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BOARD MEMBERS
 President: Darrell Marcy VicePresident: Sandra Karl Treasurer: Oliver Brown Secretary: Maria Poulson Members: Holly Hall Melinda Whelan Kay Seibert Carol Barrreiro Susan Gordon David Kriesel Kate MooreLinks
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 Declawing: the TRUTH
 In the U.S. declawing (onychectomy surgery) is a booming business and many cats suffer as a consequence. Declawing accurately fits the dictionary definition of MUTILATION - the loss of, or incapacity to use, a bodily member. SO WHY is declawing so popular in our country?
- Cat owners perceive it to be a convenience.
- Declawing seems to be the simplest way to stop a cat from scratching the items they value.
Destructive scratching is the easiest behavior problem to deal with and 100% correctable. Cats generally prefer to fully stretch, your cat may be using the arm of the sofa because he can stretch higher than his current scratching post will allow.
Investing in a tall 24" or 30" tall scratching post, with a sturdy base is cat-appealing and the cat can easily be encouraged to use it instead of furniture.
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Many don’t know exactly what the declawing procedure involves. Declawing is not mere nail removal; it is equivalent to amputating your finger at the first knuckle.
- Amputation of the nail is accomplished with a guillotine nail cutter, which cuts across the first joint of the toe and may also involve the foot pad.
- Studies show that 50% suffer from immediate postoperative complications, such as excruciating pain, hemorrhage, lameness; and some of these complications are long-term.
Many don’t know about the possible side-effects· Declawing can also result in some very unpleasant changes in behavior and personality. - The most common being litter box problems. Many cats associate the pain in their paws when trying to cover their waste with the litterbox itself - so they find a more comfortable place to do business.
- Deprived of its front claws and first line of defense, a cat may become insecure, live in a constant state of stress and bite as a result.
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General lack of knowledge why cats need their nails and how easily they can be trained to scratch appropriate targets. Claws are essential to the well being of the cat. The retractile claws allow the cat to grasp and hold objects, and perform their natural climbing, running, stretching and kneading rituals.
Regular trimming of your cat's claws and offering a suitable scratching target, provides a natural outlet for normal, happy and healthy cat behavior and you will be rewarded with a satisfied and confident companion pet.
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