Problem scratching & clawing can be treated either by behavior or surgical means. Behavioral modification techniques include providing a natural and desirable scratching post, preferably from the time of kittenhood. Simple posts may be made of securely supported soft logs. Of the commercial scratching posts, ones made from "sisal" seem to be preferred by many cats.

     Since many cats claw soon after awakening, the post(s) should be placed close to the cat’s sleeping area. Toys and catnip may be used initially to attract the cat. Food rewards may also be used.

     If a cat has already started to claw inappropriate surfaces, some form of discouragement must be used. Loud noises and/or water sprayed at the cat are effective only when the owner is present. Double-sided cellophane tape is an easily applied deterrent. Once the cat is using the scratching post instead of the furniture/drapes/walls, the cellophane tape can be gradually removed.

     Efforts should be made to make the scratching post more desirable than the furniture. If you are considering reupholstering, a tightly woven or smooth fabric should be chosen. The old clawed fabric can then be used to cover the scratching post.

     Surgical Declawing is a humane alternative to the behavioral modification described above. Recent studies (by veterinary colleges) have shown that declawing did not result in adverse behavioral effects and successfully satisfied owner’s expectations. In addition, cats that had a front declaw performed continued to go outdoors without any unusual problems. Owners claimed that their cats continued to hunt, climb, and defend themselves without much difficulty after being declawed on the front feet.

     The studies also indicated that declawed cats were no more likely to bite and did not have any more inappropriate elimination problems than "clawed" cats. Statistically, medical complications due to declawing are minimal, especially if the surgery is performed when the cat is three to four months of age; however, the surgery can be successfully conducted on even Senior Citizen cats as old as eleven or twelve years of age. Our surgeon, Dr. Stan Carlin, says that "with the proper surgical technique, a surgically declawed kitten/cat should never be lame or in discomfort."

     Surgical declawing is performed under general anesthesia. At this hospital, the bandages are removed the day following surgery, the feet are inspected, and then the cat is released from the hospital the following day. This ensures that the cat spends at least 48 hours on comfortable padded towels after the surgery. Additionally, we recommend that shredded newspaper (or newspaper pellets) be used in the litter box (instead of gravel) for the first two days at home.

     In view of the results of the veterinary college studies, "Yes, surgical declawing should be considered an effective and safe treatment for a clawing problem that has not responded to a behavior modification program."

     And, we promise your cat a Gentle Surgical Recovery; plus, we promise you 100% Satisfaction, Guaranteed!

     Please call the CAT CLINIC of Conway for our surgery schedule: 501-328-3344;  And...

Now:  the Right Way & 

                    the Wrong Ways

                           to Declaw a Cat:

     Please Go To:     

the Anatomy of Good & Bad Declaw Surgery (CLICK HERE)

Thank You!

Dr. Stan Carlin

Cat Clinic of Conway

2113 Prince St.

Conway, AR 72034

StanCarlinDVM@CatClinicofConway.com