If Tabby is tearing up the curtains or shredding the sofa, you may be inclined to have her declawed. However, before taking this radical step, there are some important facts you should know.

Declawing a cat is the surgical removal of the claws, which are closely adhered to the bone. It is not similar to trimming fingernails -- it requires serious surgery. The last bone of the cat's claw has to be completely removed to prevent its regrowth since the claw is so closely held to the bone. In effect, declawing is an amputation of the last joint of a cat's "toes." This procedure is often likened to amputation of a human's fingers to the first knuckle.

Why cats claw
Claws evolved as a means of balance, mobility and survival, so cats instinctually claw and scratch. Before domestication, cats satisfied the need to scratch by clawing tree trunks. Clawing maintains proper condition of the nails, and acts as an outlet for stretching and flexing the feet. Clawing also marks a cat's territory both visually as well as with scent - there are scent glands on a cat's paws.

Alternative Solutions
Because scratching is an instinctual, normal behavior (and evidently enjoyable), it's unrealistic to prevent clawing. (See Coping With Kitty's Scratching).

However, it's worth exploring the following options, but only on indoor cats, who will not be left vulnerable outdoors:

• Consult a professional groomer about having Kitty's nails trimmed regularly.
• Invest in or build your own scratching post. Most cats can be trained to use the post instead of the furniture. Enhancing the post with catnip will make it irresistible. Your local Best Friends Pet Care center may carry many different sizes and styles.
• Build your own scratching post with a 4'x4' sturdy base, and some sisal to wrap it. Consider placing several posts with different surfaces and elevations around the home.
• Soft Paws are lightweight vinyl nail caps that glue onto the cat's front claws. They are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in colored or clear versions.

Keep in mind…
If other alternatives have failed, keep in mind the potential downsides of any surgery: the risk of general anesthesia, potential pain and infection. Also:

• Being out of balance, if only temporary, can be unnerving and distressing for a cat.
• Declawed cats must be kept indoors.
• Paw sensitivity may result in litterbox avoidance.
• Declawed cats may resort to nipping or biting as a defense mechanism.

Humane opponents
Animal protection groups, including the American Humane Association and the Humane Society of the United States, as well as many veterinarians, have spoken out against declawing. Many vets refuse to perform the surgery.

Declawing is banned in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Israel, Japan and most of Europe, except in cases of medical necessity or extreme circumstances. Efforts are now underway by several animal rights groups to outlaw declawing in this country as well. As reported in the last issue of Between Friends, the West Hollywood, CA City Council has unanimously approved a resolution condemning cat declawing. California would be the first state to make it illegal to declaw cats, if the bill, pending in the Legislature, becomes law.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, however, declawing has not been shown to have detrimental effects on a cat's behavior or personality. Above all, it is certainly a better alternative than banning the cat outdoors, abandoning it, or taking it to an animal shelter. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals discourages declawing, but allows the procedure as a last resort.

For more information, speak to your veterinarian, and visit www.declawing.com and www.healthypet.com.