F-M Humane Society

What other options besides declawing can address a cat’s use of its claws?

2006-12-13T23:41:00.000-06:00

There are many options besides declawing you can choose if concerned about your cat’s claws. Another surgery procedure that is sometimes used is called a tendonectomy. This procedure involves severing the tendons that extend the cat’s claws. This procedure is thought to be less traumatic for the cat and requires a shorter recovery time, but there are still a few drawbacks. Cats are not able to keep the length of their claws in check because vigorous scratching is no longer possible. The cat owner must take on the responsibility of clipping the cat’s claws. The procedure is also not without some post-operative pain, including bleeding, lameness and infection which all occur at the same rate as observed after declawing surgeries.

Another option is Soft Paws. This is a product that is glued over a cat’s claws and is designed to stop the damage or harm claws can cause. To put Soft Paws on you simply need to trim your cat’s claws and then glue the Soft Paws onto the claws. If this option seems like to much work you could try Sticky Paws, a transparent adhesive strip. This is a low-maintenance product that you apply to furniture, stereo speakers, rugs, and other household items you don’t want your cat to scratch. Sticky Paws are used to remind your cat to go find its scratching post.

Have you ever tried any alternative to surgery products? If so, how did they work?

For more information on Soft Paws and Sticky Paws visit the links below.
more on Soft Paws
more on Sticky Paws

Winter Is Here!!!

2006-12-08T23:54:00.000-06:00

Just a quick reminder to everyone that winter, and all it brings with it, affect animals in special ways. First one must make sure your animal is warm. This includes being sure your pet has a warm place to sleep off the floor, and away from cold drafts. One must also remember that wind chills can affect your pet no matter what the temperature. The different chemicals and products humans use during the winter can also be a threat to our pets. It is important to remember anti-freeze, which tastes sweet, is a poison to animals. De-icing chemicals including salt and snow melt can also pose threats to animals. These items can irritate the pads on your pet’s feet, so make sure to wipe off the feet and tummy of your pet after being outdoors. Below are a few websites with more helpful information about animal care during the winter. Also, if you have any questions make sure to leave a comment and ask us.

Protect your pets from winter’s woes.

Fall/Winter safety tips for Fido & Fifi.

Top ten cold weather tips.

Winter's Here – Don’t be left out in the cold when it comes to your pets safety.

What do vets, humane societies, and researchers have to say about the declawing of cats?

2006-12-06T00:01:00.000-06:00

Vets, humane societies, and researchers all have different perceptions about declawing. First, I’ll discuss some of the side affects sometimes attributed to the declawing procedure.

Declawing a cat is equivalent to taking away an important part of its body, and this procedure can affect a cat. Cats may experience possible balance problems as a result of declawing, and a weakening of the shoulders and upper back because they can no longer scratch properly. It is also thought that declawed cats are more stressed when they’re in an environment they can no longer control. The result is more aggressive cats, often growling or biting more frequently than non-declawed cats. Declawed cats also have problems with not using their litter box much more frequently than non-declawed cats.

The evidence presented to support these hypotheses is often gathered from humane society workers around the nation. Animal hotlines are often dominated by pet owners with concerns over why their cat is not using its litter box. Workers have noticed an undeniable connection between declawed cats and litter box problems. Most workers also can tell if a cat is declawed just through observing its behavior and often aggressive mannerisms.

Vets see little problem with the declawing procedure. They see the procedure as a safe service they can provide to owners who wish to have a declawed cat. Today’s methods are safer and less painful than older methods. Vets don’t personally witness any personality changes that may occur as a result of declawing. After the procedure cats are often seen running around in their cages. As one vet said, “You would have been hard-pressed to pick out which cat was declawed.” One last piece of information vets share is that the declawing procedure is easier on kittens than on adult cats.

Scientific researchers have not come to any decisive conclusions about declawing. Studies have shown declawing causes some unwanted side effects and also that no side effects are present. There are many variables to control for during the research process, and as of now researchers can’t conclude exactly what, is any, the side effects of declawing might be.

The F-M Humane Society does not take official stand on the issue of de-clawing cats,but we will provide information about de-clawing that will encourage the petowner to discuss it with a practicing veterinarian in order to make aninformed decision. "

What does the declawing procedure consist of?

2006-11-22T09:27:00.000-06:00

The procedure of declawing sounds simple enough. One would think that a vet simply removes the cat’s claws, but there is a little more involved in the procedure. A cat’s claws are closely attached to its bone, and therefore it isn’t possible to remove the claws without having to remove part of an animal’s bone too. A vet removes the last bone of the toes along with the cat’s claws. This removal of the last bone of the toes has been compared by some activists to removing a person’s fingertip at the first knuckle. A vet must also remove all ten frontal tendons and nerves, one attached to each claw. The surgery can be done using either a scalpel or laser. The laser technique is replacing scalpels because it reduces bleeding and pain in the post-operative period.

