Declawing

Our Position

Stray Cat Blues morally opposes declawing and prohibits the declawing of cats adopted through our organization. When you adopt through us, you must sign a document agreeing that you will not declaw the cat you are adopting.

"Why shouldn't I declaw my cat?"

Catscratching.com offers the following explanation -
---"Declawing is literally maiming a cat, a mistake that can lead to physical, emotional and behavioral complications. It is erroneous to think that declawing a cat is a trivial procedure similar to trimming fingernails. A cat's claws are a vital part of its anatomy, essential to balance, mobility and survival. Declawing is an irreversible surgical procedure that involves amputating the last joint of the cat's "toes." It is a very painful procedure with strong potential to secondary complications. (Imagine having the last joint of your own fingers amputated. Not a pleasant idea.) "---

Click here to go to www.catscratching.com for some great information.

Additional resources for your reference:
--Declawing:The Price of Convenience
--Declawing.com

"How do I keep my cat(s) from damaging my home and belongings?"

We advocate behavioral training as an alternative to declawing and urge anyone considering this traumatic procedure to reconsider.

Here are some strategies for you to consider:

• Play with your cat. One of the reasons for scratching is to exercise muscles.
• Provide a sturdy scratching post. Give positive reinforcement for him to use the post. (Rub the post with catnip. Provide treats. Play with the cat near the post.)
• Trim your cat's claws regularly. There are both traditional nail clippers and newer inventions such as Pedipaws. Our volunteers would be happy to demonstrate how to clip your cat's claws (or ask your vet).
• Use a spray bottle of water. Spray the cat when he scratches in an inappropriate location.
• Use claw covers such as Soft Paws, available at pet supply stores.
• Use a citrus scented spray near the inappropriate scratching location. Cats do not generally like the citrus scent.
• Cover the inappropriate scratching location with tin foil or double-sided tape. The cat will not like the feel of these items.
• Clean the inappropriate scratching location with a deodorizer so that the scent of the location is different for the cat.

By the way, NEVER HIT YOUR CAT as "punishment" for scratching. He won't understand, and it may actually create behavioral problems.

"I really want a cat that is declawed."

Occasionally, Stray Cat Blues acquires a cat that has already been declawed, for which we seek a qualified indoor home. It is best for declawed cats to be in an indoor home with no dogs.

If you go to our Petfinder list of cats available for adoption ( click here), any declawed cats show a paw print on their listing (Petfinder's symbol for declaw). Please also feel free to email us at savingstrays@yahoo.com to inquire if we have any declawed cats available.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss this often controversial subject - please contact us - Email at savingstrays@yahoo.com; Phone 215-631-1851.