From protecting young children to safeguarding furniture, cat owners choose to declaw their kitties for various reasons. Others, however, see the procedure as unnatural and cruel. Here, the professionals of Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital provide objective insight into the advantages and disadvantages of declawing. With two locations in Columbia, MO, one on Buttonwood Drive and another on Keene Street, this vet clinic is dedicated to helping pet owners make responsible decisions with reliable information.

Pros of Declawing Cats

Some 40% of cat owner complaints are related to destructive scratching. This is normal behavior and essentially impossible to prevent. Declawing allows kitties to keep being themselves while sparing damage to furniture, carpets, and other household possessions.

Declawing also prevents injuries in case your cat takes a swipe at a houseguest or neighbor. This can be especially important if the animal is exposed to infants, seniors, or persons with immune disorders. These individuals are more susceptible to complications like infections.

Cons of Declawing Cats

It must be emphasized there is no medically necessary reason to declaw a cat, and a vet clinic would never recommend it for health reasons. Claws are part of your kitty’s defense mechanism and can leave them at a disadvantage if they are facing a predator. For outdoors cats, it’s not a wise move.

The operation itself is not painless. On average, post-operative recovery takes about two days, but, in some cases, it can take over a month until the animal is fully mobile again. Surgical complications can range from lameness to hemorrhaging and infections. In short: Only put your kitty through declawing if it will allow for one of the advantages described above.

If you are considering having your cat declawed, consult a veterinarian. They can advise whether the procedure is right for your household and refer you to a skilled animal surgeon in your area. For help in Columbia, MO, look to Rolling Hills Veterinary Hospital. With their cutting-edge facilities, this vet clinic offers everything from spaying and neutering to pet grooming and boarding. As their online testimonials show, they are known for their kind care and reasonable costs. For an appointment at the location nearest you, call (573) 449-7387.