The Message in the Movie Bolt
Reasons Why Not to Declaw a Cat
I loved this movie. It had drama. It had laughter. It had adventure. It had silliness. It had tender moments. It had truth.
But most of all... it conveyed a message.
Mittens is your ordinary tuxedo cat fending for herself in the big bad outside world.
She comes off as tough as nails... come on... tough as nails typically means someone has been hurt.
During one emotional part of the movie Mittens admits that her "people" declawed her and then left her behind outside as they moved away. She felt utterly alone, defenseless, and betrayed.
I cried so hard over that part. I am in rescue... have been for six years. In these last six years, seventy percent of all the kitties that come into rescue do so because of behavioral problems stemmed from declawing.
Cats can develop litter box issues should they be declawed. Why? Because the first "knuckle" of their toes has been amputated. They can no longer feel the litter as well. The little granules can actually remain lodged around the surgical site, creating an infection or just an irksome bother. Either way, cats can begin to display their frustration and discomfort by urinating outside the litter box. Once that behavior is initiated, it is very difficult to correct.
Cats are defensive based animals. To declaw them is to take away their first line of protecting themselves. Moreover, should you have more than one cat to a litter box, problems can stem from one of them 'startling' the other when in the only litter box. Cats are smaller than us and have the sense to need to defend themselves. Not to instinctively go out and attack someone.
The vast majority of all cats "dumped" at animal shelters are due to litter box issues, to be followed by the second top reason... relocation.
Please watch this movie before you decide to declaw. Do some research. Cats can be taught to use a scratching post. Cats can be taught to not scratch on your furniture. Cats instinctively know how to use a litter box. To take that instinct away because of creature comfort for you, and not them?
Declawing harms a cat on a psychological level that many people are simply not aware of. After reading this and watching Bolt, you can claim that you have been informed, that you are aware.
Trimming a cat's claw is not as difficult as one might think. I prefer the human toenail clippers to the one manufactured for pets, though. It does make it easier. A cat's claws only need trimming once every other week or so. It can take less than two minutes. In addition, it costs ninety- nine cents for the toenail clippers; as opposed to the two hundred dollar declaw surgery. Less residual problems will occur and you cat will be happier.
Have a heart and donate to your local animal shelter today. Encourage friends and family not to declaw.
Published by Lori Piper
Co- Director of South Texas Persian Rescue and all around animal lover. View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentGreat Bolt movie review, Lori! (^;^) Many appreciative cats will likely be meowing, "thank you." My 2 adopted strays have all their claws still intact, and I have the scratched up furniture to prove it. I can't even imagine declawing a cat and then leaving them defenseless outdoors. How cruel and heartless!
I've never believed in declawing. Had a cat, several years ago, that I considered getting declawed, but was told by the vet about all the amputations they had to perform. Because of infections stemming from being declawed. She also asked me, "Does he EVER get outside, even when you're trying to keep him as an indoor cat?" Well, yes, he did. "Then don't take away his first line of defense!" I was glad, later, I made the decision not to declaw him! Many times, when we moved, he'd get lost and we'd have to go back and find him. He showed signs of having been in fights. So, no. I don't believe in declawing cats. Yes, they can be trained NOT to claw your furniture. Water spray bottles are my chosen method. And that works.
Excellent article...When I did have cats, I never declawed them...I agree...it is one of the worst things you can do to a cat.
Why we humans are constantly trying to "improve" on nature is beyond my comprehension. Cats and other creatures should be free to live their lives the way nature intended.
Big eye-opener!
I never understood why people have their cats de-clawed, barbaric.
I never knew about this, great job!