A cats claws are used for so much more than ruining furniture. They use them for climbing,
playing, and as their main defense mechanism. When taking away the claws of a cat it is not only maiming it, but also making it more vulnerable to injuries caused by falling or attacks from other animals. When a cat feels defenseless it may resort to biting or become very shy/skittish. There are so many simpler and humane ways to handle a cats clawing problems. One simple and very effect way is the use of nail caps. Another method is keeping the nails clipped and filed. Although alternatives to declawing seem to be more of a hassle, they protect cats from a gruesome onychectomy. I propose a ban of declawing nation wide. Many other countries have realized the inhumanity of it, it’s time the United States of America opened their eyes as well. Plastic caps are simple. Any cat owner can slide them over the claws of their beloved pet and glue the caps in place. They don't hurt the animal and keep the home safe from destruction cats tend to cause. Although these have slight downfalls, such as replacing them every few weeks, paying for them repeatedly, and time, these caps save a cat from major surgery. Any devoted cat owner would gladly take the time out of their day to make sure their cats keep from scratching the furniture. |
Beka Cooper said, “If I had known there was another option that didn’t
include causing my cat pain and stress, I would have gladly taken that option.”The minor hassle of replacing a cap every one to two weeks simply is a better solution than maiming a cat and forcing them to live in discomfort. Regular upkeep of a cats nails can also prevent damage caused to furniture. If someone enjoys an animal enough to allow it to live in their home, they need to take responsibility for that animal and give it proper grooming care. Clipping and filing a cats nails is a much easier and very cost efficient way to deal with scratching problems. These two alternatives, plus a few others, save cats from pain, stress, and sometimes life long discomfort. It’s well worth giving them a try before sending a scared animal into a surgery they truly don’t need. Instead of taking away a cats claws, which is what makes a cat a cat, ban declawing and give cats the right to keep them. Countries all over the world have already banned declawing because it is unnecessary and cruel. Dr. Jennifer Conrad has already convinced multiple cities in California to ban declawing, the rest of the State and the Nation would be smart to follow. |