Declawing Cats-A cruel Infliction

A Story of a declawed Cat

  

Precious was just a kitten when an acquaintance of mine adopted her. She was a normal kitten by all comparisons. She loved to play, chase string, and like all cats she loved to scratch. Now, there are ways to train a kitten to scratch posts instead of furniture, but it takes patience and understanding.


Unfortunately, the elderly lady listened to uninformed people, and she decided to have Precious declawed.  That is when things changed.
                                                                             

After the surgery, Precious came home with bandages wrapped around her paws soaked in blood. She bled for a while, and it took a long time for that aspect to heal(for lack of a better term).  The little kitten who didn't have a care in the world was now suffering. She had a hard time going in the litter box due to sensitive paws. As time passed her physical wounds healed, but her paws stayed sensitive to a degree. Her emotional state was compromised as well. She seemed distant, even irritated at times. As the months went on, she adapted but she did not do well with strangers. The lady who had this procedure done was an elderly lady, and I know she couldn't fully appreciate the damage caused to this innocent life. She felt bad, but what could she do now?  It wasn't long after when the woman had to move due to income and age related issues, and as a result she had to give the cat up for adoption. However, the negative ramifications of this procedure had destroyed her chances of being adopted. When people are looking for a pet they want one who is outgoing and emotionally stable, and that is understandable. Precious had a hard time with those expectations. It was not her fault, and I think we can all understand why she was having problems.  She was deemed not suitable for adoption, and as a result, Precious was humanely euthanized. The poor little cat never had a chance to live, to love, and to experience a real bond between a human and animal. She is now at peace roaming the fields with other animals free of pain, both physically and mentally, on the other side.

                                                                                   

I tell this story, as sad as it is to write, to inform people of the dangers of declawing.  Some people just do not realize what it does to a cat. So, we will start with what declawing actually is.

Declawing a cat involves amputation of the last bone of each toe.  In human terms, it would be as if all your fingertips were cut off at the last knuckle.  They use a scalpel or a guillotine clipper. The wound is stitched and wrapped in bandages. Sometime they use laser, but it is still the same procedure with the same negative results.

                                                                               

There is another procedure called a tendonectomy. It cuts the tendon which controls the flexing of the claws. They still keep their claws, but they cannot flex them.  As a result, they cannot shed them, so thickening of the claws is a concern. Usually, due to complications, the cat is still declawed down the road meaning more pain and suffering.

Negative effects of declawing can range from sensitive paw pads to behavioral problems.  The first few days after surgery, shredded newspaper is used in the litter box instead of litter. So, not only is the cat in pain, he is having to cope with changes in his everyday habits. This often leads to them doing their business outside of the box.  They often have pain when they walk, so carpeted areas are preferred.  In addition to painful walking, it also causes back pain.  The toes are important for walking and balancing, just like people. When declawed the cat cannot walk properly, and as a result it causes back problems. Also, necrosis can occur, and another surgery may be needed to remove the dead tissue. If the surgery was not done properly, nail regrowth can occur due to left over nail pieces. These pieces can grow into the paw pads, causing more surgery, more suffering.  Bone spurs are also painful, and can cause infection.

                                                                             

These procedures are an unnecessary, painful infliction on an cat. Most states have already banned the procedure, while in other states many veterinarians refuse to perform it. The only time this should be considered is if the cat's life is in danger, such as cancerous cells or tumors.

If you happen to hear anyone thinking about declawing their cat, please inform them about the problems it carries. The psychological ramifications can be just as bad, and they are long term. It is detrimental to the health and welfare of this precious life. There are ways to train cats to use scratch post. I have two cats, and they have post throughout the house. They use their post 99% of the time. As for the 1% of the time they do not, I raise my voice and they stop. They are cats, not machines. They will slip and claw something, guaranteed. However, if you are not ready to accept that then maybe a cat isn't the animal for you. It would be better to get another animal than to subject a cat to this barbarism.

Like I always say, when you invite a cat into your life, you are sharing your home with them as they are. I accept my girls with all their quirks. I expect them to slip. They would not be cats if they didn't. I worked hard to train them, and it has paid off. As I watch Monkey sleeping so peacefully, I could not put her through something like that just to save my sofa. When you look at it that way, it is easy to say no to declawing.

