Just as a clarification, cats do not only scratch to take care of their claws. I understand why some might find declawing to be a natural solution if that were the case. But the motion of clawing also helps a cat stretch various muscles in the back and shoulders. That need is going to remain regardless of whether you declaw the animal or not. (Even folks with declawed cats should see their cats looking like they are clawing things. That's why.) It's necessary for their well being. As the previous poster said, it's a matter of finding what your cat prefers to scratch on and then teaching them to use it. How hard they are to teach really depends on your cat's existing habits and personality. But then, that's the same as with any animal (including humans!). |