Can You Declaw A Maine Coon Cat?

Declawing a Maine coon is a controversial topic. Declawing Maine Coons, or onychectomy, is the surgical removal of an animal’s claws by amputating the end bones ( phalanges ) of their toes and feet. Declawed cats walk abnormally because they no longer have intact digits to support their weight with when walking naturally.

Why Do Maine Coons Need Claws?

Maine Coon Cats utilize them for hunting and self-defense.

They can dig holes with them, climb trees with them, hold surfaces securely, and even groom themselves with them.

Cats employ specific muscles while scratching anything.

They scratch to demarcate their territory and release a scent that only cats can detect. Scratching also helps the outer layers of their nails shed, allowing them to grow.

Pros and Cons of Declawing Maine Coon Cats

Pros

Declawing Maine Coon cats, according to some, provides the following advantages:

For persons who have a weakened immune system
When the cat has a major wound or a tumor in one of its claws

Cons

Declawing a Maine Coon cat is not the same as getting a manicure. It is a difficult and unpleasant procedure. The cat will require general anesthetics and will be at risk for a variety of problems, including bleeding. After the procedure, cats are in excruciating agony and require medications. This suffering will last for a long time.

When a cat is declawed, the following issues arise:

Every time it sits up or walks, it is in agony.
When it gets outside, it is unable to hunt or protect itself.
It is no longer able to carry out its normal functions.
It alters its general behavior.

Should I declaw my cat?

Declawing cats is sometimes misunderstood as a harmless “quick cure” for unwanted scratching. They don’t become aware that declawing a cat makes it less likely for it to use the litter box or bite. Declawing, on the other hand, is not recommended by infectious disease specialists.

Is it really cruel to declaw a cat?

The nails may grow back within the paw after surgery, causing excruciating discomfort to the cat’s guardian. Declawing cats is cruel and of no value to cats, according to many sympathetic doctors, even in regions where the surgery is permitted. It also breaches veterinarians’ oath to “do no harm.”

How much does it cost to declaw a cat in Maine?

Declawing a cat using one of the two most frequent traditional procedures can cost anywhere from $140 to $500 for the front two paws, depending on the veterinarian, the cat’s age, and the operation utilized.

Is it illegal to declaw a cat in Maine?

Although no similar legislation has been introduced in Maine this year, declawing cats has become illegal in the state of New York, as well as an increasing number of towns and nations. Using the litter box can be uncomfortable for some declawed cats, encouraging them to pee elsewhere in the house.

Do Maine Coon cats claw furniture?

Maine Coons use scratching as one of their methods of identifying their territory. They have a proclivity for scratching furniture in trying to blend their fragrance with their owners’. Maine Coons may scratch items as a reaction to boredom caused by a lack of exercise and playing time.

Is it OK to declaw an indoor cat?

Declawed cats should be kept firmly indoors since they can no longer defend themselves or climb to escape a possible predator. Declaring a state of emergency may not be enough to prevent harmful behavior.

Are declawed cats always in pain?

The cat will be in agony immediately after being declawed. Medications will be prescribed by veterinarians to manage the discomfort in the short term. Bleeding, edema and infection are also possible. According to one research, 42% of declawed cats have long-term discomfort, and around a quarter of declawed cats hobble.

What can You do instead of declawing your cat?

With that in mind, we’ve come up with three options for declawing your cat.

Keep an eye out for appealing surfaces. Many cat owners choose a deterrent-oriented strategy.
Consider using vinyl nail caps. A veterinarian created Soft PawsTM nail covers that function as sheaths over your pet’s claws.
Make clipping your nails a habit.

How can You help Your cats claws without declawing?

Declawing Your Cat: Alternatives

Purchase scratching posts. There are also a number of scratching posts.
Keep Your Cat Away from Your Favorite Foods. Prevent your cat from accessing the locations where he has been scratching in an unacceptable manner.
Your cat’s nails should be trimmed.
Make use of nail covers.
Your Cat Should Be Trained.

Do cat nail caps work?

Are cat claw covers effective in preventing scratching? No. It just dulls their claws, preventing them from doing any significant damage. However, many users on the internet claim that nail caps are harsh, “appear to be mutilation,” and are generally unattractive.

Do vets declaw cats anymore?

Declawing is illegal in many industrialized nations, but not in the United States or the majority of Canada. Many American veterinary societies, on the other hand, reject declawing unless as a last option. Try training your cat first before deciding to declaw it.

How long do cat claw covers last?

The easy-to-apply caps will last for 4-6 weeks and will not affect your pet’s regular behavior. If consumed, non-toxic nail caps are safe. 40 nail caps, glue, 6 applicator tips, and instructions are included in the feline take-home package. Trim the tips of the cat’s nails before applying.

How do you keep a cat’s claws dull?

Trimmers that are too sharp or of low quality can split and crush the nail. You may just file or use a pumice stone to remove the tips if the nails aren’t that long but are sharp. In the United States, it is usual to use a Dremel to burr down the nails, which is a more gradual and safer alternative than trimming.

Also Read: Why do Some Cats Have an M On Their Foreheads?

What states is it legal to declaw a cat?

Several states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, have introduced cat declawing bills that are presently being evaluated. Similar legislation is expected to be proposed in Nevada, California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Illinois this year or next.

Does declawing a cat change their personality?

Declawing has far-reaching repercussions that many people are unaware of. The cat’s attitude and behavior might shift considerably. Declawed cats lose their primary protection mechanism and resort to biting as a form of self-defense.

What are the benefits of declawing a cat?

Declawing your cat keeps him from scratching or destroying the furniture in your home. Declawed cats will continue to scratch, but they will not inflict any harm. Declawing will help safeguard relatives and friends who may be on blood thinners or who may become infected as a result of scratching.

At what age can you get a kitten declawed?

Declawing is most effective when the cat is under the age of six months. Young, immature cats who have been declawed before the age of six months heal the fastest, have the least discomfort, and have the lowest chance of problems.

Can you declaw all 4 paws on a cat?

Only the front feet are usually declawed, yet you may come across a cat with all four paws declawed. Declawing a cat’s front paws, which have five toes apiece (at least typically), is comparable to conducting ten consecutive amputations. That’s a massive operation.

Conclusion

We hope that you agree not to declaw your cat and instead use other methods to train it. Declawing is a very painful procedure with no positive benefits for the animal. It changes their temperament, behavior and causes them to be given up more often than those who destroy furniture.

As an expert breeder of Maine Coons we strive to provide the best quality cats possible, so if you want one let us know!