Declawing – The Worst Thing You Can Do to a Cat? This Procedure May Soon Be Illegal in Michigan!

The issue of declawing cats is a subject of debate among animal welfare advocates, veterinarians, and cat owners. Declawing, also known as onychectomy, involves the surgical removal of a cat’s claws. While it may seem like a solution to prevent scratching-related issues, it is important to understand the potential impact and consequences of this procedure on cats.

What is Declawing?

Declawing is the process of removing claws completely from a cat. It’s not just trimming the claws back but removing the whole claw joint.

Finger Ends

It would be the same as removing the last segment of your fingers and toes to get rid of your nails – does that sound fun to you?

Why Declaw?

Some people choose to declaw their cats to protect their furniture or to make it easier to hug their cat. Some argue it benefits an indoor cat’s health, but it doesn’t.

Painful Recovery

Cats primarily walk on their toes – imagine walking on the recent site of your removed bones? It can be extremely painful during recovery.

Surgical Complications

There is a risk of surgical complications during declawing, including infections, lameness, and even claw regrowth – the traumatic procedure could be for naught!

Chronic Pain

Sometimes, declawing can lead to long-term pain problems for your cat, which can cause them severe issues with mobility and stress.

Joint Problems

Removing a bone can cause your cat to suffer with their joints – it can also mean they try to walk in an unnatural way, putting added pressure on their bodies.

Litter Box Avoidance

Cats may avoid using the litter box if they can’t use their claws to walk comfortably on the litter or bury their waste, meaning they may go to the toilet around your home.

Lack of Defense

Cats have claws as a defense mechanism – removing that will leave cats feeling vulnerable to predators, especially when outdoors.

Psychological Issues

Cats have a natural urge to scratch, which doesn’t go away with claw removal, but they cannot relieve that stress. Cats that are declawed often develop behavioral issues.

Michigan Law

Michigan lawmakers have introduced House Bill 4674, which would ban specific medical procedures if passed, including declawing. Opponents have claimed that it can be necessary for the health of the cat (wrong) and the health of the owner’s property – talk about wrong priorities!

Already Banned Elsewhere

Michigan wouldn’t be the first state to ban declawing, and hopefully, it won’t be the last. New York was the first state to ban the practice in 2019, and Maryland banned it in 2022.

The Hidden Triggers: Identifying Common but Unnoticed Allergens Affecting Your Cat’s Health

If your cat is constantly licking, biting, and itching a lot, it could be a sign they’re suffering from allergies. But you might not realize what they’re allergic to – and it could be something you’d never even considered.

Uncovering Hidden Allergies for Cats

Alarming Moments: Cats Caught in Embarrassing and Compromising Situations

Sometimes you’ll catch your kitty in a compromising pose – as these cats prove.

Feline Fiascos: Cats Caught in Embarrassing and Compromising Situations

Unfairly Labeled: Cat Lovers Speak Out Against the Harmful Stereotypes and Unjust Treatment of Orange Cats

Orange cats are more likely to be males than females, but are they the airheaded species of the feline world? Many hilarious videos of cat antics can be credited to fuzzy, ginger kitties, but can the urban legends be true? Can their sweet, affectionate, and simple nature be attributed to genes? 

Cat Lovers Speak Out Against the Harmful Stereotypes and Unjust Treatment of Orange Cats

Does Your Cat Twitch When Being Pet?

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome – sometimes called rippling skin syndrome – is a condition that can affect some cats. It gives them extremely sensitive skin, which can cause them distress, particularly if they are petted in that area.
LEARN THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Discover the Meaning Behind “Splooting” and Uncover the Reason Why Cats Engage in This Behavior

Have you heard about cats splooting?

When cats lay flat on their stomach with their hind legs out, they look adorable. But what is splooting? Can all cats do it? And is it bad for them?

Cats Lying Flat on Stomach with Legs Out -Splooting