|
Some years ago, when doing animal rescue and adoptions, I frequently received calls from people seeking help or advice with a cat or dog problem.
.
One of the more common calls would concern a cat suddenly not using his/her litter box.
.
My first question to such callers was, "Is your cat declawed?"
.
The reason for the question (which was usually answered in the affirmative) is because the paws of declawed cats can become especially sensitive to and irritated by cat litter, causing the cat to abandon his/her normal litter box habits. Additionally, there may also be emotional components to the change in behavior, especially following trauma and/or change in environment or physical wellness.
.
Not all declawed cats "react" to declawing so adversely as to abandon their litter boxes. Some cats have little long term affects at all. But, there can be little doubt that the amputation of the last bone in each toe of a cat is painful, harsh, extreme and in most cases, unnecessary.
.
The bottom line is that declawing a cat is a crap shoot at best. There is no way to predict how an individual cat will react to the procedure. If problems such as litter box adversity or other behavioral issues emerge, there is no sure fire way to solve them and of course, declawing itself cannot be reversed.
.
When doing cat adoptions, I always discussed these issues with potential adopters. But, I did not put a "no declawing" clause in adoption contracts nor necessarily refuse an adoption if informed of adopters' intentions to do this. Rather, I attempted as best as possible to educate and deter.
.
One particular case comes to mind of a lovely, older couple wanting to adopt a cat, but with full intentions to declaw.
.
The couple lived in a sprawling Fifth Avenue apartment with exquisite, antique furniture that appeared museum worthy. It was not surprising that the couple had "concerns" over what a cat's claws might do to such pricy valuables.
.
But, instead of refusing adoption to people who otherwise loved cats and would represent an excellent home, I instructed them on the proper cat scratching posts to purchase, as well as how to attract the cat to them.
.
As matters turned out, the couple followed all the advice, adopted a pretty, Calico cat named Tippy, never declawed her and cherished her for many years.
.
Moral of the story, better to educate than to apply rigid, "all or nothing" rules -- or laws.
.
Recently, New York City Assemblywoman, Linda Rosenthal introduced a bill in the state legislation that would ban declawing of all cats in NY with the exception of medical necessity. (Am guessing the latter to refer to people with immune system issues for whom a potential cat scratch could signify a medical crisis.)
.
.
While such bill is welcomed by most Animal Rights proponents, it represents another issue to have serious reservations about.
.
Though obviously and personally opposed to declawing, one also has to consider the reality that the fewer homes available to cats, the more cats will ultimately die.
.
Currently, far more healthy, adoptable cats are killed in shelters nationwide than dogs.
.
Anything that closes off potential and otherwise good homes for cats must be considered ultimately detrimental to both, the species and the individuals.
.
Some of course might argue that it is better for a cat to be dead than"forced" to undergo painful and life altering surgery. But, if one really thinks about it, spay/neuter is also life altering surgery, though virtually all animal advocates support it. The thinking (correctly) in that case is that it is better to have cats neutered than to kill them en masse in shelters due to overpopulation and lack of homes.
.
But, cats are being killed in shelters en masse right now due to their numbers outranking available and responsible homes.
.
So, does further restriction on acceptable homes help to alleviate this grim and regrettable situation?
.
Obviously, not.
.
Another unfortunate reality impacting available homes for cats is the fact many apartment buildings now either ban the keeping of pets outright or place restrictions on them -- my building for example.
.
New renters are not allowed dogs in my building and can only have declawed cats as proved and agreed to in the lease. (The rule doesn't impact me as a long time tenant.) I trust this is not the only building in NYC with such restrictive policy.
.
Thus, if the bill to ban declawing becomes law, even these potential homes to cats will be lost.
.
In summation and to repeat: It is nearly always preferable to educate rather than legislate as one cannot always see the nuances and overall consequences of rigid, abitrary legislation. In my personal view, it is better for a cat to be declawed and in an otherwise loving and committed home than to be dead.
.
Most (but not all) animals are amazingly adaptable to life's challenges and hardships, no matter how unfair they otherwise be. -- PCA
.
.
.
***********
No comments:
Post a Comment