From scratching snags in your furniture to leaving your children running in fear, indoor cats that still have their claws can become a nightmare for some pet owners. Because claw removal is looked at as an unnecessary surgical procedure, it is somewhat controversial. This controversy has led to a lot of common misconceptions concerning declawing your pet kitty. Before you make the choice about whether this is a good choice for you, it is best to scratch out those misconceptions and learn the actual facts.

Myth: Declawed Cats are more likely to start biting you and your family.

Fact: When you play around with a declawed kitty, there is more of a chance that you will pay more attention from his bites than usual. However, this does not mean that declawing will make your pet kitty bite more often. This is usually only because the pain from scratches is more noticeable than bites when you play with a cat that has claws. Felines love to play, and their play usually involves both biting and scratching.

Myth: When you have a cat declawed, you are essentially having his toes removed.

Fact: This misconception usually comes from naysayers who still use outdated methods when making an argument against declawing a pet. The claws are removed during surgery and a small portion of bone known as the distal phalanx. The distal Phalanx is similar to the bones of the toe, but unlike humans, cats do not use this area for support as they walk. Its primary purpose is to maintain the claw itself.

Myth: Declawing your cat is an excruciating experience for your pet.

Fact: The declawing surgical procedure is a simple task that can be achieved by an experienced veterinarian in just a few minutes. During the procedure, the cat is under anesthesia and will not feel a thing. Many vets use a laser to make the incisions, which will encourage faster healing for your kitty. Many cats who are declawed through laser surgery return to normal activity almost right away. Throughout the procedure and afterwards, the veterinarian will provide you with pain medications that will make sure your kitty is comfortable.

When it comes down to it, there is nothing that you should feel guilty about if you choose to declaw your cat. If you have further concerns about declawing and the well-being of your cat, be sure to talk to your veterinarian, such as Animal House Veterinary Hospital, about the procedure.