February 2024

2024-02-17 16:58:58

The new regulations on the welfare and safety of domestic companion animals and equines came into force on February 10. This means that it will be officially forbidden to perform non-therapeutic surgeries including: declawing, ear and tail trimming and devocalization. In addition, it will be prohibited to use the gas chamber for animal euthanasia! Good news for our four-legged friends.

But let’s talk regarding declawing.

Declawing, technically known as onyxectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves amputating the last bone of each toe to remove the claw. Although it may seem like a practical solution to prevent claw-related problems, declawing is a very invasive procedure with significant consequences on the cat’s health and behavior.

Cats rely on their claws for a variety of activities, including climbing, stretching, and defending themselves. Removing their primary defense can cause stress or anxiety. Additionally, declawed cats can develop chronic pain, lameness, and complications such as nerve damage and infections.

According to a Léger survey carried out on behalf of the Association of Veterinary Doctors of Quebec, there are, in the province, approximately 700,000 cats deprived of their claws, or 32% of adult felines living in a household.

Several countries and regions have banned declawing due to its ethical implications and associated risks to feline well-being. It is now Quebec’s turn.

Here are 4 tips to easily manage kitty claws:

1. Train your cat to have its claws cut.

If your cat is difficult to handle, take it gently and step by step:
• choose a time when he is quiet, almost asleep.
• Touch his paw very briefly and then give him a treat immediately followingwards.
• Repeat this step.
• When he is comfortable and no longer pays attention to your hand, hold his paw briefly. Then reward him with a treat.
• Repeat this step.
• Apply light pressure to its paw, as if to open its claws, once more, very briefly. Then reward.
• Repeat.
• Do the process gradually until you can cut his claws, one by one.
• Spread the sessions over several days. Soon you’ll be able to cut them off all at once.
• If there are two of you, another technique is to spoon feed him tuna (or cane food) while the other person cuts his claws.

If you are definitely not comfortable, call a professional: at the groomer, in a pet store or even at home.

2. Install one or more claw posts in your home:
Provide your cat with one or more scratching posts made from different materials such as rope, cardboard or carpet. Place them strategically in several places in your home: entrance, hallway, next to the couch, etc. If necessary, encourage your cat to use them by sprinkling them with catnip or engaging him in interactive play near the posts.
If your cat tends to scratch the furniture, cover it with aluminum foil for a while and place a scratching post nearby.

If you experience other difficulties, do not hesitate to contact a feline trainer or Proanima for advice.

3. Claw covers:
These soft rubber caps, available in various sizes and colors, are glued to the claws and typically last several weeks before needing replacement.

4. Environmental enrichment:
Enrich your cat’s environment with interactive toys and games to keep him mentally and physically stimulated. A well-enriched environment can help alleviate boredom and reduce the risk of destructive scratching behavior. Rotate toys regularly to keep him interested.

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#Courrier #Sud #Claws #declawing