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What Dancing Paws Says About:
Declawing cats is a relatively commonplace procedure in veterinary medicine. Owners choose to declaw their cats for a number of reasons; some are frustrated by shredded couches or curtains. Others are worried about being scratched themselves. Some just think that declawed cats are easier to live with. In many cases, cats are preemptively declawed as part of a spay or neuter package. Many veterinarians are comfortable performing this procedure and stand behind it as an ethical and desirable surgery.
At Dancing Paws Animal Wellness Center, we do not advocate declawing except in instances where 1) an owner has tried every means to curb the scratching related behaviors and 2) the alternative is imminent euthanasia.
Why are we so against this procedure? We have three primary concerns that add up to one very big aversion:
 Often times, declawing involves removing the last digit of each toe. If performed on a human, this would be the equivalent of cutting off each finger at the last knuckle. The acute discomfort associated with the procedure is profound, and difficult to manage with even the most aggressive pain medications.Surgical procedures involving the feet are very prone to infection, especially when a cat is stepping out of a baterica-laden litter box. Some techniques of closing the incision may result in long term problems - for example, if a veterinarian uses tissue glue to seal the site, using just a little too much can cause pooling of the excess glue in the wound. When this glue hardens, it can mimic a pebble in the show and cause your cat discomfort whenever it walks. Some cats can even suffer damage to the nerves in the toes, causing pain and lameness long after the surgery site itself heals. Declawing just isn't necessary for most cats! Behavior problems associated with scratching can often times be easily curbed, eliminating the need for the surgery.
Don't worry! We're not abandoning you to a shredded home.
 Provide your cat with appropriate places to scratch! Though it might not be the cutest thing you cat does, scratching is both NORMAL and NATURAL! Because of this, it's imperative that we provide acceptable outlets for this fun feline activity. Keep your cat's preferences in mind: does he normally scratch on horizontal or vertical surfaces? Mimic this preference when choosing a scratching post for home. Does he prefer soft surfaces, like carpet, or rough surfaces, comparable to woven rope? Scratching devices come in a vast variety of textures, shapes and sizes, so try a few different kinds to find your cat's favorite.
Keep your cat's nails trimmed! We cannot stress enough the importance of making sure your cat's nails are short and manageable. Many cats will not destructively scratch if their nails aren't long. If you're comfortable learning, your veterinarian can teach you the proper way to trim your kitty's claws. 
We love Soft Paws! Soft Paws are blunt, acrylic caps that glued over your cat's nails. They prevent your kitty from causing damage when she scratches. They are generally replaced every 4-6 weeks, and come in a variety of fun colors! The clinic cats at Dancing Paws are always sporting some fun Soft Paws, so check them out next time you're over!
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