The actual declawing surgery is part of the reason for the controversy surrounding the declawing practice. The side effects of declawing, which some people witness, are the other reason for the declawing controversy. I will discuss these on my next posts.

Why people choose not to declaw thier cat

2006-11-14T22:47:00.000-06:00

Many people choose not to declaw their cat for numerous reasons. Probably the most obvious reason is because they anticipate their cat being outside frequently and in need of its claws for survival reasons. Cat owners also choose not to subject their cat to a surgery that for their needs would be purely cosmetic. Owners may not want to put their cat through the stress and healing pain associated with surgery. There are also many who believe declawing a cat can lead to significant mood and personality changes from their cat. I will discuss the evidence of this claim more in my post on how vets, humane societies, and researchers feel about declawing cats.

Many choose not to declaw their cat because cats enjoy having claws. Many of the activities cats enjoy, such as: scratching, playing, climbing, kneading, pouncing, and stretching are all inhibited by declawing.

Why did you choose not to declaw your cat? Are you happy with your decision?

Why people declaw thier cat

2006-11-08T20:26:00.000-06:00

One question anyone who adopts a cat is faced with is “to declaw or not to declaw”. This decision is certainly a very important one for you and your new cat, and it may affect the relationship you and your family will have with your new pet. Within my next couple posts I will discuss: (1) Why people choose to declaw their cat? (2) Why people choose not to declaw their cat? (3) What does the declawing procedure consist of? (4) What do vets, humane societies, and researchers have to say about the declawing of cats? (5) What other options besides declawing can address a cat’s use of its claws?

(1) Why do people choose to declaw their cat?

First many people choose to declaw their cat because they simply assume it is a proper and necessary procedure, especially for house cats. New cat owners may feel the procedure is necessary so their new cat doesn’t rip holes in valuable furniture or potentially scratch family members. Cat owners also choose to declaw their cat sometimes because vets often offer package deals on altering (spaying/neutering) and declawing of cats.

Some people declaw their cats out of absolute necessity due to a susceptibility to zoonotic diseases. A zoonotic disease, such as ringworm, lyme disease, or rabes, is a disease animals can transmit to humans under natural conditions. The breaking of the skin, possibly by the scratch of a cat, can help to facilitate the spread of one of these diseases. Some people that might qualify as “susceptible” to zoonotic diseases are those people with poor or immature immune systems, such as infants, small children, pregnant women, the elderly, people undergoing cancer therapy, or those with AIDS/HIV. If a family member were a hemophiliac (person who’s body has problems controlling bleeding) declawing may also be an attractive option.

If you choose to declaw your cat, did one of the above reasons affect your decision, or if I missed your reason what factor affected your decision?

Adoption of Grizz - Part 4

2006-11-01T00:10:00.000-06:00

When the Nephew family adopted Grizz there were still a few unknown factors. How well would Grizz and their current dog Chip get along at home? Would the Nephews be able to train Grizz as they hoped, or would some professional training be needed? How would Grizz react to his new home, and how long might it take him to adjust? What new time constraints might Grizz place on Jeremy and Tracy? One factor that was not unknown was Grizz’s medical status.

Since the Nephews decided to adopt from the F-M Humane Society they knew Grizz would be medically up to date. Grizz had already been neutered. The practice of spaying or neutering all animals is a point of emphasis at the F-M Humane Society, just as at most humane societies. Part of the F-M Humane Society’s mission is to care for and protect all animals and this is one way they accomplish that goal.

Grizz had also already been to a vet for a check-up and was up to date on his shots. The possibility of medical surprises from Grizz is very low because the F-M Humane Society has done its best to ensure the Nephews of Grizz’s correct medical history. Grizz’s next scheduled appointment at the vet is in April of 2007 when the vet will check for heart worm. With all the other new factors, it was nice that Grizz’s medical status did not have to be a concern. The Nephews can concentrate on all the more fun aspects of their new adoption.

Adoption of Grizz - Part 3

2006-10-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

The Nephew family had taken their new dog Grizz home and started bonding with him. Grizz was playing well with Chip, and following Tracy around the house with dedication. The Nephews did encounter a few surprises when first bringing Grizz home. He was fairly well house trained, but there were a few accidents in the house during the Grizz’s first week. This was a little unexpected for the Nephews, but they decided it was probably just because Grizz was getting used to his new surroundings. After the first week Grizz had gotten more comfortable with his surroundings and the accidents had stopped.

The Nephews do not think they will be taking Grizz to any professional puppy training. Since Grizz is 2 he already has some basic training, and the Nephews are confident they can rely on lessons learned from training Chip to train Grizz as they need. Grizz’s training probably will not include any bird hunting training, but they can tell the Chesapeake Bay Retriever in him would certainly allow him to be a good hunting dog. For now Grizz just loves to play fetch with Tracy and Jeremy.

