Cat Scratching An Issue? Here's Some Solutions

Vet's advice on overcoming cat scratching problems, declawing issue for cat owners

Cat Declawing An Issue? Here's Some Solutions

The Right Scratching Post and Training, Soft Vinyl Nail Caps Are Alternatives to
Cat Scratching Problems, Declawing Dilemma

   (Phoenix, Ariz.) ? With the sofa shredded and the drapes in tatters, most owners of indoor cats begin to agonize over the issue of declawing their feline. Conscientious owners
and animal rights organizations have long opposed declawing as unnatural and inhumane.

   "Recognize cat scratching is a natural behavior and unavoidable," advises veterinarian Dr. Christianne Schelling. "There are ways to provide for this eventuality and train the cat."

        A strong opponent of declawing, she urges owners to keep kitty's nails trimmed properly and to provide a tall enough sisal or rug-wrapped scratching post and train kitty to use it. She has put up two web sites to educate owners on the declawing issue: www.declawing.org and the more detailed advice at www.catscratching.org.

   As an alternative, Dr. Schelling recommends Soft Claws, a set of natural colored, soft vinyl nail caps easily applied to the cat's nail to mute the ravages of cat scratching on home furnishings. Invented by Louisiana veterinarian Dr. Toby Wexler and available through vets' offices for a decade, Soft Claws now can be purchased directly at Petco stores, pet supply shops, or ordered online at www.softclaws.com which also supplies a size chart and application instructions.

   The home application Soft Claws kit comes in four sizes: kitten, small, medium and large, with 40 nail caps, a non-toxic, quick-drying adhesive to hold the caps in place, and an instruction sheet. Suggested retail price is $21.99.    

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Editor's Note: Downloadable photos at www.softclaws.com/downloadimages/html
   For cat scratching behavior questions, contact Dr. Schelling, phone 800-989-2542; email: vet@cathealth.com