De-clawing cats is a controversial topic. There are people on both sides of the issue that have valid points of view and feel very strongly that they are right and the other side wrong. To each his own. However, we feel like there some animal rights activists and organizations that go overboard in their zeal against de-clawing. Some of these organizations are trying to portray de-clawing as a shameful practice. We feel this is incorrect.

On the other hand, there are people at the other end of the spectrum that advocate de-clawing of any and all cats. This too, we feel, is incorrect.

Callfield Companion Animal Clinic is not a promoter of de-clawing cats. However, we feel that if the procedure is properly performed, under the right circumstances, it is not inhumane. If we thought that the practice of de-clawing cats was inhumane in any way, we would be against it, just like we are against ear trimming for dogs.

Callfield Companion Animal Clinic is not in the business of inflicting pain for financial profit.

Some of our clients choose to have their cats de-clawed. Others do not. We feel like it is up to the individual cat owner to determine whether or not to have his or her cat de-clawed. We do not believe that de-clawing should be outlawed or restricted.

It is our opinion that if properly performed, under the right circumstances, de-clawing has no negative effects past the healing period of 10 to 14 days. In fact, our biggest problem post-operatively is that these cats are often too active and playful during their recuperative period.

We do however, believe there are circumstances under which proper judgement should be used and cats should not be de-clawed: outdoor cats should not be de-clawed; overweight cats should not be de-clawed; cats over a year of age should not be de-clawed; and the hind feet of cats should not be de-clawed.

We also strongly believe that cats should not be de-clawed with any instrument except a laser. In addition, all de-clawed cats should have post-operative narcotic pain medication, such as buprinex, for a few days. Non-clay litter, like Yesterday's News, should be used for 2 weeks post-operatively.

If you are considering having your cat de-clawed we would recommend you research the topic carefully and decide what is the right decision for you and your cat. Please ignore the extreme views on both ends of the spectrum.