In my first season as a columnist I wrote a piece about the evils of declawing. It appears that it is time to bring this to the public’s attention again as a large ad recently appeared in a free Santa Barbara newspaper advertising two- and four-feet declawing services. Declawing is illegal in 25 countries worldwide, but the USA is not one of them.

Imagine having all of your toes surgically altered at once. Not only would the pain be horrendous, but after recovery you found that you could no longer walk or even stand properly and in a few years your hips, joints and back will start hurting.

The claws of a cat, unlike human fingernails, are actually part of the skeletal structure of the toe, critical for the foot to meet the ground at an angle to keep the joints and muscles aligned. Not simply used for catching and holding prey or defense, they are needed for balance and exercising the muscles in the legs and back of the feline.

The term “declawing” is a misnomer as it is actually an irreversible surgical amputation of bone, ligament and tendon at the first knuckle of each toe. This is done with either scalpel or guillotine clipper and requires stitches or surgical glue to close the wounds and bandages.

Some vets use a laser, severing the tendon which controls the claw, leaving the claws and toes intact otherwise. This approach can result in a thickening and lengthening of the claws at a later date causing problems down the line.

Whatever the method, the results are cruel, painful and leave the cat prone to future structural abnormalities and behavior problems. There is nothing humane about it. The percentage rate of complications is also very high following surgery.

Adopting a cat or kitten is like a marriage, “for better or for worse.” When a couple gets married they do not intend to surgically alter their mate to make life simpler. The same should go for when you bring an animal into your home.

Declawing is a selfish act on the part of a pet owner since apparently the furniture is more important than the welfare of a living, breathing family member. Actually, the furniture ranks higher than the cat in this case.

The original intent is protection of property but the act of declawing can bring with it many undesired behaviors on the part of the amputee. The biggest complaint from owners with these cats is that they are biters. This is not good, as a cat’s mouth has scores more germs than does a dog’s and you definitely do not want to be on the receiving end of a cat bite.

The second most-heard complaint is bad litter box manners. Being unable to dig properly, the cat will not cover feces or will simply go elsewhere in the house.

It is really a simple thing to train a kitten to use a scratching post and well worth the little time it takes to encourage this behavior.

Cats love to stretch while scratching, and prefer vertical surfaces they can sink their claws into. A horizontal or angled scratcher will offer variety. Whatever you provide, be sure to make it irresistible to encourage its use.

Favorite materials are sisal (very sturdy), carpeting (either side), corrugated cardboard, and wood. Rub fresh or dried catnip on the desired spots, incorporate enticing playthings, and play with your cat by dragging a toy across the surface. Reward correct scratching with a yummy tidbit.

Buy or build a cat tree to encourage climbing and napping in high places. This has the added benefit of less cat hair on your furniture. To teach a young kitten to scamper up, use a laser pointer for a fast game of chase.

If your kitten forgets where to scratch, make a loud noise instead of hitting. The kitten will quickly associate this sound with scratching in that place and begin to avoid it. I have also found a squirt gun or bottle to be very effective, and this tool has an added benefit of breaking up cat fights from across the room. Double-sided tape can also be a deterrent and will not harm furniture. For hardcore training in difficult situations, there are electrically charged mats which can be used. These can also be used on counters and kitchen tables and other places you want your cat to avoid.

Of course, always provide plenty of fun toys as a good distraction and treats for good behavior and NEVER DECLAW!