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To Declaw or Not to Declaw?By Tina Seay Page 1 | Page 2
Scratching and sharpening claws are natural actions for all cats. It is their way to "trim" their nails. When they sharpen their claws on wood, scratching posts, etc., they are shedding the exterior loose sheath of the claw. It also is a way that cats leave their scent on objects. You may also notice your cat will sharpen his claws when he is feeling playful and happy. Despite all these explanations as to why they scratch, it doesn't ease the pain of having your furniture destroyed by your kitty. After seeing your home going to shreds, you may be thinking you only have two options: declaw or get rid of the cat. Let's throw out the idea of getting rid of your kitty and give you some solutions in dealing with this issue.
The easiest solution is to provide your cat with lots of alternatives to your furniture. That means placing scratching posts around the house, especially around the areas the cat has been specifically scratching. Rubbing catnip on the Keeping your cat's nails trimmed can keep the urge to claw at bay, too. Hold the cat's paw in your hand and gently depress the paw extending the claw. Clip the white, sharp end being careful not to get into the pink quick. Cutting into the quick can make the cat uncomfortable and cause bleeding. To stop bleeding, put baking soda on the nail and it will clump. If you need guidance or help, take your kitty to the vet and either get training or have them do it for you. Despite the myth, that cats can't be trained, you can really train them to stay away from your furniture. If he is still scratching the furniture after you have provided acceptable scratching areas to him for a week or so, try making a "shaker". This shaker is a can (nut cans work well) filled with a few coins or dry beans. When you see the cat near the furniture getting ready to claw it, vigorously shake the can. Making all this noise should divert the cat's attention and, after repeat performances, the cat will associate scratching furniture with an awful noise while scratching on their posts are positive experiences. If the shaker doesn't get your cat to stop the behavior then its time to up the ante with a squirt bottle. When the cat nears the furniture and reaches up to dig in, give him a squirt of water. This should be a very effective and quick alert to the cat that scratching the furniture is not as fun as it used to be. As with the shaker, be consistent and give it time to work. Don't forget to give praise when your kitty shows those positive behaviors. Page 1 | Page 2
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tina Seay is the author and webmaster of www.ForTheCatLover.com a website for cats and the people who love them. Her other websites include http://www.LearnSomethingToday.com a website that promotes quality of life and YourWeddingStory.net a site that helps the whole bridal party get ready for a dream wedding. Her goal is to help others achieve a happy healthy lifestyle.
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Tidbits & Stuff was born on Thursday, March 9, 2006
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When the subject of declawing comes up among cat owners and cat lovers, conversation can become very heated. People seem to have strong feelings either pro or con on declawing. For as many reasons one might find to declaw their cat, there are as many reasons not to do it. If you are wrestling with this dilemma, this article will give you the information to make an educated decision with facts and alternative options to permanent declawing.
scratching posts can make them more enticing. Give your cat lots of praise, loving pats, and treats when he uses his post.
