Millions of pet owners are faced with a decision each time they bring home a new kitten, Declaw or not to declaw? Defiant takes a firm stand on NOT declawing a new kitten or a cat you already own. Some believe that declawing a cat is absolutely inhumane. Some states are lobbying to make it illegal to declaw a cat. There is good reason for this ardent plea on behalf of cats. Most veterinarians that Defiant has spoken to have cats of their own. Yes, they declaw them. And yes, they let them out of doors.

A Veterinarian will tell you, cutting cats claws off is essentially cutting the cats toes off. Why do they still do this to their very own pets? Well, they have a vested interest. Declawing is a business to them. Not unlike cigarette companies trying to convince you that you will not get lung cancer from using their product.

SO WHY WOULD YOU DECLAW?

1. Most People we have spoken to say to protect furniture.

2. Many People spoken to say to prevent an aggressive cat from scratching them or guests.

These two reasons are lame and let me tell you why. I have owned more than 10 adult Bengals and NONE have had the habit of scratching furniture. I'm not saying it cannot occur. I will share that there are measures we go to during the first weeks and months of the cat's life to socialize it and train it to use a post or cat tree. As strange as it may seem, we don't object to them pulling on deep pile carpet. I've never seen a thread out of place, and no harm come of it. My second rebuttal is regarding stopping from being scratched. Again, we socialize the kittens and aggressive Bengals are unheard of in our breeding program. Now for you with a cat you already own, I would say you are being selfish if you want to declaw your cat due to an aggressive nature. I've had an aggressive Bengal brought in to stud on an occasion, dealing with his attitude merely took some adjusting. If you are considering buying a Defiant Bengal and want to get it declawed, I'd recommend you find a breeder that is a better fit, and spend some time looking in the mirror while your at it.

Enough about emotion lets look at some facts. The claw grows out of the third phalanx of a cat's toe. A claw is roughly like a human toenail and the third phalanx is something like the last third of a human toe.
Complete excision of the third phalanx is ideal in order to assure good results. To declaw properly, the joint capsule and associated tendons and ligaments must be severed completely at the joint space. If a piece of bone is left behind, it could be the origin of any claws that regrow. It is a messy sight to view when a claw juts up from the top of the foot and it is a hazard and creates discomfort for the cat.

Based on historical information, and observation of cats that have been declawed, you will be surprised to learn there is more. Half of the cats declawed develop one or both of the following problems.

A. They stop using their litter pans, and find a more suitable place for a toilet, somewhere soft, like the very most middle of your bedspread, pillow, or laundry heap.

B. Due to removing the cat's means of defense, the cat resorts to biting.

There's more, declawed cats become very apprehensive when being moved, and dislike changes of any kind where their security is threatened. Then owners decide to pawn off or abandon the cat. Usually they end up in a shelter, finally being euthanized. Quite a trail blazed for the sake of your furniture, or fear of being scratched.

NOT QUITE SOLD YET?

When you take your cat to the veterinarian for it's next visit, discuss declawing. Ask them these questions:

1. Dr. Can you guarantee declawing will not affect my cat's personality?

2. Can you guarantee that the cat will feel no pain, or post surgical discomfort for its lifetime?

3. Can you guarantee that a claw will never grow back?

4. Can you guarantee that the spinal column will not be affected in time, because of the cat being forced to walk on the backs of it's 'heels' instead of it's toes?

Before you even go to the Vet ask yourself these questions:

1. Can I guarantee that I can provide lifelong protection for my cat?

2. Can I guarantee that the cat will NEVER have to defend itself against anything?

3. Can I guarantee that the cat will NEVER escape the house and become lost having to hunt to survive?

Emotionally, a cat can suffer a severe personality change from the traumatic loss of its claws. Physically the cat has its balance effected by this procedure as well. Contrary to popular lure, a cat does not have a perfect sense of balance. Just like it doesn't really have 9 lives.

WHAT IS THE ANSWER?

Buy or build your cat a Cat Tree, and spend some time training it. Declawing should not even be considered a solution.