Truth about declawing

Some business owners fear the liability issues over cats potentially injuring customers or their children by scratching. They also may have concerns that the natural feline tendency to scratch certain objects may result in damages to merchandise, furniture and equipment.

Like some household pet owners they may have contemplated declawing to create a "harmless" cat that can never scratch anyone or anything. For some time this procedure has been popular, but animal welfare experts, veterinarians and even some government officials are raising concerns.

According to Dr. Wong Hon Mun, an official of Singapore's Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority, says cats' scratching is a normal instinctive behavior that helps them mark their territories, and declawing adversely affects the natural feline behavioral patterns. While declawing is not forbidden in Singapore, Dr. Wong only recommends the procedure as a last resort, or if the cat's owner has an immuno-deficiency issue (in which case the cat can cause a life-threatening infection if the cat scratches the owner).

Singapore SPCA's executive officer Deirdre Moss said to the local blog Singapore Community Cats, "Declawing is an extreme and harsh measure which takes away cats' natural defences, just as debarking takes away a dog's voice, their main form of communication."

There are a number of alternatives to declawing, such as claw caps (nail caps, soft paws), and indeed the latter is less expensive.

And of course there are more low-tech solutions, as suggested by PETA's Ingrid Newkirk:

1. Get as many scratching posts as you can (the horizontal ones work as well as the vertical), trying different surfaces and styles. Put catnip on them once in a while to make them super-inviting. Don’t just buy ones at the store; try to pick up the occasional log, the taller the better, or a large fallen branch. Shake it out well to dislodge insect life, then leave it outside, in the sun if possible, and up off the ground on a piece of newspaper for a couple of days, just to be extra sure. Make sure any log you bring home is anchored so that it can’t fall on your cat while being used.

2. Smear a little cologne or flea dip on any fabric area where you do not want your cat to scratch. Sometimes covering a piece of furniture temporarily with contact paper or something else that’s slippery, will stop the behavior.

3. If you have a steady hand and good eyesight, buy a pair of cat nail clippers and use them. Gently squeeze each nail out, look for the quick (this is vital), and snip the hook off only, just above the quick. If you are unsure, go to a gentle veterinarian or groomer and insist on staying with your cat while his or her nails are clipped.

Sources: Singapore Community Cats, Singapore SPCA, PETA Prime