Here's a question for Dr. Larry: I get the impression that declawing of cats is becoming more and more frowned upon. How does he feel about it from a veterinary standpoint? ---- from Average Jane
Dr. Larry: My point of view on de-clawing, and I emphasize that it’s my view, is that it's not necessary in the vast majority of cases. While de-claws are done under general anesthesia and cats feel no pain during the procedure, they most assuredly feel it when they wake up.
If I was practicing today I'd definitely discourage the practice of de-clawing cats. If cats are provided with scratching posts available at most pet stores and they use them instead of the furniture, it just seems like a better way to handle things.
If you are having scratching problems get a post and get the cat used to it. Lay it down flat and put the cat on top of the post so he can get the feel of it. Be sure to put the post where the cat likes to sleep. I'm sure you've seen that one of the first things cats do when they wake up is a stretch and a kneading of those claws.
If your cat is working on the drapes or the couch, put the drapes up and put the scratching post in the same location. It's rare not to get them to switch over to a good post.
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