No one wants to invest hundreds or
even thousands of dollars in furnishings only to see them
ripped to shreds by an overzealous pet, however beloved. To
many people the obvious answer is to have their cats
declawed, but it this really a reasonable alternative?
Its proponents depict it as a simple and painless
operation, but it is neither simple or painless. Most people
aren't aware that it's not just the claws that are removed.
Declawing involves the amputation of the first joint of each
toe, and as any amputee can tell you, the pain persists for
months if not years. The only difference is your cat can't
tell you it still hurts.
This doesn't mean you have to put up with shredded
furniture and drapes, or snagged carpets. I have four cats
of my own, none of then declawed, and my upholstery and
curtains are intact and my rugs unsnagged. There are a
number of steps you can take to minimize or eliminate the
damage.
1. Give them what they want.
Scratching is not just a means of sharpening claws, it's
a vital form of exercise that tones and strengthens the
muscles. Even declawed cats go through the motions. It's
instinctive. Birds gotta swim, fish gotta fly, cats gotta
scratch. Whatever. So give them something suitable to
scratch on, preferably not one of those pint-sized
carpet-covered pet department abominations. That only
confuses them.
If that's what you already have, at least pull off the
carpeting and wrap it with good quality jute or sisal rope,
half-inch in diameter, wound tightly and secured with glue.
If you sew, you might try making a slip cover you can easily
remove and replace as necessary. Burlap is good for this,
but almost any fabric with a heavy weave or a textured
surface will work. My own cats are partial to upholstery
velvet and corduroy. Ideally the post should be at least two
inches higher than the cat can reach.
Many cats prefer a horizontal surface to scratch on, and
take well to a commercial scratching pad made from
corrugated cardboard.
Whatever you decide to use, spray it lightly with catnip
extract (not synthetic - they WILL know the difference) and
place it near your cat's favorite scratching spot. Once he
or she becomes accustomed to the new surface, gradually move
it to a more convenient location. These materials tend to be
messy, so choose a spot where you can easily sweep or vacuum
around it.
2. Use your good judgement when choosing fabrics and
rugs.
Pass up all those lovely but delicate satin and damask
weaves or the aforementioned textured surfaces. These are
cat magnets. Knits and other stretchy fabrics are an open
invitation to snags. Leather and faux leathers are also
major no-no's. Sheer panels at the windows? Forget it!
Look for strong fabrics with a tight weave such as
sailcloth or canvas. Most denims hold up well, also. For
curtains, go with something like percale or chintz. Most of
the curtains at my house are made from bedsheets, and are
not only attractive but virtually indestructible. For
carpeting, a medium or low plush is preferable to a berber
or a sculptured pile. Remember, minimum texture is the key.
As long as we're on the subject, think brown. That way
when your cat upchucks on it, and it will, it won't be such
a disaster. If your cat is still drawn to the furniture, a
number of companies sell clear plastic corner protectors
that self-adhere to most fabrics.
3. Trim the claws.
It's not as difficult as it might seem, especially if you
start them as kittens. Use a specifically designed animal
nail trimmer and start out slow. Begin by just handling the
paws, and practice extending the claws without trying to
trim. The cat will become accustomed to being handled and
will be less likely to react violently to the actual
trimming. After a few days of this, try trimming, just one
or two nails at a time, and only take off the very tips. If
you still find it troublesome, most professional groomers
will do it for a minimal fee.
4. Claw caps.
These are soft plastic covers that are glued onto the
claws and last for up to 4-6 weeks. I've never tried them
myself, but many people report good results.
Cats and people have shared living quarters for thousand
of years, and with a little forethought and cooperation we
should be able to maintain a harmonious relationship between
ourselves, our pets, and our furniture.
copyright 2005