Declawing

I heard Brother Wease, a popular talk show host who has been around for years, is well known, and influential to a lot of folks in Rochester, on the radio yesterday morning.  They were talking about cats – I joined in on the already in progress conversation after I finished my rounds and was driving home – he was saying how he had two cats, that they were both outdoor cats, and that they were declawed.  He reveled in that fact, and even mentioned that they had brought home mice, and that he had already heard from people against it saying ‘how could a cat defend itself outdoors’.  First off, does he even know what is involved in ‘declawing.’ (MAIMING)  For your reading pleasure, here are some facts about declawing.  His discussion this morning confirmed the reason why I never really cared for him.  I would rather listen to Howard Stern, who's wife Beth is heavily involved in North Shore Animal League, a no kill shelter in downstate New York. 

Written by Veterinarian, Dr. Christianne Schelling

If you are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a moment, and it will give you valuable information to help you in your decision. First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude.

Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat.

No cat lover would doubt that cats--whose senses are much keener than ours--suffer pain. They may, however, hide it better. Not only are they proud, they instinctively know that they are at risk when in a weakened position, and by nature will attempt to hide it. But make no mistake. This is not a surgery to be taken lightly.

Your cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is unique to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design. Amputating the important part of their anatomy that contains the claws drastically alters the conformation of their feet. The cat is also deprived of its primary means of defense, leaving it prey to predators if it ever escapes to the outdoors.

I have also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being declawed. Although, the medical community does not recognize this as potential side effect.

What do you think?

An update on a couple of things witnessed this morning - I did not see Neck Wound Kitty from Parsells/Garson/Hayward - his new name will be Nicky.  I pray he is around tomorrow morning and falls into the trap where Laura will then have him treated for his several years now neck wound.  The cat on Pennsylvania and Fourth - the buff red one that was pregnant - is pregnant no more.  She had her babies.  Its the fourth or fifth mama I was not able to get on time.  It makes me sick to my stomach thinking about all those babies born - of which I rescued only five of, from all those moms.  I am considering gathering up some of the friendly cats on Webster and Ferndale and bringing them to Lollipop FArm, where their cat facilities have expanded, and I hear they have room for adoptables.  Considering.  I must do something about that corner.  There are males there that are unneutered and fighting, which I am sure is a reason that these people want me out of there.  It poured buckets yesterday - not a lot of fun out there for homeless cats.  Please consider saving one.

"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value."