Alternatives to Declawing

Pet Owners often opt for declawing cats without realizing that other options exit for them. Most cats can learn to use acceptable scratching areas like scratching posts, thereby eliminating the need to declaw. To help cat owners who are having trouble with their cat's scratching, here are some tips:

Trim the cat's claws weekly, using nail clippers to remove the white tip of each claw. Be sure not to clip too closely to the dark red portion, or "quick" of the claw. Some clawing is done to wear down the claws; trimming prevents this need.

Provide the cat with an alternative piece of furniture to claw -- her own scratching post. The post should be at least as tall as the cat when she stretches up to a full length (this is the position many cats scratch in) It should be sturdy so that she can't knock it over, and it should be covered with bark or carpeting. Don't use posts covered with looped carpeting, as the cat will get her claws hung up in the loops and will resist using the post. Many cats have a need to climb as well as scratch, so a tall, well-anchored post with secure perches may be helpful for cats who continue to claw furniture after being provided with a post.

To entice the cat to use the post rather than the couch, place the post right next to a favorite scratching place, cover it with catnip, and "show" the cat how to use it by extending her claws on the post and making a scratching motion. Most importantly, praise her when she uses it. Use a repellent such as perfume or vinegar on the former scratching places, or cover them with plastic or tape to make them undesirable places to scratch. A squirt with a water pistol or plant mister or a very firm "no" will remind the cat not to scratch where she shouldn't.

These methods should begin to work in a week or so. If not, it may be necessary to rethink the type of post and where or how it is positioned.

When cats scratch people, it is usually because they want to play. They need to learn that scratching will not get them the attention they want. When a cat scratches someone, the person often fusses and jerks his or her hand away, which only entices the cat to attack the moving target -- to her it's a great game! When the cat scratches, simply scold her with a firm "no" and get up and leave her alone. Soon she will learn that in order to keep playing, she can't scratch. Avoid accidental scratches by playing with a toy attached to a string, providing some distance between your hand and the cat's eager claws. Never entice kittens to use your hand as a toy or object of attack.

Keep in mind, a declawed cat requires extreme diligence in preventing him/her from escaping to the outdoors. These animals do not have a defense against other animals and some cannot climb trees to escape danger.