claws? Declawing may seem like the perfect solution, but this painful procedure often leads to future health issues for cats. Before taking such drastic measures, consider trying soft paws, scratching posts, trimming, or other humane alternatives first. With some patience and creativity, you can redirect scratching and save your cat’s paws.
Understanding Cat Scratching Behavior
Cats scratch for many reasons, and it’s important to understand why your cat is scratching before considering declawing. Scratching is a natural instinct for cats and provides mental and physical benefits. Some reasons why cats scratch:
• To sharpen and trim their claws. Scratching on rough surfaces helps file down their sharp claws.
• To stretch and exercise. Scratching helps cats stretch their back, shoulder, and leg muscles.
• To mark territory. Scratching leaves both a visual mark and a scent from the glands in their paws.
• For attention. Some cats scratch furnishings to get their owner’s attention, especially if they want food or to be let outside.
• Due to anxiety or stress. Changes in the household or environment can lead to increased scratching. Provide your cat with a scratching post, playtime, affection, and hiding spots to relieve stress.
Before declawing your cat, try trimming their nails regularly, using soft plastic covers, and providing multiple scratching posts. Place posts near areas where your cat usually scratches the furniture. Reward and praise your cat when they use the posts. You should also consider scheduling routines of play, grooming, and feeding to keep your cat stimulated.
If your cat is scratching due to anxiety, talk to your vet about anxiety medication or behavioral techniques to help relieve stress and curb destructive scratching. Declawing should always be an absolute last resort, as it is a painful procedure that removes the first knuckle of each toe and can cause behavioral issues. With patience and the proper techniques, you may be able to get your cat’s scratching under control without declawing.
Why Declawing Cats Is Controversial
Declawing is a common surgical procedure in which a cat’s claws are removed. Despite its popularity, declawing remains controversial due to concerns about its impact on feline welfare and behavior.
It’s painful for cats
Declawing involves amputating the last bone of each toe. It is the equivalent of cutting off a human’s fingers at the last knuckle. This can cause pain that lasts for weeks as the paws heal. There is also a risk of complications like infection, bleeding, and chronic pain. Many vets consider declawing inhumane because of the suffering it can cause.
It alters natural behavior
A cat’s claws are important for balance, climbing, and scratching to mark territory. Without them, declawed cats may have trouble walking and jumping, and they lose an important means of communication and expression. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues.
It doesn’t prevent unwanted scratching
While declawing removes the ability to scratch with claws, it does not eliminate the urge to scratch, which is a natural feline behavior. Declawed cats may turn to biting or scratching with their hind legs instead. Proper training, scratching posts, nail trimming, and soft plastic covers for claws are more humane and effective alternatives.
It can impact the cat-owner bond
Because declawing is painful and alters natural behavior, some declawed cats become fearful or aggressive towards the people who subjected them to the surgery. This can damage the bond between cat and owner and even lead to cats being surrendered to shelters.
In summary, while declawing may seem like an easy fix, it often creates more problems than it solves. There are many kinder and more effective ways to prevent unwanted scratching that do not compromise a cat’s welfare or the human-feline relationship. The controversy surrounding this procedure continues, as more places have banned declawing due to animal welfare concerns.
The Painful Truth About Declawing Surgery
Declawing a cat is an elective surgical procedure that removes the claws by amputating the end bones of a cat’s toes. It’s not just the nail that is removed, but also tendons, nerves, and ligaments that allow a cat’s claws to retract. This can be an extremely painful procedure for cats and requires an extended recovery period.
Before deciding to declaw your cat, it’s important to understand exactly what the surgery entails. Your cat’s paws are not just equipped with claws—there are also pads, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the toes that work together to allow claw retraction and extension. During declawing, the vet will use a surgical scalpel or laser to amputate the entire distal phalanx, or end bone, of each toe. This severs all of these internal structures.
Recovery can take 4 to 6 weeks as the incisions heal and your cat learns to walk normally again without their claws. There can be swelling, bleeding, and pain during recovery that requires medication and bandage changes. Some cats may develop serious complications like infection, chronic pain, lameness, or back pain.
There are many alternative solutions to declawing that do not require surgery. Providing scratching posts, trimming your cat’s nails regularly, using soft plastic covers on the nails, or applying special tape can help redirect scratching to appropriate items. You should also consider if declawing is right for your cat’s wellbeing before pursuing any surgical options. Their happiness and comfort should be top priority.
Talk to your vet about safe and humane alternatives to declawing before making this difficult decision. Your cat relies on you to make choices that keep them happy and healthy. There are many options available that can protect your furniture while also protecting your cat.