                                                                                       

                                                                         

Norwegian Forest Cat-Nature's Gentile Giant

                                                                                 

As a cat owner I love sharing my home with my girls. Just as a home with a baby has toys and such strewn about, a house with cats is similar.  There are cubes with toys and scratching post strategically positioned, however, there is one thing my house has that a baby's does not; Cat hair. Of course, some cats shed more than others. My tortie, Beans, is a short hair.  She sheds lightly. My other cat, Monkey, sheds heavily in the spring and fall. So it goes with having the privilege of sharing my home and life with a Norwegian Forest Cat.

Norwegians in mythology


The Norwegian Forest Cat has quite the history. Some feel it is the cat who stars in the Norwegian mythological tale of the Skogkatt, which translates into "forest cat". This cat was a favorite among the Norse Gods.  Freya, the goddess of love and beauty, had an affinity for this cat. Some say she traveled with a chariot pulled by felines. There are tales of Thor interacting with gods disguised as a skogkatt.  In fact, King Olaf V of Norway gave this magnificent creature the title of the country's national cat.


Personality                                                              

                                                             

The Norwegian Forest Cat, known as "wegie" for short, has a beautiful personality.  They are close to their family members, and like to be wherever they are.  If you were to move from one room to the other, it wouldn't be long before the wegie would follow. This cat has a gentile nature. They can be a little reserved around strangers, and they aren't much for speaking. They usually save their voice to remind you of supper time, or any other time they want something specifically.  They are great around children, especially sweet children. They love being scratched under the chin and between the ears. They also love head rubs.  My wegie wakes me very gently in the morning. I feel her paw so gently touch my face. She crawls on me, nudging me, trying to bring me to life for breakfast.  Is there a better way to start the day? Nope, not for me!

Health


This cat was built by mother nature. They can withstand the very cold climate of Scandinavia. While it is generally a healthy cat, there have been several diseases that seem to run in the breed. For example, Polycystic Kidney Disease is a genetic condition which progressively destroys the kidneys.  There isn't a DNA test for the wegie, however, the disease can be detected by ultrasound as early as ten months of age.  Retinal Dysplasia can cause spots to appear on the retina, but it does not affect the cat's vision.  These examples are just a thumbnail's scratch of health problems within the breed, and it's always best to check with your vet.  They live an average of fourteen to sixteen years,


Personal care                                                    

     

The wegie needs brushing at least twice a week. His fur tends to get matted, and when it does you'll have to use a brush specifically designed for knots. My Monkey used to run when I would break out the brush, but now I use it to get her attention. She has learned to love being groomed. Whenever I stroke her she starts to groom herself.  It has become a bonding ritual for us.  There is even a spot at the base of the tail that when scratched, it causes her to groom as well.  We call it the licky-button.


All cats are precious, and they each have a distinct personality.  Your breed of cat will help you to know what to expect from their personality, however, they are distinct beings and may differ in personality traits from breed standards.  You will enjoy your new fury friend, and once they have chosen you to be their human, embrace it.  They are smart, sweet, and full of surprises.  The amount of cat videos on youtube can attest to this.  I love my Monkey, hairballs and all.

                                                                                     

A Curious Compulsion-A Cat's Natural Instinct

   

                       

                                                                             

 


Your getting ready for work by doing your morning routine, a ritual you fulfill everyday. Part of this routine is in the bathroom.  There you are quietly doing your business, when suddenly the door flings open as if something was gunning for you. You look up and there the terror sits-Your cat, so concerned she is missing something.  It must be good, or why else would the human close the door?

For those of us living with these interesting creatures this is a daily routine. Any door closed, any bag brought into the house, anything that has never been there before must first be inspected by the gate keeper of the apartment. In fact, I would often say if I were to move everything in a room one inch in any direction, the only one who would notice would be the cat. They are nature's inspectors seeking and finding new things to smell, but why?


                                                                               

It comes down to territory. In the wild your cat would have his territory all mapped out, and he would know about everything within it's boundary. From every blade of grass to the alley between the buildings, a cat marks it's territory to tell other cats it belongs to him.  This is a cat's nature, and the comfortable apartment you provide for your kitty does not negate this instinctual behavior.  Your cat will follow this instinct by keeping careful watch of everything that goes in or out of his territory or anything that is put out of place.


