A Lesson on Declawing and Humane Alternatives

Scratching is a natural, healthy part of cat behavior, but it can be a major concern for many families with cats or who are considering adopting a cat. It’s not hard to understand why. No one likes having their furniture scratched and for people on certain medications cat scratches can be very serious, but you don’t have to make a decision between your sofa and health or having a happy feline companion.

In the United States declawing is one of the most popular solutions to scratching. Many people are surprised to find that this is a procedure unique to the United States. In many European countries (see a full list here) declawing is illegal. It is recognized as an inhumane procedure that harms the cat without providing any benefits.

(View a diagram of the bones of a cat's foot before and after declawing.)

Declawing is not the simple surgery that many believe it is. A cat’s claw is connected to a bone called the distal phalanx, which is amputated along with the deep digital flexor tendon. The closest comparison is having the tip of your fingers cut off at the first knuckle. This leaves the cat with a painful recovery, as cats do not have the option to lay in bed while their mutilated paws heal.

The psychological side effects of declawing are troubling and unacceptable. Claws are a cat’s main defense mechanism and removing it can drastically alter their personality. Some declawed cats become frightened and withdrawn while others become aggressive. Since they no longer have their claws to defend themselves, many turn to the only other means of defense they have: teeth. Declawing can also lead to a problem behavior most owners find more difficult to live with than scratching. After the surgery cats still must scratch in their litterbox and many learn to associate the pain of their damaged paws with the box itself. This can lead them to avoid the box and seek out softer surfaces to relieve themselves on. Scratching is also a means of marking territory and, deprived of this method, some cats will turn to urinating outside of the box in order to scent mark their home.

There are also physical side effects to such a serious surgery. Complications following surgery are extremely common and include hemorrhage, infection, and regrowth of nails. Scratching also allows cats to stretch their back muscles and removing this ability can cause painful seizing of the muscles.

So what are you supposed to do about scratching? Thankfully, there are many effective and, most importantly, humane methods for discouraging your cat from scratching on your furniture.

The easiest thing you can do is provide appropriate scratching surfaces for your cat. Scratching posts can be purchased at any pet store or made yourself. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Some cats prefer upright scratching posts and some prefer horizontal surfaces. Traditional scratching posts such as these are great for cats that like, for instance, the corner of your sofa, and cardboard scratchers like these are best for cats who like to scratch on the carpet. Any scratching post can be sprayed with cat nip spray to attract the cat to it and some already come treated with cat nip.

A relatively new solution to scratching is a product called Soft Paws. These are small plastic caps that you apply to each of your cat’s claws, almost like putting on fake fingernails. They are blunt on the end so your cat can’t scratch anything, but they don’t interfere with the cat’s natural movement and don’t cause any discomfort. They are simple to apply on your own and come in many fun colors.

One of the reasons cats scratch is to shed the outer layer of their claws. If you keep their nails trimmed you can help eliminate this need. Trimming nails is a simple procedure you can do yourself with pet nail trimmers purchased from any pet store. Simply extend the cat’s nail by pressing at the base with your finger and trim off the hook of the nail. Be careful to avoid the blood line, which in most cats is easily visible. If you aren’t comfortable trimming your own cat’s nails, your veterinarian or groomer could do it for you.

Declawing is inhumane and not a reasonable reaction to scratching, but by trying some of these alternatives you can live in harmony with your feline friend without sacrificing your furniture or your cat’s wellbeing. Your cat will thank you for it.

Further reading on declawing:

www.declawing.org (Warning: this site contains graphic photos.)

HSUS’s position on declawing

Declawing in the Petfinder library

June is Adopt A Cat Month!

While any time of year is a great time to bring a feline friend into your life, June is the special month set aside to highlight adoptable cats. We know the perfect home for each and every one of our cats is out there and one of those homes might be yours! If you've been thinking of adopting a new family member, our many kitties would be very pleased to see you stop by the cat room.

Timmy



Timmy is the King of Comfort. He's rarely found anywhere but his big comfy bed and looks lost when its in the wash. Timmy is laid back and mellow, the perfect cat for someone who doesn't want the energy of a kitten bouncing off their ceilings. He likes to sit on laps and loves to be petted, but generally waits for you to go to him. He is declawed, so he would prefer not to live with animals that might pick on him but is fine with other gentle cats.

