DECLAWING CATS:
Issues & Alternatives

DECLAWING RESOURCE SECTION INDEX:

ISSUES:
Medical, ethical, and behavioral issues

ALTERNATIVES:
Training & Nail Trimming Instructions
Instructions for Building Scratching Posts & Cat Trees

Saving cats' toes - one owner at a time....

Do you know someone who needs to be
convinced that this is NOT a good idea?

MEDICAL, ETHICAL, and BEHAVIORAL ISSUES

Flyer from the All States Burmese Society which gives detailed, factual information as well as positive suggestions. The information may be copied and distributed, unchanged, with proper credit. It is also available in PDF format which provides an outstanding printed version:
Declawing! What You Need To Know

NOTE: To open this file, you need Adobe's Acrobat Reader, which you can download for free; then configure your browser to launch Acrobat whenever you download a pdf file.

CHIN HILLS TRADITIONAL BURMESE

http://amby.com/cat_site/dc-wyntk.html

Declawing of Cats

This outstanding article examines the controversial procedure and the impact it can have on the cat; it is also available in PDF format which provides an outstanding printed version:
Countering arguments for de-clawing.

NOTE: To open this file, you need Adobe's Acrobat Reader, which you can download for free; then configure your browser to launch Acrobat whenever you download a pdf file.

Scott Baker

http://www.felinefuture.com/catcare/declawing.php

SURGICAL CLAW REMOVAL ... AN EXTREME SOLUTION

.... provides compelling reasons to avoid declawing, describing the physical and psychological effects and philosophic concerns. Options are listed, including a detailed description of the proper technique for nail trimming. This on-line copy of the brochure (available from the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights) is a must read especially for veterinarians who may feel that they are being held 'emotional hostage' by owners who claim they would have their cats killed if declawing were not an option.

Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights

http://www.avar.org/avar_cat_declawing.html

Medical Issue: Declawing And Its Alternatives
Ethical Issue: The Ethics Of Declawing

Two articles from veterinarian Matthew J. Ehrenberg detailing his views on this controversial issue.

Matthew J. Ehrenberg, DVM; Cats Only Veterinary House Calls

http://www.catsonly.com/Med%20Declaw.htm

Do Not Declaw

The City and County of San Francisco advise you to NOT declaw; a clear explanation is provided as well as advice on alternatives.

City & County of San Francisco

http://www.ci.sf.ca.us/acc/declawed.htm

Declawing is not recommended

Clear reasons why owners should avoid declawing; why vets do it; serious questions to ask yourself and your vet before embarking on this course of action.

Defiant Breeders

http://www.defiant.net/declaw.html

DECLAWING: A Veterinarian's View

Find out why this vet states that "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." Check out the list of countries where declawing is illegal, or considered extremely inhumane... then ask yourself if your cat doesn't deserve equal care and protection!!

Dr. Christianne Schelling

http://www.declawing.com/

Stop Declaw: The Declawing Information Site

A picture is worth a thousand words.... Also provides a statement by Nicholas Dodman, DVM as well as links to numerous resources.

Stop Declaw

http://stopdeclaw.com

Declawing Cats?

This article by Reed Coleman makes it clear that this procedure is NOT equivalent to a manicure by providing info from veterinarian, Dr. James Weikum, describing the seriousness and potential ill effects of declawing as well as a brief overview of alternatives.

KOIN-TV

http://www.koin.com/athome/catsanddogs/athome-catsanddogs-980828-182117.html

Is it harmful to declaw a cat?

This article, reprinted with permission from the Kitty Adoption FAQ's (Kitten Rescue Online), gives an overview of the reasons why a cat should NOT be declawed provided by veterinarians and cat experts.

Kitten Rescue Online

http://amby.com/cat_site/kr-declaw.html

The Declaw Page Menu

Many excellent articles, including:

My Two Cents - The Ethics of Declawing personal thoughts about declawing and a growing list of countries where declawing is illegal
A Message From the United Kingdom Helen Simmons explains what life is like in a country without declawing
Clawed and Declawed cats together? Question & Answers found in a newsgroup

Join the Educate!! Don't Amputate!! WEBRING (You don't even have to have a catsite!!) or participate in the discussion on the Educate!! Don't Amputate!! MESSAGEBOARD. And, if you still are considering declawing, read some of the horror stories (despite what some vets claim, the outcome isn't always good).