They say a cat is intelligent, because you cannot make them come to you. We have all sat there calling our feline friends only to have them blink at you. However, you can manipulate them. Try throwing anything on the floor in their line of sight. Curiosity will compel them to check it out. I do this to my girls once and a while just to keep it interesting. One time I put a pencil on the floor. They did the "bob and weave" as i call it while they look at it intently. I must admit, I wasn't sure they were going to go for it at first, but nature prevailed and soon they were on their way to the pencil. It was lackluster really. I felt bad luring them over for such a disappointment, but it's a natural compulsion to which i enjoy feeding.



                                                                                       

We have all heard the expression "curiosity killed the cat", and it has at times been a fatal flaw of this noble species. However, a cat would not be a cat without this flaw as it is a part of their survival instincts. A cat needs to know what it is that is moving under the bush or in the grass.  It could be a predator, or it could be a mouse, but they cannot rest until they have solved the mystery.  This goes back to having to know everything in their environment.

 Cats are surprisingly simple. How many cat guardians have come home with all kinds of toys only to find the cat prefers laying on the plastic wrapper or box while you end up playing with their new toy yourself?  Sometimes I feel like these toys are made so flashy and fancy for our purpose. After all, the cat supply industry is one of the most successful and profitable businesses in today's modern world. It is we who fall prey to the fancy string toy or the mouse which makes a crinkle noise.  We do this even though we know that all kitty needs is a string or a box to be happy. My cat once had a cardboard box that was previously used for cans that are stacked upon one another. Everyday before he would lay in it he would pick at it like a scratch post. Eventually, there wasn't much left of the box. In fact, all that remained was a small piece of cardboard from the center of the box. Nonetheless, he would still do the usual spin around, and he would lay on his piece of cardboard happily.  As an aside, this action of spinning before lying down stems from an instinct from kitten hood. It is called the snuggle target, and they use it in order to find their litter mates and mother when they find themselves lost. They spin around each time circling out a little further until they find their target. Pretty ingenious how nature takes care of it's self.

                                                                                 

So, enjoy your cat's personality and curiosity. Stimulate their brain with puzzles and games to make them seek out their treats instead of just giving them to them. They enjoy using their instincts as it will keep them mentally sharp as they age. Most importantly it will strengthen your bond, and that is something we as cat lovers all strive to achieve.


                                                                           

Cat Nip-Nature's gift to our feline friends

It's Christmas eve, and I am returning home from some last minute shopping. I had everything I needed for a party, and I was looking forward to having some fun. Apparently, I wasn't the only one  in the mood for a party. When I opened the door I saw my two cats, Vixen and Tiger, sprawled out on the couch, catnip everywhere!  It was all over my furniture and my carpeted living room, and I just stood there with a look of bewilderment. How did this happen? The catnip was in a kitchen drawer, yet here it is along with two very happy and relaxed kitties.  I found the empty bag which had been shredded, and the drawer in which it was kept was partially open. Vixen, I thought, it had to be him. Vixen was polydactyl, meaning he had extra toes, or more like thumbs. Over the years i had witnessed Vixen using his ":expertise" to play catch and pick up food, but this was amazing. The drawer was an older style which was hard to open. You had to put a little muscle into it when you pulled, yet he managed to open the drawer just enough to get his prize. I guess the allure of the nip was too strong for him, and he just had to have it! Why? What is it about this particular herb that sends some cats into a frenzy?

What is Catnip?

Catnip, also known by it's Latin name Nepeta Cataria, is part of the mint family.  It's name is derived from the town of Nepete, Italy, where is was originally cultivated.  The acting ingredient that gets kitty all excited is nepetalactone, an oil found within the plant.  This oil enters the nasal passages when inhaled, and it binds to olfactory sensors.  This causes the sensory neurons to send signals to regions in the brain called the amygdala and the hypothalamus. The amygdala controls the flow of information received from the sensory neurons to areas of the brain which are responsible for behavior, while the hypothalamus regulates these behavioral responses through the pituitary gland. Because this creates a sexual response, it is theorized that cats are reacting to the oil as if they were feline pheromones.

Are all Cats Susceptible to Catnip?

Not all cats are susceptible to the effects of catnip.  It seems to be hereditary, and it effects anywhere from 50-80% of cats. Because it is a genetic trait, it can take 3 to 6 months of age before the effects can be felt.  Although this does mean there is a portion of the kitty population that cannot partake in the fun of catnip, there are alternatives. Valerian and silver vine are said to produce similar effects.

Is Catnip Safe?