Rosemary



Rosemary is one of many young mother cats that are looking for homes now that their kittens have been adopted. She's just a tiny cat herself, it's hard to imagine that she's a mother. She loves to cuddle and is definitely best friend material. When there's no one around to curl up with, she settles for snuggling into her blankets, but she'd really like a family to give her all the petting and attention she wants.

Oogie



You'd be hard pressed to find a more affectionate cat than Oogie. He's never happier than when he has a lap to sit on and someone to scratch his chin. There's just something about him that's perfect for hugging and he's more than happy to cuddle. He has some silly habits, like sleeping under the sink, and will probably wants to pick out a comfortable napping spot in his new home. Just don't be surprised if he picks somewhere you never thought of!

Callie



It's hardly fair that Callie got looks and personality, but some cats are just lucky. She keeps her long calico fur immaculate to show off for visitors and is just the sweetest girl. It's hard to resist a beautiful kitty like her, but she wants everyone to know that she's more than pretty fur! She also loves to be petted and is very outgoing. She has a bit of a silly side, as you can see, but she promises to behave herself when guests are over.

Brian



Brian sure is a hoot. Most people don't even notice that he's missing a leg when they first meet him. Brian was hit by a car and had to have his leg amputated, but we're not even sure if he's noticed yet. He certainly can chase and jump just as well as any other cat. He's always playing and loves toys of all kinds. He has a lot of energy and can be a little hard to keep up with, but if you're looking for a fun companion you won't find any cat better suited than Brian.

Virginia



Virginia is quite the explorer. She came to the shelter with kittens and wasn't pleased to be cooped up with them. She wants to see the world and go on adventures, and now that her kittens have all been adopted she has her chance! She wants to be part of everything going on around her and would love to have a home of her very own to explore.

If you're interested in any of our adoptable cats, just come on down to the shelter to meet them. We're open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to six and we'd be more than happy to introduce you to any of our cats.

Furry Fosterables

Now that you've learned a bit about fostering, why not check out a few of our animals that are looking for foster homes?

Kittens



Orphaned kittens and pregnant cats are already entering the shelter as Kitten Season starts. We need as many foster homes for these animals as possible. Don’t let any kittens grow up in cages this spring. Don’t turn away pregnant moms in need. Help us raise healthy, happy kittens by volunteering to foster.

Sunshine



Sunshine is 19-years old and very sad to have lost her home. She and her five friends came to the shelter after their elderly caretaker passed away. Sunshine was used to a very quiet home and she doesn’t understand all the hustle an dbustle of the shelter. She’s too scared to live with the rest of the cats here, so she spends most of her time hiding in her bed. Doesn’t she deserve better? She would rather live out her life in a foster home where she can be comfortable and happy again.

Thing One and Thing Two





Thing One and Thing Two were left outside the shelter in a box, a scary situation for any cat to find themselves in, but made worse for these two because they are both declawed. They know they can’t defend themselves, so they huddle together in their cage and try not to be noticed. To make matters worse, they both have impaired vision. Thing One is entirely blind in one eye and Thing Two is partially blind in one eye. They want a foster home where they can gain some confidence in themselves and have their eyesight monitored.

Sid



Sid wandered up to a house looking for food and affection after being abandoned outdoors. Since being at the shelter he has tested positive for FIV and hyperactive thyroid. He takes a pill twice a day for his thyroid, but doesn’t need any special care for the FIV. He’s an older cat, ten at minimum, and he needs a low-stress environment that he just can’t find at the shelter.

Serenity



Serenity was found wandering the streets in the dead of winter. This sweet girl is very grateful to be inside where her meals are guaranteed, but she also has hyperactive thyroid and is around 13 years old. As an older cat with special needs, she isn’t very attractive to adopters, no matter how pretty her green eyes are, but she still wants a home. She is looking for a foster to live her despite her special need.

In The News: Rocky

 

A favorite among staff and volunteers, Rocky was lucky enough to get some extra exposure on Thrusday morning. He has been with us at the Meriden Humane Society since May 2009 and he hopes he made an impression on someone out there who wants to give him a new home.



Isn't that the perfect picture of comfort? Rocky loves searching out the biggest, comfiest beds to sleep in and he doesn't care one bit if he looks silly. He's a very laid back cat, content to enjoy a slow-paced life, and he wants nothing more than to have his very own home to make himself comfortable in. He is very social with people and loves attention of all kinds. Rocky is just a big sweetheart.

Rocky is special needs, in that he has elbow dysplasia. That just means he takes joint supplements once a day and he walks with a limp. He takes his medication like a champ (it's just a capsule in his wet food, so he even enjoys it!) and doesn't let his limp get him down. He navigates the cat room with no trouble and behaves just like a normal cat.

