:: Monella Persians - Declawing / Maiming A Cat

Declawing / Maiming A Cat For Life

Connie Gauci de Brincat B.A. (Hons.) Philosophy

The horrifying pictures of animal suffering shows the ugly side of some "human beings." An other barbaric act and one which I feel very strongly about is the declawing of cats. Although many people consider the operation to be extremely cruel this atrocious act is still carried on the island although it is banned in most other countries.

It is still possible, In Malta, for an owner who objects to a cat clawing and damaging furniture to have the cat declawed. Declawing is not to be confused with the simple and straightforward procedure of clipping the claws, which any owner can perform if necessary. Declawing is a surgical procedure performed by the vet in which the claws are completely removed. In most cases, I have been told, it is only the front paws that are declawed, since these are said to be the most damaging.

It is significant that the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in Britain, The Cat Fanciers' Association of America, FIFe and most other cat fancy associations and similar organizations in most other countries ban declawed cats from shows, generally in both pedigree and household pet classes. This has not been the case in Malta where declawed cats have been shown in cat exhibitions, not to be confused with championship shows. I had objected vehemently against these exhibition shows. They should never have taken place. People who promote such exhibitions are not for the feline cause. These beautiful animals are not a circus act. These cat exhibitions are promoting declawing by showing these brutalised animals.

I had asked for the clause "animal rights" to be included in the Statute of a club I used to belong to. Animal Rights had not become the buzz term that it has become now. I am being consistent in my beliefs against the inhumane treatment of animals. The aim of animal welfare clubs is to teach, to foster love among animals. Making money is not the end of everything. Principles should be strongly adhered to. If declawing is a barbaric act, it should be banned, end of story.

Many people, including the great majority of the veterinary profession in the United Kingdom, feel that, although declawing is convenient for the owner, it is cruel and unnatural for the cat. Imagine for just one moment that a member of the medical profession, surgical removes one's nails. Imagine the pain and torture, one has to endure and keep on enduring. One is mutiliated for life and so is the poor cat.

Most Vets in Malta object to declawing, however you still find that some vets still offer this service or should I say “disservice”. Their excuse is that it is better for a member of the veterinary profession to do it that some back street hack. This does not impress me. It is an excuse. The lure of money is too important for some people. It is a costly operation.

Declawing is permanent, it inevitably affects, to a greater of lesser degree, the cat's ability to climb and defend itself.

Apart from possible psychological effects, physical complications can follow the operation. If the whole of the claws, including the germinal cells from which they grow, are not completely removed, misshapen claws can regrow. Post operation infection can occur. But most important of all the cat is maimed for life.

When one intends to adopt a cat one should carefully weigh all the pros and cons, a cat is a live animal not a cute toy. Having an animal as your feline friend in the home with you is a great responsibility. The abuse of animals in the "safe environment" of the home should stop.