Yes, it is. There isn't anything in this plant that will harm your kitty. Also, you do not have to worry about "too much" catnip. It acts as a stimulant when inhaled, but when they eat the plant it acts as a mild sedative. If she eats too much the worse that can happen would be some diarrhea and vomiting. Kitty would return to normal after it has run it's course.


Does Catnip Have Any Other Uses?

Catnip has been known to have medicinal properties for humans. It is an antispasmodic, which can be helpful in digestive issues, muscular pain, colic for babies, and headaches just to name a few. It is especially helpful in these areas where tension seems to be the cause of the distress.

It has also been known to ease menstrual cramps, and it has mild anaesthetic properties. While it mostly is used as a tea or poultice, chewing on it's leaf can ease discomfort from tooth and gum pain. As an interesting aside, some catnip enthusiast thought it to be a mild hallucinogen; We are not sure.

The Verdict is in-Catnip is Fun for Your Kitty!

They say if something is too good to be true, it probably isn't.  Well, this is the exception! So, go ahead and help your cat attain an elevated mood.  Watch how fun she is while on the nip.  Cats become very friendly and playful while under it's spell, and this is also good for you.  Animals have a way of making us feel better.  They can get through to us when nobody else can. So, why not purchase some catnip and make kitty happy, you will be glad you did.

Scratch Post for Cats-Can they save your furniture?

It is a quiet night at home. Your sitting in your favorite chair binge watching your show when suddenly the chair starts rocking, and you hear the sound of something ripping; It's your cat. She is sharpening her claws on your furniture. You clap your hands, or make another sharp sound to break her out of her trance, but the damage is done. However, you can train your cat to scratch in more appropriate areas. It is a matter of discipline, but first let's look at why cat's need to scratch.

It's in Their nature!

A cat's need to scratch is innate, meaning it is a part of his nature. You could not train a cat to stop scratching anymore than you can train yourself to stop blinking. It is a part of them. There are several reasons for this behavior, one of them being the shedding of the outer layer of their claws. This reveals the new sharp claw underneath.  As a cat owner I have found these outer layers embedded in my carpet, which is another place where they like to pick. They also use their claws to mark territory by leaving their scent. A cat has scent glands in their paws, so when they scratch a tree outside, it not only gives other cats a visual cue to alert them to another cat's presence, it also carries their scent as another warning to intruders(other cats). 

Cats enjoy using their claws to express pleasure. One favorite past time they have is called kneading, or as we call it in my house "making bread". This is when kitty shows her contentment by flexing and softly retracting her claws on a favorite object, or person. Little Beans likes to climb on my husband's belly to make her bread. She does this almost every night. It is interesting to note that Beans chose to move her bread making to his shoulder about the time he started having discomfort in it, and when she makes her bread, she pushes on the exact spot where the pain resides. It's like getting a massage. Cat's have been known to sense discomfort and pain, but that will be a topic for a future post. So, now that we know the basics of why they scratch, let's look at ways we can help them express themselves without damaging the furniture.

What Kind of Scratch Post is Best?

Probably one of the best ways to get started is to get a cat scratcher. They come in horizontal and vertical styles. Cats need the vertical to reach high, so they can stretch their bodies and their paws.  While they absolutely enjoy the high scratch post, they also like to scratch on the floor. You can get an inexpensive floor scratch board made of corrugated cardboard. For a happy kitty both options should be available, so it would be best to give them each one.  When it comes to quality, a scratch post wrapped in sisal is the best bet for being able to withstand what kitty can give. It provides a good, strong surface for your cat to shed those claws. You should also make sure it is high enough for them to get a good stretch, otherwise they will be tempted to use that favorite chair of yours.  Foundation is important, so you want to make sure it has an appropriate base.  Kitty has claws, and if the base isn't wide enough she will pull it right over! My girls have done this before. You can also get a piece of wood from outdoors. This is nature's scratch post, and cats love it. So, if it is available to you, it would make an excellent nail sharpener.

                                                                                                 

How Do I Get Kitty to Use the Post? 

The quickest way to get kitty to try the new post or flat scratch board is cat nip. Most scratch posts will actually come with a small amount to get them going. Place the post next to the spot where kitty likes to scratch, e.g. your favorite chair. When you find her starting to scratch, tell her "no" firmly and place her on the post. Some people even take their paws and place them on the post using the scratching motion. This is where discipline becomes so important. You have to be consistent. During this training period your cat will be tempted to revert to her old habits. Keep a spray bottle with water handy.  Give her a squirt(not in the face) every time she makes an attempt to scratch. Some people have had success with lemon juice diluted with water. Spray a little on the spot where you want kitty to stop scratching. Cats do not like citrus. She may curl her lips back and make a funny face, but she will not scratch. You can also take two sided tape and cover the area. Kitty will not like the feeling of tape on her paws. Eventually, she will scratch the post and claim it as her territory. When you are confident kitty has claimed her post, you can move it to any point in the house or leave it where it is; It's your choice.

