Is This Procedure for Cats Banned in Minnesota

I know that some people are cat people and some people are dog people.  When I was growing up, we had both dogs and cats.  So, I'm fine with either, I just don't like pets that shed.  And while you can get hypoallergenic dogs that don't shed, it's more slim pickens for cats on that level.  There are some, but it's a smaller pool than it is with dogs.

The other issue that comes with cats is their need to scratch things - sharpening their claws, basically.  Of course you can get scratching posts specifically for that reason, but it doesn't always work. Sometimes your furniture will become a casualty.  It's part of having a cat.  We all know this.

DECLAWING USED TO BE COMMON PRACTICE WITH AN INDOOR CAT

Back in the 70s and 80s, having your cat declawed was a fairly regular or normal practice.  We did have our cats declawed, but only in the front.  The back paws always were able to keep their claws.  Not everyone did that.  Some people would declaw all four paws.  I always felt that was their defense, as I was told.  So back feet always had claws, front feet - never.  Also - our cats never had any issues that apparently can happen to some cats.

Common problems after a declawing surgery are lameness, pain in the paw, intense grooming of the feet which can lead to infections, bone infection, tissue death, back pain, and lack of balance. Many cats with this surgery in their past are also prone to arthritis and atrophy in the feet since they are missing the final digit of their toes.

WAS IT A BAD PROCEDURE THAT LED TO THE DISCOMFORT

I do feel like in some instances it might be the vet - surgeon who performed the procedure.  They might not have done a great job.  There are some vets who aren't as good as others, same with people doctors.  In any case, it's not great to have your pet lame after this type of surgery.  So, there are other options.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER OPTIONS TO DECLAWING

Trimming the Claws, Provide Scratching Posts and Boards, Try Nail Caps. Honestly, I have never heard of the latter.  But, it's worth a try.  It is also worth noting that the declawing process is not banned in Minnesota. It is, however, against the law for any landlord to require cats to be declawed.  Some states ban the practice all together, and that might be on the horizon for Minnesota, but not as of yet.

NOT ILLEGAL IN MINNESOTA - YET

So, while it might not be illegal, it's probably not a good idea unless it's something that is medically necessary.

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