When you call a vet’s office and schedule your cat for a spay, or neuter, a common question is: “Would you also like your cat declawed?”
Many cat owners trusting their vet's recommendation will schedule a declawing without much thought. What the cat owner needs to do is research the topic first.
Declawing should never be done routinely. There is nothing routine about the surgery which is why following the surgery; the vet will not release the cat for 24-48 hours. This is to spare the cat owner the agony of watching their cat bang their head against the cage in pain and confusion.
Cats’ claws are important. Claws are needed to help the cat maintain balance, mark their territory and defend themselves. Yes, they use their claws to “scratch”(sometimes this means your furniture). Why do they use the furniture when a good scratching post is sitting unused in the corner? Several reasons:
Your scent is on the furniture. They are placing their scent over yours, claiming you as theirs; this action is actually honoring you. They cannot understand why you are so upset. After all, every time they head-bump you, they are performing the same sort of act. You don’t get upset about that do you?
Furniture is stable. It doesn’t wobble. Go over to the cat scratcher and knock it with your hand lightly. See it wobble? Stabilize it and the cat will use it IF it is tall enough.
Cats scratch also to stretch their backs, if the objects can’t handle their weight, they will find something that does.