Alternatives to Declawing Your Cat
Before declawing your cat, consider some humane alternatives to avoid this painful procedure. There are several options to redirect your cat’s scratching behavior and protect your furniture.
Provide Scratching Posts
The most straightforward solution is to give your cat appropriate scratching posts and pads. Place sisal rope posts, cardboard scratchers, and carpeted posts in areas where your cat usually scratches the furniture. Show your cat the posts and give praise when they use them. You can also try spraying the posts with catnip spray to make them more enticing.
Trim Your Cat’s Nails Regularly
Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed will minimize damage from scratching. You can trim the nails yourself using nail clippers and styptic powder to avoid cutting the quick, or have a vet or groomer trim them. Trim your cat’s nails every 2 to 4 weeks to keep them blunt.
Cover the Furniture
If your cat scratches certain pieces of furniture, cover them when you’re not home to supervise. You can use double-sided tape, aluminum foil, plastic sheeting or sticky shields placed over the areas your cat usually scratches. These materials are unpleasant on their paws and should deter scratching.
Behavioral Training
Train your cat to avoid unwanted scratching using positive reinforcement techniques like treat rewards, play, and praise. When you see them scratching the furniture, immediately say “No scratch!” and redirect them to an appropriate post. Give them a treat and praise when they scratch the post. With consistency, they will learn to scratch only appropriate posts.
Soft Paws
If the other options are not working, you can consider applying Soft Paws nail caps—vinyl caps that cover the tips of each nail to prevent damage from scratching. They need to be replaced every 4 to 6 weeks as your cat’s nails grow. While not a permanent solution, Soft Paws can be an effective deterrent, especially when training a cat out of unwanted scratching behavior.
Questions to Ask Your Vet Before Declawing
Before deciding to declaw your cat, it’s essential to have an open conversation with your vet to understand the procedure and how it may impact your feline companion. Some important questions to ask include:
How painful is the surgery and recovery?
Declawing is an amputation of the cat’s digits, so there will be pain involved. Ask about pain management before, during and after surgery to keep your cat as comfortable as possible. The recovery period can take 4 to 6 weeks, during which time you’ll need to monitor your cat closely.
Are there alternatives I should try first?
There are several alternatives to declawing you can try, such as regular nail trimming, scratching posts, soft plastic covers for the nails, or adhesive strips. Ask your vet about these options before pursuing surgery.
How will declawing impact my cat’s behavior?
Declawing can sometimes lead to behavioral issues like biting or avoiding the litter box. Discuss with your vet the potential behavior changes you may see after surgery and how best to handle them. Proper care and attention will be needed to help your cat adjust.
What are the risks and complications?
As with any surgery, there are risks of bleeding, infection, and other complications. Discuss with your vet the likelihood of risks based on your cat’s overall health and age. Be aware of any signs of complications in the days and weeks after surgery.
How much aftercare will be required?
Ask your vet for specific instructions on caring for your cat during recovery. This includes keeping them confined, properly bandaging the paws, administering any medication, monitoring for signs of infection or other issues, and keeping follow-up appointments. Caring for a declawed cat requires a serious time commitment.
Discussing these questions in depth with your vet will help put you at ease about the procedure and prepare you to properly care for your cat during their recovery. While declawing may solve some problems, it does come with challenges that require your understanding and patience. Make sure you’re ready to commit to your cat’s wellbeing before moving forward.
Evaluating Declawing Costs and Payment Options
When deciding whether or not to declaw your cat, the cost is often a big factor in the decision. Declawing surgery typically ranges from $100 to $500 per claw, so for a cat’s front paws it can cost $400 to $1000 total. Some vets charge more for back paw declawing.
Before shelling out a chunk of change, look into some options to lower the cost or even get it done for free. Some vet clinics and animal shelters offer periodic free or low-cost declawing events, especially for feral or shelter cats. Check with organizations in your area to find out if they have any such events coming up. You may have to get on a waiting list, but it can save you hundreds of dollars.
Some vet schools and teaching hospitals also offer free or reduced-cost declawing at certain times. Students perform the procedure under close supervision of licensed vets. While the surgery may take a bit longer, it can be a way to get quality care for your cat at a lower price.
If cost is a concern but you still want to use your regular vet, ask if they offer any kind of payment plan. Many vets understand that declawing a cat can be expensive, especially if there are multiple cats in a household. They may allow you to pay for the procedure over time with no or low interest, which can make it more affordable.
Crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe are popular ways these days to raise money for medical procedures. You can create a campaign explaining your cat’s situation and how much the declawing will cost. Friends, family, and animal lovers may donate to help cover the vet bill. While crowdfunding isn’t a guarantee, many pet owners have been able to raise a substantial portion of their vet costs this way.