Lisaviolet's Cathouse

http://lisaviolet.com/cathouse/declaw.html

The Facts About Declawing (Feline Digital Amputation - Onychectomy)

Read these facts BEFORE you subject your cat to this procedure. Includes info from vets, research results, etc.; read Dr. Nicholas Dodman's article on Understanding the Motivation of the Scratching Behavior.

Max's House_®/S.T.A.R.T. II_® (Save The Animals Rescue Team)

http://www.maxshouse.com/Truth%20About%20Declawing.htm

You Can't Declaw with Love

This article by Paul Rowen, D.V.M., and Carole Wilbourn describes the steps involved in declawing as well as the immediate and long-term physical and emotional consequences of this procedure.

Little Shelter

http://www.avar.org/avar_cat_declawing.html

The Truth About Declawing
The Declawing Question
What Are We Doing To Our Cats?

A sample of the many great resources available from the Cats International site; the Cat Behavior and General Feline Information section also provides training advice and instructions for building a scratching post.

Cats International (formerly Wisconsin Cat Club)

http://www.catsinternational.org/9_1.html

Declawing of Cats - CFA guidance statement

CFA Health Committee statement, opposing the declawing of cats (onychectomy) and the severing of digital tendons (tendonectomy), and an outstanding Information summary which not only describes more fully WHY the CFA is opposed but also raises some questions regarding the validity of the "scientific studies" to which people refer when claiming that there are no ill effects.... Includes references.

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)

http://www.cfainc.org/health/declawing.html

Do you really want to de-claw your cat?

Please read this page by Jeri Dopp, first. She provides information as well as alternatives, including clear training tips and nail trimming advice.

Jeri Dopp

http://www.safehavenforcats.com/declaw.htm

Declawing Cats: Manicure or Mutilation?

Important info, including

Why Do Cats Claw Objects?
Understanding Declawing
Three-Point Program to train a kitten or to retrain an adult cat.
Resources & References

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

http://www.peta-online.org/mc/facts/fsc6.html

Paws Come With Claws

Clear, level-headed article which provides info about some of the undesirable complications and after effects of declawing; includes training tips.

Buddy Dog Humane Society

http://www.buddydoghs.com/html/declawing.html

Good Cats Wear Black

Annie Bruce, cat owner consultant and author of Cat Be Good, states that "Ninety-five percent of declawed cat owners are calling about a peeing problem. (Note: The remaining five percent called about biting or chewing.)" The FAQ's: Litter Box Problems and Declawing, provides compelling evidence that declawing now can create far worse problems for owners later.

Annie Bruce

http://www.goodcatswearblack.com

Declawing: Behavior Modification or Destructive Surgery?

This article by Tina Perry appeared in Animal Issues and provides a solid overview of the reasons declawing is unacceptable as well as tips for behavior modification.

Animal Protection Institute

http://www.api4animals.org/doc.asp?ID=555

Paws Come With Claws - That's One Of Natures Laws

An excellent article describing what happens to the cat and why misguided owners resort to declawing. Includes how owners can prevent damage to themselves and their furnishings without causing harm to their cat.

Mark Delman

http://home.earthlink.net/~mdelman/catclaws.html

Is Declawing Cruel?

This article includes the often pathetic consequences of declawing as well as the detailed section: Six Simple Alternatives to Declawing Your Cat.

Suzanne Bucciarelli DandyLions Cattery

http://petstation.com/declaw.html

Declawing Your Cat

Information to consider carefully if you're contemplating having your cat declawed; alternatives are provided.

Oakland (CA) SPCA

http://www.oaklandspca.org/cats/declawing.html

Clawed for Life

This section of Pawprints and Purrs has a single purpose: To educate those people seeking facts about declawing a cat. Its goal is to further the education of those who want to know why cats need the claws they come with. Includes reasons why cats MUST keep their claws, along with suggestions for trimming nails and training cats to use appropriate areas for scratching. If possessions are more important than the welfare of the cat in the family, you are urged not to own a cat.

Susie S. Bachman

http://www.sniksnak.com/declaw.html

Declawing Cats: Making a Humane Decision

Includes these sections:

Why are claws important to a cat?
Why do cats scratch?
What is declawing?
What risks are associated with declawing? (Medical & Safety risks)
What are alternatives to declawing? (Scratching Posts & Nail trimming)

The Massachusetts S.P.C.A. (MSPCA-AHES Methuen)

http://www.methuen-mspca.org/petcare/htm/declaw.htm

The Problems With Declawing

Here's why declawing creates more problems than it solves. Veterinarian Dr. Paul Rowan outlines the most commonly used procedure; article includes both the immediate and long-term physical complications as well as the emotional consequences of declawing.

