Why You Should Invest in a Scratching Post Rather Than Declaw Your Cat #ChewyInfluencer

Why do you suppose cats have claws? Maybe you think they are only for destroying your new couch. Claws are one of the most important parts of a cat's anatomy. In addition to using them to defend ourselves, they aid in hunting. While stalking prey, we use them to climb, to aid with balance, jumping and marking territory. Indoor cats might not stalk live prey, but those skills enable us in our daily play. Just as importantly, sharp claws also give us confidence.

In order to keep our claws sharp, we need to do some manicuring. Part of manicuring means biting off the old claw sheaths or using a scratching post to help shed them. If there isn't a scratching post in your house, we may use upholstery or rugs as an alternative. There are many kinds of scratching posts available—cardboard, sisal, wood—in all different price ranges. This kitteh prefers sisal.

Working our claws is very important cos if they grow too long or the sheaths don't fall off, they grow into our paw pads. If they become infected, you could be looking at a pricey vet bill. The best way for an indoor cat to work his or her claws is to provide a solid scratching post.

Chewy.com was kind enough to send me the sturdy Frisco 33.5-Inch Cat Scratching Post for this article.

It took Pop less then 10 minutes to assemble the Frisco scratcher and he only forgot the four washers. The scratcher is tall enough for me to stretch while working my claws and it's nice-looking too. I was sent the brown one to match our rugs but it's also available in cream.

Stunning Keisha has always been against declawing. I want to share with you an article I read recently that is spot on by veterinarian Dr. Lynn Bahr. She called being declawed a disability. One reason cats are declawed is because some of you use your human's good couch or rug to work your claws. This is something this cat is not guilty of. I may use the peeps' legs but never the furniture. 

The removal of claws also causes such health issues as infection, nerve and tissue damage, bleeding and pain and tenderness when walking or using the litter box, which creates are entirely new set of problems for the cat owner. The Paw Project describes the procedure and risks in more detail.

My cute widdle foot prints.

TW hears me every day using my new scratcher and finally got some action shots to prove it. I recommend the Frisco 33.5-Inch Cat Scratching Post which is only available at Chewy.com and currently on sale for $33.99.

Knowing that cats need their claws for protection from predators, to exercise when stretching our muscles, marking territory and for balance and that removal of claws causes health issues, why would anybody declaw rather than buying a scratching post?

Check out the Chewy Cat Shop for all your cat needs, including scratching posts. You’ll find cat supplies ranging from food and treats to litter and toys, supplements, beds and so much more. Don't forget that Chewy has great prices and the best customer service. You get free one- or two-day shipping on orders over $49. Tell 'em CK sent you. Word.