Between free and low-cost events, vet school options, payment plans, and crowdfunding, there are ways to make declawing your cat more affordable or even free. Check out all avenues in your area and take advantage of any opportunities to ease the financial burden of this important surgery for your feline friend.
Finding Low-Cost or Free Declawing Services
As a cat owner, you want the best for your feline friend. However, declawing surgery can be expensive, ranging from $100 to $500 per claw. For many pet parents, the cost is simply not feasible. The good news is there are a few options for low-cost or free declawing services.
Local Animal Shelters and Rescues
Animal shelters and rescues often provide low-cost spay/neuter and other veterinary care to the community. Some offer free or reduced-price declawing procedures as well. Contact your local shelters and humane societies to inquire about their services and prices. They may know of additional resources for affordable vet care in your area.
Non-Profit Organizations
Groups like the Humane Society of the United States, Best Friends Animal Society, and local organizations partner with vet clinics to offer free or low-cost declawing for those in need. Do an online search for “low-cost declawing” along with your location to find participating vet clinics in your region. These non-profits rely on donations to fund their programs, so any amount you can contribute will help them continue providing this important service.
Veterinary Schools
Vet schools have clinics operated by students under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. They often offer significantly discounted prices for services like declawing, dental cleanings, and other procedures as part of the students’ training. Contact nearby vet schools to inquire about their clinic services and current prices. The students gain valuable experience, and you get quality care for your cat at a lower cost.
Payment Plans
If free or low-cost options are unavailable in your area, ask your vet about setting up an affordable payment plan for your cat’s declawing procedure. Most veterinarians understand that high upfront costs can be a barrier for some pet owners. By paying a portion of the total bill at the time of service and the rest over time with no or low interest, you can get your cat the care they need without breaking the bank.
Caring for Your Cat After Declawing Surgery
Your cat has been through a lot with the declawing procedure, so now it’s time to give them some extra TLC during recovery. Follow these tips to help ensure your cat heals properly and stays happy and comfortable post-surgery.
Make sure their bandages stay clean and dry. Check the bandages regularly and replace them if they get wet or dirty. Keeping the incision sites clean and bandaged will aid healing and prevent infection.
Control pain and discomfort. Your vet will prescribe pain medication to keep your cat comfortable during recovery. Be sure to give all medication as directed. You should also limit activity by keeping your cat confined to a small room with few opportunities to jump or climb.
Maintain a regular feeding and bathroom schedule. Keep your cat’s routine as consistent as possible. Take your cat to the litter box frequently, especially just after they’ve eaten. Limiting activity means limited opportunities to get to the bathroom on their own.
Watch for any signs of infection or complications. Look for increased swelling, redness, or drainage from the incision sites, loss of appetite, lethargy, or other abnormal behaviors. Contact your vet right away if you notice any of these issues.
Schedule a follow-up visit. Your vet will want to examine your cat a few days after surgery to ensure proper healing and remove stitches or bandages. Be sure to keep this appointment—it’s important for your cat’s recovery and wellbeing.
With time and patience, your cat should heal completely and get back to their usual happy self. Providing extra care and comfort during the initial recovery period will help set your cat up for the best healing experience possible. If you have any concerns about your cat’s health or recovery, don’t hesitate to call your vet.
FAQs: Where Can I Declaw My Cat for Free?
If you’ve explored alternative scratching solutions and decided declawing is the right choice for your feline friend, cost may still be a concern. Declawing surgery typically ranges from $100 to $500 per paw. For many cat owners, this can be a financial burden. The good news is some declawing services offer the procedure at no cost. Here are some options to consider:
Check with animal shelters and rescue groups in your area. Some offer free or low-cost declawing services as part of their mission to help control pet overpopulation. They may require proof of financial need to qualify for free services. It’s worth contacting them to explain your situation.
Organizations like the Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, and Best Friends Animal Society aim to help pet owners care for their animals. They may know of free or affordable declawing programs in your area or be able to refer you to resources that can help cover the costs.
Vet schools provide supervised training for veterinary students. Part of their curriculum includes performing spay/neuter surgeries and declawing procedures at a lower cost, sometimes for free. Contact nearby vet schools to ask about their program details and see if you qualify.
Check With Your Local Animal Control
Some animal control agencies work with veterinarians and pet organizations to provide free or low-cost declawing services for qualifying pet owners. Explain your financial situation and they may be able to refer you to resources in your area for help.
As with any medical procedure, make sure to discuss aftercare thoroughly with the vet to keep your cat comfortable during recovery. With time and patience, declawing can still allow for many happy years together. The most important thing is finding an affordable option so you can continue providing the best care for your feline family member.
