Cats and Declawing
Congratulations!! A new Himalayan has just become a precious member of your family. Your family is so excited. You made the big trip to your neighborhood pet store and were amazed at how many items that were available for your new Himalayan. The house is now filled with cat nip, toy mice and various other playthings. Eventually, you will start thinking that in order to save your furniture, you will have your precious Himalayan declawed. Please, Please reconsider!!!
In fact, if you purchase one of Abundant Luv fur babies it is an absolute NO NO.
Declawing is a serious surgery and is performed under anesthesia at your veterinarian's office. Declawing a cat is not merely trimming it's nails, but actually removing the first digit of the toe. In other words, if you look at your own finger, image someone cutting off up to and including the whole first joint of your finger. Does this sound humane?
The first thing you need to do is understand your Himalayan's scratching habits. Himalayan's scratch for many reasons, the first being grooming. That is one of the wonderful characteristics of Himalayans. The Himalayans, along with many other breeds, keep themselves meticulously clean. When your Himalayan scratches things, it is not really sharpening it is nails, it is actually trimming the outer sheaths of the claw.
We also clip our Himalayans' nails weekly. All our Himalayan kittens are used to getting their nails trimmed so when they arrive at their new homes their new owners can continue the routine.
Secondly, scratching is a means of communication between your Himalayans. The Himalayan paw has scent glands, and when they scratch, they are leaving a visual mark as well as their scent. Himalayans will also scratch things in front of other cats to communicate their dominance and territory. Stretching is another reason a Himalayan will scratch things. Himalayans will arch their back and stretch while scratching, providing exercise and a pleasurable experience while they do this instinctive behavior.
Lastly, Himalayans scratch during play. All of these factors contribute to your cat's physical and emotional well being.
Now with all that being said, our suggestion is to purchase several scratching posts. They don't have to be expensive or elaborate. Next, put some catnip or catnip spray on the post. If using the spray make sure the scratching post is not close to the furniture when spraying. You certainly do not want to get catnip on the furniture that you are trying to protect. We have many different types of scratching posts around the house and we have never had a problem with our Himalayans scratching our furniture or anything else.
For more information on declawing, please visit this web site "Cat Scratching Solutions". Another solution, if your cat absolutely refuses to use a scratching post is Soft Paws®. Soft Paws are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws. Soft Paws® are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors--which are really fun. Visit Soft Paws® at their web site or call 1-800-989-2542. You need to remember, though, that the caps and nail trimming should only be used on indoor cats who will not be vulnerable to the dangers of the outdoors.