If you think you could give Rocky the home he deserves, come on down to visit him. He doesn't want to celebrate an anniversary at the shelter. Instead, why not take him home so he can start a new, happier life?

While here at MHS every animal is loved, some become very special to their caregivers. Often these are the animals that come to us in the worst shape, that need the most extra care. Sometimes the story ends happily for these animals and sometimes it doesn’t. At the beginning of this new year, as we all look forward to the animals we’ll save in the coming months, we can’t help but remember some of our favorites from this past year.

Tag



Tag was just a puppy when he was found emaciated under a porch. While his heart never wavered, his body was just too weak. He passed away after a week of what may have been the most love he had ever been shown. We have written Tag’s story many times and rather than tell it one more time, instead we would like to print this letter from one of Tag’s caregivers.

You were taken from us too soon. Never able to know the true love of a “family”. Tragedy struck so shortly after you came to us. You were loved unconditionally in the short time that we had you; it’s tragic to think the most love you saw only came after you arrived at a shelter. When you walked in the door, our hearts broke for you, like they have for so may. You touched everyone you met, no matter how weak or sick, you would always wag your tail and try to give a kiss. You were the most peaceful laying your head on someone’s chest.

These were the moments that we knew brought you comfort.

Sadly, you came to us too late. What had been done by the people before could not be undone by us, we tried so hard, and you fought as long as you could. Your spirit and bravery are greater than most. No matter how much you hurt, you never let it show. In your last day many tears were shed by everyone you had touched. Your sad eyes, your sweet kisses, your gentle tail wag will forever be in the hearts of all who cared for you. We will never forget what happened to you. We will never forget the life you were robbed. We will never forget all you suffered in the five months of your life. Most importantly, we will never forget you, and we will continue fighting to help as many others as we can. Every time we look into the soft brown eyes of a pit bull, we will see you, and every time we see the smile of a dog, we will see you shining back at us letting us know you overlook all the dogs that come into our care.

You were robbed of so much, but you gave your all. You reminded us why we are here, why we don’t give up and of all the others that need to be saved.

Thank you Tag for everything you showed us in your short time, for everything you had to give up. Thank you for warming our hearts and humbling our souls. You live in our work. We miss you and you will never be forgotten.


Blink



Blink was abandoned at the shelter with a litter of kittens in 2007. Her babies were adopted quickly, leaving her at the shelter to wait for her own forever home. It turned out to be a long wait and, like most long-term residents, became a big favorite among staff and volunteers. Blink could be very sweet, but was also shy and liked to spend her time with the feral cats. We all knew that it would take a very special person to adopt Blink, but also that they would be greatly rewarded for it. Just in time for the holidays this past winter, that special person appeared and now Blink is living in her forever home. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a favorite, but there’s also no happier moment.

Grampy



Grampy was rescued just in time. After almost being hit by a car several times, Grampy was scooped up by a kind person and brought to us. Even though he was 12 years old, Grampy always had a lot of energy, especially if he heard the treats bag. With his teddy bear-like appearance, it was hard to resist falling in love with him. It soon became clear that he needed extensive dental work, but that didn’t bring his spirits down at all and it didn’t scare away the family that adopted him. He is now living happily in his new home and will be going to the dentist very soon.

Alex



Alex had the distinction of having lived at the shelter longer than any other cat, not a prize any animal wants to win. While he was very shy, Alex could be incredibly loving. He enjoyed being talked to and, when his foster mom’s imagination started faltering, he often listened to Sherlock Holmes stories. Alex is a testament to the importance of foster homes. As his illness progressed it became clear that the shelter was too stressful an environment for him. Even though he passed away in the end, having a foster home allowed him to be comfortable and happy for his last few months.

Truffles



Truffles is a little dog with a huge personality. This poor girl came to MHS with skin allergies so severe she would scratch until she bled. She will likely always need some supportive care for her skin, but she’s feeling so much better now and has long since grown her hair back. (And in this cold weather, she needs it!) Now that she isn’t so concentrated on itching all the time, her real personality is starting to come out. She loves to sit on laps and gives kisses and has endless amounts of energy. It was hard not to fall in love with Truffles right from the start, you try resisting a dog who looked as pathetic as she did, and hopefully this year she’ll be well enough to find her own forever home.