PAWS Companion Animal Shelter

http://www.paws.org/shelter/resources/library/1_copy(50).htm

If You Love Your Cat, Don't Declaw!

Article discusses WHY cats need their claws, the negative impact of declawing, and clearly describes how to train your cat trim nails correctly.

Jackie Bell

http://amby.com/cat_site/health.html

If You Love Your Cat DON'T DECLAW!

Article by Celia Heriot, Pet Pride, taken from Cat Fancy magazine.

http://www.petpride.org/4catsake.htm#If you love your cat DON'T DECLAW

Declawing Problems

Internationally respected vet, Dr. Jim Humphries, talks about declawing (a response to an owner's question).

Dr. Jim's Virtual Cat Clinic

http://www.dvmedia.com/cats.html#anchor10499715

About Declawing Your Cat

A brief article clearly stating the problems with declawing and providing alternatives.

Laurie Schiff Elvessa's Tonkinese

http://www.fatpet.com/elvessa/declaw.htm

Claws ARE Included

A message from Monster, aka: 'Luvcatz' giving the cat's perspective on the declawing issue. Also included are descriptions of a number of excellent online resources (with links), as well as sections detailing the surgical procedures (including complications), and providing the results of pain management and opinion poll studies, etc.

Monster, aka: 'Luvcatz'

http://www.geocities.com/~luvcatz/declaw.html

Declawing

If you think, as Maxine used to, that declawing is "no big deal," perhaps you'll find her site informative; many links to other sites are provided.

Maxine Hellman.

http://www.geocities.com/Petsburgh/2418/dclaw.htm

Medical, ethical, and behavioral issues
Training & Nail Trimming Instructions
Instructions for Building Scratching Posts & Cat Trees

catbar

Do you know someone who needs to
learn how to trim nails or train a cat?

TRAINING & NAIL TRIMMING INSTRUCTIONS

Don't DECLAW: Train and Trim, Instead!!!

How to trim nails and train cats so that declawing is unnecessary.

Amby Duncan-Carr

http://amby.com/cat_site/cattrain.html

Instead of Declawing...

Provides suggestions for you to use so that you can live happily with your cat, claws and all!

Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley

http://www.mcvicker.com/hsscv/hsscv14.htm

Claws

This article from Animal Watch provides info about why cats NEED their claws and how to retrain them to use appropriate surfaces; includes helpful tips on how to give your cat a manicure.

Jacque Lynn Schultz; ASPCA Companion Animal Services

http://www.aspca.org/calendar/watcomf6.htm

Cat Scratch Control: You Name the Spot

This CatLife article by Rebecca Sweat includes info and tips from veterinarians Sandra Barclay, D.V.M. and John Ciribassi, D.V.M as well as Pam Johnson Bennett, a feline behavior consultant, to help you understand and redirect your cat's destructive behavior, trim nails, etc.

PetLife Online [archived copy]

http://web.archive.org/web/19981205093511/http://www.petlifeweb.com/am98/clam98-1.htm

Scratching

Why cats scratch and what you can do to encourage them to scratch something other than your furniture or carpets. Site also provides Declawing Info as well as a wide variety of other Cat Care Topics.

21cats.org

http://www.21cats.org/cgi/care_db.pl?scratching.txt

Declawing

The Humane Society of Delaware County offers an extensive set of training suggestions for a variety of situations.

The Humane Society of Delaware County

http://www.delawarecohumanesoc.org/declaw.htm

Cat Scratching Solutions

Dr. Christianne Schelling provides reasons to not declaw cats, a clear explanation of why cats scratch, as well as training tips and information about Soft Paws, an option that you may find useful if you don't have the opportunity to train your cat right now or if a member of the family is medically at-risk if scratched....

Dr. Christianne Schelling

http://www.catscratching.com/

StickyPaws

"CATFANCY Magazine" Chooses StickyPawstm one of the TOP TEN Best New Cat Products!. Find out about this product and see if it would help you train your cat.

Fe-Lines, Inc.

http://www.stickypaws.com/html/faqs/

Scratching Furniture

Step-by-step instructions for using positive reinforcement to train your cat to use a scratching post, instead of your furniture!
Provided by author and behavior specialist, Gwen Bohnenkamp.

Perfect Paws Training Center

http://www.perfectpaws.com/scratch.html

How can I get my cat to stop scratching the furniture?

This article by Steve Dale, Tribune Media Services syndicated columnist, gives tips for training your cat while protecting your furniture during the learning process.

