In the eyes of many people, removing a cat's paw may seem like a simple surgical option, but the impact it brings far exceeds our imagination. This surgery not only involves financial investment, but also concerns the physical and mental health of cats, which is why 22 countries around the world have explicitly prohibited this practice.
Firstly, we need to clarify that claw removal surgery is not necessary, it is more of a selective procedure. However, this choice may pose serious health risks to cats. During the surgical process, if not handled properly, the postoperative wound is highly susceptible to infection. Especially when cats try to engage in daily activities, such as cleaning themselves or moving around in a litter box, they may cause secondary injury to the wound.
Imagine how your life would become if you lost all your toes? Walking can become difficult, maintaining balance can become extremely challenging, and even some daily activities such as driving and cycling can become unattainable. And cats will also face similar difficulties after undergoing claw removal surgery. They not only need to endure painful wounds on each toe, but also spend a lot of time relearning how to walk correctly and find balance while exploring the world.
More importantly, claw removal surgery not only deprives cats of a crucial functional body part, but also deprives them of the most effective way to cope with stress - scratching. For cats, scratching is not only their nature, but also an important way for them to relieve stress and express emotions. If we deprive cats of their innate stress relieving tools, they may become anxious, depressed, and even aggressive.
Even worse, some cat owners choose to claw their cats in order to prevent their bad behavior, such as scratching furniture. However, this approach often backfires. Cats that have lost their self-protection weapons after claw removal are more likely to become aggressive and may even defecate outside the litter box, seeking other (sometimes worse) ways to cope with stress and chronic pain.
Therefore, we call on all cat owners to respect the nature of cats and not choose to claw them for temporary convenience. On the contrary, we should accompany and care for them, provide them with sufficient hiding places and entertainment facilities, and help them grow up healthy and happy.
