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When it comes to the sphynx breed and their high-intensity active lifestyle I can see why owners would look into declawing but is this the right thing to do? Let’s take a look.
Sphynx cats just like all other cats have the tendency to be destructive, however, declawing is not recommended. While they are mischievous and destructive to an extent, declawing is inhumane and cruel. There are other ways to deal with scratching and the potential destructive behavior of the breed.
Declawing is a very controversial topic, some people recommend it while others are totally against it.
It’s important to understand that sphynx cats are animals and they have certain traits and needs that must be catered for in order for them to thrive indoors.
Over the years humans have made cats their pets and they have adapted to the indoor lifestyle.
However certain things don’t change such as the need for scratching irrespective of how domesticated they are.
Declawing is basically removing a part of the cat’s natural formation to solve a problem we humans created.
If cats weren’t domesticated they would be no need for declawing since claws are needed for cats to thrive in the wild.
By no means am I discrediting humans from having pets, I’m simply stating that it’s unfair to change an animal’s natural feature for our benefit.
Physically removing a cat’s body part to fit into our lifestyle is actually doing more harm than good. It’s unnecessary, expensive, and painful for the cat to endure. However, there are some owners who choose to declaw.
Ultimately the choice is yours as their owners, you should have their best interests at heart.
Risks Associated With Declawing.
Many people think declawing is a simple procedure of shaving down a cat’s claws, but the truth is that the process of declawing is far more intricate and painful than you think.
While you might be unfamiliar with the term “declawing,” you’ve probably heard of it before.
It’s when a veterinarian removes all of a cat’s toes on its front feet, leaving it with only the claws on its rear feet.
This can be done for medical reasons (e.g., an infected nail that needs to be removed), but it’s also often done electively—as in this case when a cat owner decides they want their pet to no longer be able to scratch furniture or climb curtains.
The procedure itself is considered surgery and is done under general anesthesia in most cases, though some veterinarians will perform the procedure while your pet is awake.
It comes with many risks, pros, and cons which must be considered before you decide. This is a life-altering procedure that can negatively affect your cat’s life in the long run.
Some of the potential risks of declawing include
- Allergic reactions to the anesthesia.
- Pain and Infection.
- Damage to the throat from a breathing tube.
- Nerve damage.
- Long-term effects such as anxiety, stress, and even depression.
- Lameness.
- Tissue necrosis.
Declawing Pros, And Cons.
PROS
1. No scratching of furniture, carpets, or superficial injuries to worry about. Let’s just say your couch will last a few more years longer.
2. No more climbing on countertops and curtains. We know that the sphynx breed is very active and is basically a jumping machine. This will help prevent certain mischievous behavior.
3. Your cat can live anywhere without the fear of causing destruction.
CONS
1. Invasive process causing unnecessary pain.
2. May result in behavioral changes.
3. Regarding the sphynx breed, some say that declawing may disrupt their body temperature.
4. Risk of infection and complications.
5. May cause health issues such as arthritis.
6. Illegal in some states, make sure you do your research if you decide on having this procedure done.
7. Of course, the possibility of death as with any surgery.
Non-invasive Ways Of Preventing Destructiveness.
Some people see declawing as an easy way to keep their cat from scratching.
Most owners are against declawing due to its invasiveness and unnecessary pain and risks that it causes.
Such owners have found other ways of allowing their cats to scratch in a more acceptable way, in which the destruction of furniture is prevented.
1. We know that the sphynx breed is very active and mischievous and they can be destructive.
Getting a scratch post or a tree for them to acceptably scratch prevents damage to furniture and household belongings.
2. Some owners also found that placing the double-sided scratch tape on the sides of furniture prevented damage.
3. Couch covers protective wear, and certain restrictions are also utilized by many to prevent destruction.
4. Make sure their claws are trimmed and filed smoothly, which can be done safely in the comfort of your own home with the Pawcontrol pet grinder kit.
Other ways of preventing destructive scratching involve positive reinforcement, by discouraging unwanted behavior and rewarding good behavior.
Controlling A Sphynx Cat’s Destructiveness.
While all cats have a destructive, scratching nature it’s evident that the playful and more active breeds like the sphynx are more prone to causing destruction.
The Sphynx cat is a very socially demanding breed and they do require supervision and training to ensure they obtain routine and certain desirable lifestyle habits.
Controlling destructiveness in sphynx cats actually starts from the time they are kittens. They require consistent supervision, guidance, and correction.
It’s normal for sphynx kittens to be destructive and uncontrolled but they can not take these habits into adulthood.
Good discipline and boundaries must be established to make sure the transition from kitten to adult is successful.
Certain characteristics in their overall disposition must be nurtured from the time they are kittens so it will be easier to train and set parameters.
Untrained adult sphynx cats are very difficult to handle as they can be demanding and mischievous and very troublesome to train.
Ways to control destructive behavior include,
1. Accepting Their Natural Urges.
This involves the understanding that it’s natural for them to scratch and instead of preventing it, rather allow it in an acceptable way. For example, get a scratch post, cat trees, etc.
Remember that sphynx cats are taller and great climbers, they need a vertical post like the Ultimate Scratching Post. Which is big enough for them.
2. Spending Quality Time.
Because the sphynx breed is so socially demanding a lack of mental and physical stimulation can cause a host of behavioral issues to occur.
This can lead to destruction and several unwanted behaviors.
3. Do Not Punish.
Sometimes it’s so easy to shout and yell in hopes of deterring them, but this can actually cause more harm than good.
Any sort of punishment physical or verbal can cause them to resent you, making them more stubborn and arrogant which will just worsen the situation.
4. Positive Reinforcement.
Rewarding good behavior is a great way of encouraging desired actions. When you reward your sphynx for doing something right or obeying a certain instruction, they correlate that action with the reward. Over time this becomes a habit.
5. Distraction.
Distraction is a great tactic especially for the sphynx breed since they love playing and interacting. The right toys can keep them occupied and distracted for hours.
They thrive on interactive toys, not just any boring toy. Toys like Automatic cat mouse
6. Keep Them Happy.
Happy cats are well-behaved, at least to a certain extent. Keeping your sphynx healthy, nourished, and mentally stimulated is the perfect way to deter unwanted behaviors and tendencies.
Conclusion.
Personally, I find declawing very invasive and I wouldn’t want my pet to undergo such pain and suffering for something I can find other solutions for.
Ultimately it’s the owner’s decision whether they want to declaw or not. Make sure you understand the risks, pros, and cons in order to make the right decision for the well-being of your sphynx.
