WHY YOU SHOULD NOT DECLAW A CAT

1. Declawing is not just surgically removing the cat’s nails.
2. It is amputating the cat’s toes at the first digit – like amputating your fingers at the first knuckle.
3. At least half of all cats declawed will not use the litter box afterwards. If you had the tips of your toes amputated, would you rub the stumps in the sand?
4. Cats can be trained to use a scratching post. Use a water sprayer (spray bottle) to spray your cat when it tries to claw the furniture, then rub its feet on the scratching post.
5. If you have problems with your clawing the furniture, there is a product called “Soft Paws,” available at your vet, that can solve the problem. “Soft Paws” are plastic nail caps that fit over the cat’s nails so that they are not sharp and can do no damage. They are 100% effective and painless to your cat.
   If your veterinarian does not carry this product, you can call the manufacturer, Smart Practice at 1-800433-7297. These nail caps come in 4 sizes, kitten, small, medium, and large. They last 4-6 weeks and are non-toxic if swallowed.