Declawing is an increasingly controversial veterinary surgical procedure. Rania Gollakner, BS, DVM, MPH, presents the procedure, risks, possible behavior consequences post surgery and scratching behaviors as normal and instinctual. Source: Pet MD, March 3, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Search Results for: declaw
New York bans cat declawing
New York lawmakers passed a ban on cat declawing this week, making the state the first to outlaw the procedure if Governor Andrew Cuomo signs it into law. Despite opposition from some groups, including the New York Veterinary Medical Society, the bill sailed to approval. Source: New York Times, June 5, 2019. Link. New York State joins several cities in banning declawing, … [Read more...]
Declaw free practice reviews results
Four things impressed me about this article: Going declaw-free was done more than four years ago before negative press about declaw issues was prevalent Amy Zellweger made the decision after engaging the practice team to gather evidence about declaw issues The practices have continued to grow financially Because of the educational focus, the practice now has … [Read more...]
Opinion – Eliminating declaws adds nail challenges
First, I support eliminating declaw surgeries. I’ve been there, done that and wished I hadn’t. But, indoor cats just don’t wear down claws as easily as indoor/outdoor or outdoor-only cats. During a recent visit with a Ceva colleague, I asked about nail trimming guidance beyond the benefits of FELISCRATCH™ and dedicated scratching poles. We did a quick Google search and I was … [Read more...]
Alternatives to declawing becoming mandatory
The tide is turning against cat declawing, writes Steve Dale in a piece for Fear Free Happy Homes. Denver recently became the first city outside California to ban declawing surgery. When cats scratch (an innate behavior), they send an aromatic message via the pheromones delivered by glands in the paws, as well as a visual message: those long claw marks. The ability to offer … [Read more...]
New information about chronic pain in declawed cats
Declaw once soared in popularity in the U.S. as more cats were now being kept indoors. Declaw was then, and is still thought by many, as a way to prevent indoor-only cats from damaging the home, therefore preventing relinquishment and unnecessary euthanasias. Steve Dale, CABC, shares a history of declawing pros/cons and discusses new information related to pain and … [Read more...]
5 alternatives to cat declaws
It is tremendously frustrating for clients if their cat scratches everything, but there are alternatives to surgical declawing. This author shares simple things cat owners can do to prevent unwanted scratching and avoid a major surgery: Make the objects of inappropriate scratching unattractive Get some good scratching surfaces Provide distractions Trim cat’s … [Read more...]
Cat myths debunked
Redirecting cat owners from myths and misinformation can be challenging. Some beliefs can be dangerous to cats and anthropomorphizing them has not helped. Consider sharing this article on social media or in newsletters to help cat owners shift their thinking away from feline myths. Source: Modern Cat. Link. The author addresses myths such as: declawing is a minor procedure, … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – April 3, 2023
British Columbia doubling veterinarian numbers, Illinois legislature working to ban declaws, using AI to find employees to match a company, planning for retirement and more . . . Source: IBPSA Fast Bites, April 3, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – May 20, 2021
Last week’s top post Why constant learners all embrace the 5-hour rule Source: Animal Health Digest, May 11, 2021. Link. University of Minnesota researchers develop novel, field-deployable test for CWD Source: University of Minnesota, April 19, 2021. Link. The team is striving for a test that could be set-up at individual stations … [Read more...]
MeYeow! Trim those nails.
Now that declawing is not a standard recommendation, routine education about trimming cat nails is warranted. Trimming feline nails at home is less stressful for cats, cheaper and more convenient for cat owners. But, it doesn’t come without challenges. The least=stress nail trimming occurs when cat owners routinely handle their cats’ paws as a part of interacting with … [Read more...]
Behaviorist tells how to stop cats from scratching furniture
Marilyn Krieger discusses scratching behaviors of cats and how cat owners can train them to scratch in acceptable places. She reminds us that scratching is natural and instinctive to all felines. They scratch because: Scratching objects is one of the ways cats communicate. Scratching is a displacement behavior After napping, there is nothing as fulfilling as a slow … [Read more...]
To engage or disengage: when issues become obstacles on social media (infographic)
Diane Martin discusses when and how to deal with bully-like behaviors on social media from persons whose comments indicate a lack of knowledge or understanding. She provides an infographic to help determine when it is acceptable for a brand or business to offer comment on social media and when it best to stay silent. Martin’s examples involve Ag and food supply examples. The … [Read more...]
Cats need their claws
Research about the negative effects of declawing cats is becoming more widely known. All cats, even indoor cats, need their claws for balance, mobility, protection, grooming and gripping prey and objects. Studies show declawed cats often experience pain from remaining bone fragments; nail regrowth, reluctance to move or play, lameness and chronic pain. All of these factors … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – New product redirects destructive cat scratching
“Veterinarians now have a way to stop destructive scratching in the home without declawing procedures or ineffective alternatives,” said Dr. Valarie V. Tynes, DVM, Dipl. ACVB, Veterinary Services Specialist at Ceva Animal Health in a statement released November 1, 2017. FELISCRATCH by FELIWAYTM, is clinically proven to stop and prevent both vertical and horizontal destructive … [Read more...]
Pain and P3 remnants
Sixty percent of declawed cats have residual P3 fragments according to a recent study. Back pain, inappropriate elimination, biting, aggression and barbering occurred more often in cats with retained P3 fragments. Only increased biting and inappropriate elimination habits were seen in cats without them. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, June 2017. This study’s findings may … [Read more...]
“Let cats scratch” says the AAFP
Revising its previous 2015 position statement on declawing, the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) now strongly opposes onychectomy as an elective procedure. The AAFP’s position stresses the need for veterinary teams to educate cat caregivers, as many are unaware that declawing is a surgical amputation of the third phalanx. Scratching is a normal feline … [Read more...]