Can Cats Lick Their Paws After Declawing? Understanding the Risks

Introduction to Declawing and Its Impact on Cats

Declawing, also known as onychectomy, is a surgical procedure where a cat's last toe bone, including the claw, is removed. Unfortunately, it remains a controversial topic among animal lovers and veterinarians. If you’re considering this procedure, it’s crucial to understand the risks and alternatives.

One natural behavior post-declawing is paw-licking. While it’s normal for a cat to clean itself, excessive licking can indicate pain, discomfort, or even infection.

Cats Licking Their Paws After Declawing: A Natural Instinct?

After undergoing the procedure, a cat’s paws can become sensitive and sore. They may instinctively clean these tender areas. However, if your cat continues to lick its paws excessively, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

While paw-licking is a natural behavior for cats, for those who have undergone declawing, it might be more intense due to the surgery. Excessive licking can lead to further complications, such as infections or skin irritations.

Signs of Pain or Discomfort in Declawed Cats

Here are some signs that may indicate your declawed cat is in pain or discomfort:

Abnormal posturing or avoiding certain surfaces or activities Difficulty or reluctance to jump or climb Excessive grooming, especially the paws Changes in behavior, including irritability or depression

These signs should prompt you to consult your veterinarian for advice and ensure proper care is being provided.

Why You Should Never Declaw a Cat

Declawing is a cruel and painful procedure that removes a cat’s ability to protect itself, climb, or hunt. The procedure is equivalent to cutting a human finger off at the first joint. It is not only inhumane but also unnecessary in most cases.

Despite being performed to protect furniture, declawing goes against the well-being and natural instincts of your pet. In many states, it is illegal due to its severity and the risk it poses to the cat’s physical and emotional health.

Alternatives to Declawing

If you love your furniture more than your cat’s well-being, consider other, less drastic options. Here are some alternatives to declawing:

Nail Trimming: Regularly trimming your cat’s nails can prevent damage to furniture and decrease the need for declawing. It’s easy to do and doesn’t cause significant pain to the cat. Cat Nail Caps: These are small, plastic caps that can be glued onto the cat’s claws. They last several months and are an effective alternative to declawing. Scratching Posts: Providing your cat with suitable scratching posts can encourage them to scratch rather than damaging furniture. Make sure the posts are interesting and inviting. Behavioral Training: Training your cat can help redirect their scratching behavior. Positive reinforcement and play can be effective methods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cats may lick their paws after declawing as part of their natural grooming behavior, monitoring for signs of distress or pain is essential. It is crucial to understand the risks and consider alternatives to declawing. Prioritizing your cat's health and well-being is far more important than protecting furniture.

Key Takeaways

Excessive paw-licking post-declawing may indicate pain or discomfort. Signs of distress include changes in behavior and difficulty with normal activities. Alternatives to declawing include regular nail trims, nail caps, scratching posts, and behavioral training.

Declawing is a practice that should be avoided in favor of safer and more humane alternatives.