I know there's a purpose for removing the claws of a cat. I understand the concept completely. But do people really know how it affects a cat's life?
The claws of a cat serve a purpose in their lives and for us as humans to remove goes completely against nature. I think it's cruel and unusual punishment for various reasons. I will tell you that I did have a cat that I removed her claws and I have always regretted it. Owning a cat isn't about having him adapt his life for you, it's about you making the necessary changes for adapting your life for him. It's easier for you to change then expect a cat to change what nature has instilled in him. If you can't handle a cat the way they are then maybe you shouldn't own one.
Declawing Your Cat Mother Nature provided claws for the cat species for a reason. Cats use them to climb trees or fences. They are a descendant of a predatory animal and therefore enjoy being perched up high to see the activity on the ground. Cats also use their claws for defense purposes when they need to get away from an over-zealous dog or other type of animal and because cats are very clean and tidy animals; they use their claws after eliminating to cover up their excrement with dirt.
Cats will use their claws as a means to mark their territory. When they scratch a surface, the glands that sit right behind the claws excrete a liquid and transfer onto that particular object letting other cats know that he was there. It's a message to other felines letting them know that they are dominating and in charge of that area. It's simply a natural instinct for cats to perform this ritualistic characteristic. Without their claws, it's simply impossible to do.
Declawing Your Cat The really sad part of de-clawing your cat is the fact that even without their claws; they will still instinctively go through the motions of sharpening their claws even when there is nothing there to sharpen. It's heartbreaking to watch and I will personally never do that to another cat again. It goes completely against nature and could be detrimental to your cat if he ever slipped outside from his protective shell of your home. Think about that the next time you get a notion of removing your cat's claws for your convenience. I believe you'll think twice before doing doing it.
