Why Declawing is bad for your cat?

Many consider having their cat declawed for various reasons. Most people think it’s harmless, but harmful to your cat and children. The veterinary team shares the truth about declawing and why you should avoid it at our Ashworth Road Animal Hospital in West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Clive, and Urbandale, IA. Read below to understand the dangers of declawing your cat.

Declawing Isn’t What You Think

When you imagine declawing, you think only the nail is removed. On the contrary, declawing is the amputation of your cat's toes. It’s described as equal to having your finger cut off at the top knuckle. This doesn’t take away your cat’s claws, but it takes away part of its paw.

• Your cat will have to relearn how to walk. Think about having your fingers or toes partially removed. Then, everything would be different, and you would have to relearn everything naturally.
• A lack of nails changes behavior. They feel less secure but are more aggressive, so children are in danger of being bitten. Additionally, most declawed cats stop using their litter box.
• They no longer have a method of protection. Claws are your cat’s defense mechanism against predators. Without them, your cat will likely be hurt or even killed.

If your cat's nails are creating issues in your life, don't resort to declawing. Instead, speak to your veterinarian about other potential solutions.

Learn Better Methods of Pet Care with Our Veterinary Specialists

We understand that claws can lead to undesirable behavior, but many more effective and humane ways exist to address them. Let our pet care team help you learn these methods by calling (515) 225-1807 to schedule an appointment. At Ashworth Road Animal Hospital, we help residents of West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Clive, Urbandale, IA, and surrounding areas.