On the next post, learn one of the biggest benefits adopting from the F-M Humane Society gave the Nephews.

Adoption of Grizz - Part 2

2006-10-18T15:39:00.000-05:00

After having met and played with Grizz, the Nephews could start the adoption process. First the Nephews filled out an adoption application. On this application they supplied information such as where they live and if it is ok for them to have a pet at this location. They also were required to supply two personal references for the F-M Humane Society to call. These references simply served as a way for the F-M Humane Society to talk with a couple of the people who know the Nephew family. Since you can not use two family members the Nephew used a friend and Jeremy’s parents. When I asked Tracy if she thought supplying these references was at all invasive she said absolutely not. The Nephews were happy to supply the references because it helps assure the F-M Humane Society that Grizz is going to a great home. After the 24 hour waiting period, the Nephews got to take Grizz home.

One of the first things the Nephews noticed about Grizz is that he loves attention. He likes to follow Tracy around the house and when Tracy or Jeremy sit down Grizz is right there waiting to snuggle up. Chip, the Nephews four year old Border Collie, and Grizz are becoming good friends too. Chip has become more active and playful again.

The Nephews also have begun to sense the strong bond they are developing with Grizz. They have noticed a definite personality difference between Chip and Grizz. Chip has always been a little more of a loner dog than Grizz. Chip is content to lie down on the floor while watching TV, while Grizz wants to be touching, playing, or snuggling with Tracy or Jeremy.

On the next post learn if the Nephews have encountered any surprises with Grizz.

Adoption of Grizz - Part 1

2006-10-14T00:59:00.000-05:00

Tracy and Jeremy Nephew, a young Fargo couple, recently adopted Grizz, a dog from the F-M Humane Society. For the Nephews, the process of adopting a dog began when they moved from an apartment into a new home with a backyard. The family already has one dog; a four year old Border Collie named Chip, and with their move into a house decided they would like to adopt another. The Nephews decided to contact the F-M Humane Society in their search for another dog. Chip had been adopted from off a farm, but the Nephews really wanted to support their local humane society. They felt a need to help take some of the burden off the F-M Humane Society by adopting a dog from them.

When first going to the Humane Society they weren’t 100% sure what kind of dog they were looking to adopt. For the Nephews, a specific breed was not very important, they were more interested in meeting, observing, and playing with dogs to discover each dog’s temperament and energy level. One of their hopes was that Chip would become reenergized by the addition of a new playmate. With this in mind they knew they were looking for a medium or larger dog. The Nephews were not set on adopting a young puppy and kept open the possibility of adopting a little bit older dog. They really just wanted to give a dog a home. On their first trip to the F-M Humane Society the Nephews met Grizz, a two year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Chocolate Lab. After playing with Grizz at the F-M Humane Society for about three hours the Nephews decided they would love to adopt Grizz into their family.

On the next post learn about the F-M Humane Society’s adoption process through the Nephew family’s adoption of Grizz.

National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

2006-10-03T22:06:00.000-05:00

October is a special month at the F-M Humane Society because it is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Nearly 10 million animals enter shelters across the country each year, and October gives us a chance to focus our attention on the pet population problem our country faces. If you think you might be interested in adopting a dog here are some questions you should ask yourself and your family to find out if you are ready.

As of today there are 6 dogs and 3 puppies currently at the F-M Humane Society. Last month 10 dogs were adopted into new families. Grizz, pictured below, was recently adopted by the Tracy and Jeremy Nephew family. How did the Nephew family decide Grizz was the right dog for them? They will tell you about their process in the next post.

Blog Mission Statement

2006-09-28T23:25:00.000-05:00

Hi, welcome to the Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society blog. The goal of this blog is to increase pet and animal communication within the community. This includes us (the F-M Humane Society) communicating with you (our community) on a variety of topics relating to animals and pets. We will look to address issues from what actions a pet owner might need to take when poor weather conditions are forecast to how best to introduce your new pet to other pets who are already part of your family.

Also, we hope this blog can be a forum for you to present questions about pets that you want and need answered. If you have a question or concern please e-mail me (a link is posted on the sidebar) with your topic. I will then post a blog expressing the F-M Humane Society’s views, solutions or advice on that topic.

Finally we hope this can be a forum for communication between people interested in animals and pets. You will have the ability to comment on all posts. Let us know if something suggested on the blog site worked for you and your pet. You might also have other suggestions, often due to personal experience, as how to best address a topic. Someone who has recently adopted a Black Lab may be having difficulty training the animal to be obedient. You are encouraged to share the knowledge and experience you have gained while training you own Lab. These comments will of course be moderated for language and content by the F-M Humane Society. Therefore, if you see a comment on our blog, we at the F-M Humane Society have read it and agree this new information could be useful.

I encourage you to check back frequently to see what new information has been posted.