Steve Dale

http://www3.webpoint.com/wgnradio_pets/scratch.htm

Biting and Scratching

Step-by-step instructions to accustom your cat to being handled and ways to train your cat not to bite or scratch you! Provided by author and behavior specialist, Gwen Bohnenkamp.

Perfect Paws Training Center

http://www.perfectpaws.com/handle.html

The Case Against Declawing

Lists safer, kinder, easier, and less expensive ways to deal with the problems of clawing. With a little attention and training, you can keep your cat from scratching the furniture without costly, painful surgery.

Washington Humane Society

http://www.washhumane.org/washhumane/info/infdclw.htm

Ask Parker

A regular feature of the NHSPCA newsletter.

This is the reply to a question regarding declawing:

I have a cat that is tearing up my furniture with her claws. Why does she do this? I'm thinking about having her declawed if she doesn't stop. Is that a humane thing to do?

The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA)

http://www.nhspca.org/fa96_askpark.html

How to Keep Your Cat from Damaging Things

Training tips from a Carol McCutcheon along with her declawing position statement (contract also available online).

Mellowmews Abyssinians

http://www.abys.net/declaw.htm

CLAWS AND ALL:

Living with Your Cat, Your Furniture, and Your Peace of Mind, an article by Rachel Lamb, provides suggestions for training and positive reinforcement so that you and your cat will agree on what is (and what is not) to be used for scratching.

The Humane Society of the United States: HSUS News -- Spring 1996

http://www.hsus.org:80/claws.html

Trimming Claws

Suggestions for how to correctly trim your cat's nails (without EITHER of you getting hurt).

Cindy Tittle Moore (from FAQ About Cats)

http://michiana.org/MFNetLife/CatsFAQ1.html#S2E

Scratching the Surface

How do I get my cat to begin scratching its scratching post instead of the furniture?

Set-by-step instructions for behavior modification and training for you and your cat.

Steve Dale, My Pet World, Tribune Media Services syndicated columnist.

http://rcc.webpoint.com/pets/scratch.htm

Teaching your cat to use a scratching post

Explains WHY cats scratch, how to select (or make) a suitable post, and how to get your cat to use it instead of the furniture. The Massachusetts S.P.C.A. (Springfield Animal Shelter)

http://www.methuen-mspca.org/petcare/htm/declaw.htm

Feline Nail Care

Catnip Calico from Catnip Calico's Popoki Corner provides information about WHY cats scratch and includes some training suggestions.

Compiled from email and from a posting on the HomeVet Bulletin Board.

http://amby.com/cat_site/nailcare.html

CATS AND SCRATCHING

Understanding your pet's behaviour and tips for modifying it.

Includes suggestions to make the scratching post the most appealing thing to scratch in your cat's environment.

The Winnipeg Humane Society
http://www.xpressnet.com/humane/x-2.htm

Helping Your Cats Claw Their Way to Success

P.A.W.S. provides this overview of the behavior and ways to modify it WITHOUT resorting to inhumane mutilation.

The Progressive Animal Welfare Society

http://www.paws.org/shelter/resources/library/1_copy(49).htm

Great Kittens Have Good Owners

Guidelines to help you train and socialize your kitty; suggestions to help prevent or eliminate undesirable behavior.

Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley
http://www.mcvicker.com/hsscv/hsscv18.htm

Cats and their Claws

General overview, including the permanent adverse consequences that are possible, as well as suggestions for alternatives that will protect your furniture and prevent harm to your cat!!

The SPCA of Texas
http://www.spca.org/cat.html#5

A Scratching Outlet

Specific suggestions for making objects with potential "scratch appeal" temporarily unappealing and how to make acceptable scratching items more attractive to your cat.

Article by Carolyn Osier, March 1996, Cat Fancy Magazine
http://www.petchannel.com/cats/library/care/scratching/scratching.htm

The New Kitten: Some Pointers about Your New Friend

Some information to help you understand instinctive behavior and train your pet more effectively.

The Central Animal Hospital
http://www.lunaweb.com/kitten.htm

SCRATCHING, NAIL TRIMMING, AND DECLAWING

Tips for Buying or Making a Scratching Post and Training Your Cat. Includes important information and helpful instructions.

Champaign County Humane Society
http://www.cuhumane.org/topics/scratch.html

Controlling Scratching and Clawing of Cats

You may have heard the common complaint, "Our cat is destroying everything in the house with her claws!", and assumed that nothing can be done (short of maiming or getting rid of the cat). This article provides clear info on why cats scratch and providing alternatives so that EVERYONE will be happy! Includes how to choose a post, how to train your cat to use it, and how to trim claws.