Be Careful How You Train Your Cat!                                    

As a cat owner, I can certainly understand the feeling of coming home to find your furniture ripped. However, please do not try to "teach" your cat not to scratch after the fact. A cat has a short attention span. They live in the moment(which is something we can learn from them), so if you find something damaged, it doesn't matter if you go over to your now sleeping cat and firmly scolded them for the act. She will not know what she did or why you are upset. You will risk scaring your cat, and as a result she will try to avoid you. When the damage is done, it it's done. 

                                                

Remember Why You Chose a Cat!

You have chosen to share your home with a very special creature, and with that choice brings responsibility. You have to understand your home will change. It is no longer just about you anymore, and your home is now their home. However, with a little training and discipline you will happily co-exist. The secret is balance. You absolutely can decide where your cat will do her scratching, but you must allow her to do it. Sometimes when people get a cat, and this applies to dogs as well, they will try to train the cat to conform to living indoors without giving them the tools to express their nature as a cat. If kitty doesn't exercise her natural instincts, she will make do on her own.  This can cause disruption and damage in the household.  Playing with your cat for just a half hour a day will help her exercise and significantly reduce "accidents." Plus, playing is a great way to bond with your cat, and a strong bond will form the basis of your relationship. When you get an animal, it is an invite to share your lives together, not change their nature. As long as you go into this relationship with that in mind, your cat will have a long and happy life. Besides, your cat will be training you, too! That's a story for another day. In the meantime, enjoy your cats. It wouldn't be home without them.

Life with a cat-They do more for us than we think!

We have all been there. You come home from a hard day at the workplace, you place your belongings in their respective places, and you head straight for your cat(after greeting your spouse, of course). Mostly, the cat is lounging in your bed keeping it warm for you, but he/she is equally happy to see you. We give them a few strokes, a couple of "pretty kitty" remarks, and we feel better. Petting cats has a way of helping you decompress from all the stress of the day, but how? How do these precious creatures keep us sane?

Cat's have a positive effect on our health. Studies have shown a person who owns a cat is less likely to die from a heart attack or cardiovascular disease than someone who never owned one. They've been known to lower blood pressure, and they can help release serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter associated with the pleasure center of the brain. It is responsible for the feelings of love, pleasure, and reward, while dopamine affects mood stability, irritability, and memory. They also help to release oxytocin, a hormone that is secreted by the pituitary gland that gives us the feeling of being in love. So, go ahead and hug your cat!

While the health benefits of having a cat are definitely a plus, we cannot discount the spiritual part of their personalities. While all animals have a spiritual essence, cats have an incredible energy. As a cat owner myself, I can appreciate my cat's ability to know when I am not feeling well. Monkey, my Norwegian forest cat, will lay right beside me when I am sick, while Beans, a tortie, will come right up onto my chest to snuggle. Cat's have the uncanny ability to neutralize negative energy without actually absorbing any themselves. In the realm of metaphysics, their are many books on the subject of a cat's energy and vibration. If you are interested in studying the energy of cats that would be a great place to start.

Bonding with your cat comes in many forms. They love a good rub down, and they aren't shy about letting you know. When they start purring, it is like a consistent melody that lulls you into a meditative state. It certainly makes it hard to get out of bed in the morning. Every morning my cat is right beside me, purring away. The first thing I do before I start my day is pet and talk to my cat. In fact, I have always talked to my cats, and cat owners will tell you, they listen. Sometimes it is nice to talk to something that cannot talk back. When we speak to our cat we are unloading our fears and our stresses in life.  We tell them things that bother us that we cannot tell anyone else, plus they are great at keeping secrets!

There are many different reasons for our love of cats, and those of us that own them know how lucky we are to have them. Cats add a great value to our lives, and my home wouldn't be home without them. If you do not own a cat, what are you waiting for? It is never too late to experience the connection at a soul level that we have for these majestic, yet playful creatures. It can only enhance your life, so share it with the benevolent creature, the cat. You'll be glad you did.