Caden and Pasta



Both Caden and Pasta lived difficult lives outdoors before coming to MHS and it resulted in both testing positive for FIV. Caden was brought in with a horrible wound on his neck from being attacked by a dog and Pasta was humanely trapped in a feral colony. Despite their different backgrounds, they got along great. Both proved to be very cuddly and would rub up on people at any opportunity. FIV can be scary to potential adopters, but once you learn the facts it isn’t scary at all. Thankfully for these two big boys, their FIV didn’t scare off their new family. They were adopted together and have settled wonderfully into their new home.

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Imagine having lived in a wonderful, loving home your whole life. You were always friendly with your special people, you weren’t ever a nuisance, and you gave nothing but love and kisses. You used to play and keep your family company, but now you’re getting old and maybe you don’t want to play as much. How would you feel if your family decided they don’t want you anymore, they want a young pet again?

In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, why not consider making the golden years of these homeless cats and dogs just as joyful as their younger years? Give them the love they know they deserve, no matter what their age is.

Verizon



Verizon is the oldest resident of the shelter, at 22-years old. He hasn’t had an easy life and it shows in his face. We don’t know what happened to him before coming to us, but we know how he arrived. Verizon was thrown out of a moving car outside a local business, whose employees brought him to the shelter. He may be old, but he has so much love to give. He likes to climb up on people’s shoulders and go for a ride, all while purring like a freight train. You won’t meet a more affectionate and deserving cat anywhere.

Visit Verizon on Petfinder.


Bailey



Bailey is a senior Chihuahua who just wants to enjoy her golden years. She loves to go for walks, though she isn’t so sure about the rain, and enjoys rolling around in the grass. She also likes napping in her bed and cuddling into soft blankets. Bailey does need eye ointment, because she doesn’t produce tears, but that’s no trouble at all. Isn’t such a lovely and sweet dog worth it?

See Bailey on Petfinder here.

Sebastian



Sebastian is practically a baby compared to Verizon at only 12-years old. This guy doesn’t feel his age at all and doesn’t understand all the fuss about getting old. He can be awfully cuddly when he’s in the mood, but he’s an independent guy and mostly wants to do his own thing. A lot of the time ‘his own thing’ is napping in the sunny spot and trying to mooch food off anyone nearby, but at his age if he wants to be a little lazy or quirky it seems unfair to deny him. Sebastian can be a little grumpy sometimes, but if he were the only cat in the house that would make him a whole lot less grouchy.

Visit Sebastian on Petfinder here.

Herbie



Herbie is a sweet senior Beagle. His favorite part of the day is when he gets to go out for his walk. He is older, so he doesn’t want to go climbing mountains, but he’s no couch potato either. He just loves the fresh air and getting to sniff around at everything. He also loves his toys and treats, but he doesn’t like to share them very much. Since he’s such a laid-back dog, he would make a great companion for someone looking for a friend with a little less energy.

Visit Herbie on Petfinder here.

The Neediest

One of our favorite things to hear when someone comes to look at the animals is 'Who needs a home most?'. We love the meaning behind the question, that someone really cares which animals need them the most, rather than which are the prettiest, youngest, and most playful. And the answer to that question right now is, without a doubt, Alex.



Alex has the distinction of having lived at the shelter for longer than any other animal. He's been homeless for five years now, which makes him very sad. I can actually tell you exactly what it's like to live with this cat, because I do live with him. He's my foster, because after five years I couldn't stand to see him at the shelter any more.

He can be exceptionally frustrating and he isn't the cat for everyone. He's very shy when he's given free reign of a room, but is a massive sweetheart when he's crated. He loves to be brushed, he loves to chase moths, he loves to chow down on his wet food. For a cat as timid as he is, it's something big for him to perk his ears up and stay out in the open when you enter the room. It's something big for him to ask for attention, even if you are holding a plate of wet food. He might not be comfortable showing affection the way most cats do, but he is a good cat. He still has love to give.

He needs to be on a prescription diet to control diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease. He also needs (right now) twice weekly injections of B12, which are very easy to do and he puts up no fuss, and periodic steroid injections to control gum disease. He'll probably need a full dental cleaning and some tooth extractions in the future.

Loving an animal as simply pathetic as Alex is is never difficult, but he needs just the right home. He needs someone who is going to love him and stand by him no matter what messes he's made or what medical care he needs. He might be too nervous most of the time to show his appreciated physically, but it's not hard to tell that he really does care and love you in return.

If you think you might be the special person who has it in them to love this cat, please contact MHS or email h.gregory@live.com for more information.