Kitten & Cat Wellness

Declawing

Facts About Declawing
  • Declawing is amputation; it is not merely the removal of the claws. To declaw a cat, the veterinarian cuts off the last knuckles of a cat's paw – cutting through bone, tendons, skin and nerves. In a person, it is equivalent to amputating each finger or toe at the last joint.
  • Declaw surgery can be an extremely painful procedure with associated health risks and complications such as infection.
  • Declaw surgery can produce permanent lameness, pain or arthritis.
  • Declawing is the same mutilating procedure for house cats or big cats.

More about feline declawing and humane alternatives to declaw surgery ».

The Paw Project
The Paw Project doesn't have gruesome, bloody imagery or try to horrify you or guilt trip you. It explains how declawing actually works, why many people are against it, and leaves you empowered knowing you can do something about it."
Danica Davidson, MTV

8 Common Cat Problems
Keep the peace between you and your feline friend with these solutions to common cat problems.

Cats on the Counter...Get OFF!
My cat is always jumping up on tables and kitchen counters. When I think about where those paws have been, I know he needs to stay on the ground. What can I do?
Once a cat has discovered that your food is tastier than hers, she may go to great lengths to convince you to share. Begging is a common feline behavior problem faced by many pet parents. Luckily, breaking a bad habit like begging in cats is challenging but achievable.

Introducing a New Cat
How do you successfully introduce a new cat into your household if you already have other pets? As cats can be territorial creatures, bringing a new kitty home to meet Fido or Fluffy can be a hair-raising experience for not only the owner but also the resident pets—if not handled correctly. A peaceful relationship between new and existing feline or canine housemates requires time, patience and work. The introduction process generally takes a few weeks before the pets are all cohabitating peacefully. At times, though, it can take several weeks. The trick is to do it slowly and cautiously...click the button for guidelines.

Leash Training for Walks
Ever seen a cat out walking on a leash? Most people who have seen one react with astonishment that a cat would be domesticated enough to willingly allow itself to be tethered to a leash and guided around by -- of all things! -- a human companion

Litter Box Training
Cats and kittens are naturally very clean animals, and most kittens are litter box trained by around 12 weeks old.

However, the stress of moving to a new home or other routine changes may cause kittens and adult cats to forget their litter box habits.
A new alternative to declawing your cat or kitten has arrived on the market. BENCHS has purchased nail caps that can be applied to your cats toe nails. They are painless and the cats seem to adjust quickly to them. It has been observed by the cat owners that the cats wearing these caps do not seem to enjoy scratching furniture as much and they quickly leave it alone. You can choose to buy the caps and take them home and apply them or we can apply them for you.   It  is  very inexpensive and a completely painless process.  We have ordered many colors and styles of caps to allow your cat to make a fashion statement. Email us at rrps@hickorytech.net for an appointment for your cat or kitten.

Separation Anxiety
Signs of separation anxiety in cats may occur when the cat is separated from its owner or another companion pet with whom it has a strong bond.

Toxic Foods & Plants for Cats
There are various foods that are toxic to cats. Some we know about, however, there are many others we are not aware of that are just as dangerous and poisonous to your pet.

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