3 Alternatives To Declawing Your Cat

If your cat scratches everything, and you are tired of it, you have options other than putting your cat through declawing surgery. Declawing your cat is a surgical procedure that requires an intensive healing process and can be difficult for your cat. There are other things you can do to keep your cat from clawing items in your home before you turn to declawing, such as:

#1 Trim Your Cat's Claws

One of the first things you can do is trim your cat's claws. You can take your cat to the groomer to get their claws trimmed, or you can do it yourself. If you trim your cat's claws yourself, you should snip them when your cat is relaxed, like right after they wake up from a nap, when your cat is relaxed. It may take a few attempts to get all of your cat's claws trimmed this way, but it is a good strategy to try if your cat doesn't enjoy getting their claws clipped.

You can also make a regular practice out of trimming your cat's claws, starting when they are a kitten. If you start trimming your cat's claws when they are a kitten, they will be used to the procedure and process by the time they are an adult.

#2 Use Vinyl Nail Caps

Another option if you don't want to trim your cat's claws or if that doesn't seem to prevent your cat from scratching your furniture is to invest in vinyl nail caps. These nail caps go right over your cat's claws. This allows your cat to continue to scratch things without damaging your belongings.

You have to keep an eye on your cat's vinyl nail caps and change them out as your cat's nails grow and as the caps get worn down. It will kind of look like you painted your cat's claws. This is a good alternative that will allow your cat to indulge in their natural instincts without your furniture paying the price.

#3 Redirect Your Cat

it is natural for your cat to want to scratch things. Scratching is how your cat takes care of their claws, can also be a form of entertainment for your cat, and can help your cat stretch properly. If you don't want your cat scratching your furniture, provide them with alternatives. Get your cat a few tall covered scratching posts that have a heavy base as well as some cardboard scratching pads. When you see your cat start to scratch your furniture, redirect them to the appropriate surface.

Instead of getting your cat declawed, trim their nails, put vinyl nail caps on them and teach your cat where they should scratch. Contact a vet office like Loving Care Animal Hospital for more information and assistance. 


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