Cat declawing has been a contentious issue for decades, with debates on both sides of the debate. On the one hand, it is said that declawing is necessary for the safety of humans and other pets in the household, particularly for people who have allergies and for those with a weakened immune system. On the other hand, it is said that declawing is a cruel and inhumane act that can cause lifelong pain and discomfort for cats.
Despite the ongoing debates, declawing cats has a number of non-financial benefits. These benefits can be seen in the short- and long-term, and include improved human-cat relationships, better sanitation, reduced stress levels, and reduced injury risk.
Declawing can improve the human-cat relationship in the long run by reducing the chance of scratching and bites. Cats scratch and bite when they feel threatened or uncomfortable, and this can be a source of stress for both the cat and its owner. The chance of injury is reduced by removing the cat’s claws, which will result in a stronger bond between the cat and its owner. Declawing can also improve sanitation by reducing the likelihood of introducing bacteria and other viruses into the home. When cats scratch furniture and other objects, they can spread germs through their claws, posing a health risk to humans. The danger of spreading germs is minimized by declawing the cat!
Declawing can reduce cat stress levels on the long-term. Cats are often under psychological strain when their claws are not groomed, as they are unable to defend themselves and can be vulnerable in certain situations. The cat is no longer vulnerable to injury and can be more in tune with its environment by declawing. In addition, declawing can reduce the likelihood of injury for cats. Cats with claws are more likely to get into fights or be assaulted by other animals, which can result in serious injury or death. Cats are less likely to get into fights by declawing, and therefore have a reduced chance of injury.
Overall, declawing cats has many non-financial benefits, both in the short- and long-term. Although the decision to declaw a cat should be taken with care, the resulting benefits should not be ignored. Declawing can improve the human-cat relationship, reduce the chance of spreading germs, and reduce the chances of injury for cats. Declawing can, in the end, be a significant step toward ensuring the health and safety of both cats and humans.