Rexkwizit Cattery does not advocate declawing procedures of any kind. Declawing is an inhumane practice that can have lasting detrimental physical and emotional effects on the cat.
Declawing Defined
Many new cat owners are uninformed when it comes to understanding exactly what is entailed when a cat undergoes a declawing procedure. The procedure is not merely a matter of removing the cat’s claws. The surgical process, sometimes performed with a cutting laser, requires complete removal of the last joint from which the claw grows. For a clearer picture, imagine your hands without any of the fingertip joints. Despite claims that the use of a laser results in less pain and quicker recovery, many cats remain in discomfort. A laser can easily nick the pads of the cat’s paw. Any method of declawing can result in minor deformities, awkward gaits and sensitive paws. While some veterinary hospitals continue to carry out these procedures in order to reap a profit, many veterinarians no longer perform this cruel and inhumane practice.
Treat Your Cat to a Manicure
You can diminish accidental scratches by trimming your cat’s claws every three weeks to keep them short. From the time your Cornish Rex is a kitten, engage in frequent handling and playing with her paws. Once you are ready to give your cat a manicure and pedicure with a cat nail trimmer, she will be used to having her paws touched. After each manicure, reward your cat with treats so that nail trimming results in something positive for her.
Alternative Scratching Surfaces
When cats scratch on surfaces such as carpets, drapes or furniture, they are attempting to mark their territory through scent glands in their paws. Destruction of property is merely an innocent and unfortunate side effect. Spare your belongings by offering alternative surfaces for your cat to scratch. When investing in a scratching post, choose one that is sturdy enough not to topple over when the cat uses it. Since cats like to reach high and stretch to put their strength into scratching, opt for a post that is taller than your cat when she stands only on her hind paws. Many cats do not distinguish the carpet on the floor from that on a scratching post, so avoid posts covered with carpeting material. Encourage use of the post by sprinkling it with catnip. Provide multiple posts and allocate them throughout the home.
Some cats prefer horizontal surfaces such as the carpet for scratching. There are plenty of horizontal scratching pads on the market, some with additional toys such as tracks with flashing balls to keep the cat entertained.
Play Nice
Discourage play that involves wrestling with your hands or feet. Cornish Rex cats love small stuffed animals and catnip toys. They are avid retrievers and will continually fetch their favorite playthings that you toss across the room.
Most paws with claws can live in perfect harmony with your family and your home. If you feel that you need more help to curb undesirable scratching behavior, contact us for further helpful suggestions.
