Dexter Says, "Don't Declaw!"

Many people decide to declaw their cats to save their furniture (or them selves!). What they may not know is that declawing can greatly reduce a cat's ability to survive! If the cat escapes the house, it is almost completely defenseless. Even if claws would be no match against a much larger predator (like a coyote or a car), they would be necessary for escape!
There are many alternatives to declawing:

TRIM your cat's claws!

Give your cat a scratching post, and train him to use it.

Spray your furniture with cat repellent.

Order SoftClaws claw caps @ www.softclaws.com. Check it out!

Tell your cat "NO!" when he scratches!

Declawing also hurts cats even if they aren't confronted with immediate danger. It is the removal of the claws - plus the first knuckle! First of all, cats are always going to have pain and trouble walking. The pain from the opperation will go away, BUT there can also be severe permanent damage elsewhere. Since the first knuckle is removed, the cat must work extra hard to walk right (picture walking with the ends of your toes missing!). He will, out of discomfort, shift more weight to the back paws. As he continues walking like this, the end of the spinal chord will be unlevel with the front. This can cause severe back problems!

PLEASE reconsider declawing- Save a paw!