Why we STRONGLY discourage de-clawing your cat

Why?

Declawing Cats is an amputation comparable to the removal of the fingers of the human hand at the last knuckle

What cats use their claws for:

• Cats use scratching as an emotional outlet

• Scratching communicates a cat's presence with both physical and scent marks

• Cats get itchy! (imagine having an itch you can't scratch)

• Cats need claws should they escape home. Claws are a first line of defense (but less dangerous than teeth

• Scratching is a great form of exercise

• De-clawing may cause physical or behavioral problems

• There is no health benefit to de-clawing

Alternatives to de-clawing:

• Keep your cat's nails trimmed (if you're not comfortable doing this yourself, most veterinary clinics and/or groomers offer a nail trimming service for a nominal fee)

• Train him/her to use a scratching post and/or pad

• Apply Sticky Paws to your furniture

• Use Feliway spray or diffusers