Cat declawing is one of the most controversial surgical procedures a vet are capable of doing. Some oppose declawing to be inhumane or unnatural, because it might be painful with the cat and removes its natural mechanism for hunting and defending itself. It’s even illegal in a few countries. If you are obtaining a cat or considering the procedure, it’s wise to contemplate quite a few feasible choices to declawing.

1. Clip your cat’s nails regularly.

This will be the easiest and most cost-efficient alternative to popular declawing. You need to trim your cat’s nails each alternate week or so, which could minimize any damage you’re able to do by scratching. In case you are bringing home a kitten, get her utilized to having her paws handled regularly, so nail clipping will be no issue. If your kitty is resistant to begin with, only do 1 or 2 nails at one time and then try again the next time. Be sure you utilize a two of pet nail clippers, as scissors and human nail clippers can tear your cat’s nails.

2. Train her to scratch proper surfaces.

To discourage her from scratching furniture, consider covering her favorite spots with double-sided sticky tape or aluminum foil, both of which cats hate (don’t worry-once she learns not to ever scratch there, you can actually remove the tape or foil). Be sure kitty includes a proper scratching post where she is permitted to scratch, as it is a normal and necessary feline instinct. But if your cat is partial to catnip, sprinkle some within the scratching post to inspire her to use it. Reward her with a treat when she scratches the post.

3. Cover your cat’s claws with tips.

If you locate your cat allows you to handle her paws without too much resistance, nail covers make the perfect approach to eliminate scratching damage. Most pet supply stores sell the soft plastic nail covers, which you affect the end on the nail employing a small dab of glue. Some vets or groomers will apply them in your case for a small fee. These soft tips leave by themselves most likely work for 2-3 weeks; you can reapply them one by one when necessary.

3. Discourage that has a squirt bottle.

There’s nothing cats hate greater than getting wet! A bit squirt using a spray bottle will do the actual once you catch kitty getting ready to sink her nails to the living room couch. Present her with 1 or 2 quick sprays including a firm “NO.” Eventually, would likely not even need to grab the squirt bottle-she’ll move away after she hears the saying “no.”

Many vets suggest that declawing should be an “option of last option,” used only when the cat’s or owner’s health is at risk as well as kitty will otherwise ought to be abandoned. Muscle mass to communicate your options over carefully together with your vet or local chapter on the ASPCA.

For more useful pet tips and tricks, like our Petosity page on Facebook and pin away on Pinterest!