Africa Cattery

19/05/2023

12/02/2023

This book seems to be very good 🧐

08/04/2022

28/03/2022

23/03/2022

01/02/2022

Thinking about DECLAWING? DON'T DO IT!

Declawing is NOT a kitty manicure; it does not remove just the nails. In a declaw operation, the veterinarian amputates the entire last knuckle, in effect deforming the cat's paws. As a result, the cat suffers constant pain and has to learn to walk on mutilated paws. Side effects of declawing include pain while walking, bone regrowth, arthritis, behavioral changes like biting and failure to use the litter box, among others. It also removes the cat's ability to defend itself should it ever need to -- whether indoors or if it slips outside. It is not uncommon for rescuers to find abandoned (dumped) declawed cats as their owners cannot live with the changes to their cat after declawing. As a reminder, animal abandonment is a crime.

Declawing is inhumane and countless countries have banned it. Pennsylvania has not banned it -- yet -- but our neighboring states have. Back in the day, declawing was common practice. It is not any longer and is strongly discouraged by animal welfare organizations and many/most veterinarians. There are plenty of steps you can take to prevent unwanted scratching without declawing a cat. There's no reason to mutilate your beloved kitty. Please don't do it!