Pets Connection [archived copy]

http://web.archive.org/web/19970607161933/www.dlcwest.com/~createdforyou/catpost.html

Medical, ethical, and behavioral issues
Training & Nail Trimming Instructions
Instructions for Building Scratching Posts & Cat Trees

catbar

Do you want to learn how to build
a scratching post or a cat tree?

CONSTRUCTION INSTRUCTIONS

Cosmic Cardboard Scratchers with Catnip
Cats with claws and without absolutely love sinking their claws or kneading their paws into these corrugated cardboard scratchers All include loose catnip to sprinkle inside

Cat Tree

DO-IT-YOURSELF CAT TREE: Step-by-step plans (including materials list, and instructions) for building a great place for your cats to perch!; Based on plans originally published in PETA's ANIMAL TIMES including modifications by Cat's Haven; revised and reformatted by Amby Duncan-Carr.; http://amby.com/cat_site/cattree.html

Build your own Scratching Post: Clear instructions, common tools, straight-forward illustration etc., from the creator, Kevin Loader! The only thing you don't get is a visit and try-out from "co-creator" and principal user, Kiki (although I'm sure he'd love to!); [NOTE: This page is provided by the Web Archive since the original site seems to have vanished; the email address listed is probably no longer accurate.]; Kevin Loader; http://web.archive.org/web/19981207022751/http://www.sidus.net/kloader/usepost.htm

Cat Tree Forest: .... describes a sturdy cat tree designed and built by Caledonia's and Liberty's people. A clear drawing is shown but no specific dimensions are included.; http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5421/forest.htm

Kitty Sunroom and the Kitty Bathroom Plans: For $10 you can get the plans for these great kitty spots. The site has some info and pictures; get your creative juices flowing!!; John & Patricia Canivan; http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/CatAnna/plans.htm

Cat Climber: These building directions include a list of all the materials needed; diagrams and instructions are also provided. Dave says it's H E A V Y so you may want to have help moving it if you assemble it elsewhere (or perhaps you'll want to put it together near its final location!!).; Dave Harrison; http://mywebpages.comcast.net/david-rebecca/Catclimber.html
How to build a scratching post
Here are set-by-step instructions for making a Sisal Wrapped Scratching Post - cat tested and approved! Includes training advice; the Coping With Your Cat section (also on this site) provides additional training tips and clearly explains why cats should NOT be declawed.
Cats International (formerly Wisconsin Cat Club)
http://www.catsinternational.org/9_3.html
BUILD A SCRATCHING POST!: Do it yourself: Step-by-step directions -- Low-cost!; Instructions from Gregory and Pamela Talin-Bryant; inspirational assistance provided by Stella & Izzy.
http://www.ultranet.com/~tb/toys.htm
The Cat Ladder: As you can see, Xena, Gabby, Lissy, and Lucy have done a thorough quality inspection and are quite pleased with this great cat perch made from a step ladder, cardboard concrete mold, and sisal rope, along with 2x4 anchors. Build this, add cats, and you'll have a great-looking conversation piece for any room in your home.; Anne M. Kolaczyk; http://www.nd.edu/~akolaczy/catladder.html
"Build A Cat TREE" instructions, in common everyday language: Provides answers to common questions, hints, tips and clues for how to build your own cat tree. Also, check out the selection of unique, hand-crafted cat trees available for inspiration (or purchase).; Smith Industries; http://www.smithindustries.com/How-To.html

Not into DO-IT-YOURSELF projects?? Check this alternative:
Natural Scratch For Natural Cats: This solid cedar scratching post system features an interactive string toy, kitty treats, catnip, and a seven-page training booklet. The new, improved version has a white cedar post, is available in two sizes (24" or 32" high) and comes with a red cedar base of equal dimensions -- this provides stability so that your cat won't have the awful experience of digging in and then having the post fall over!! The beautiful X-shaped base also provides an appealing HORIZONTAL scratching surface. Cedar provides the tactile sensations preferred by cats PLUS you're not training your kitty to scratch on the carpets!!; Ted Schaar; http://www.naturalscratch.com/
Cat-friendly End Table
Here's the idea behind this new concept for hearth and kitty: Instead of complaining about what some cats do to some living room furniture, why not use those same activities to make handsome rooms and happy cats? This end table is not CHEAP and will be an attractive and much appreciated addition to your home!!
Jonah Kalb / Catnip Trading
http://www2.viaweb.com/cgi-bin/clink?catnip+LENyxD+catendtab.html