The Trend of Colorful Cat and Dog Claws on Social Media
Animals or Toys? Recently, UK animal charity spoke out about an increasing trend of pet owners using pet claw covers as fashion statements – something many felt was unnecessary and harmful to their animals; others saw no harm done. Since then there has been less media coverage but images and ads remain prevalent online and social media.
Animal welfare activists and some veterinarians oppose declawing cats while pet owners and the pet trade see no wrong in it. Veterinarians in countries where declawing cats is common practice believe their advice can help convince owners not to declaw their cat. Veterinarians in America whose practice includes cat declawing believe their influence can help persuade owners against declawing.
“Claw caps can be effective when applied correctly. Unfortunately, in the U.S. declawing is legal and widely practiced – one way veterinarians can persuade their clients not to declaw their cat is through proper application – I have witnessed hundreds of cats retract their claws with caps in place!”
Claw caps are typically applied by owners super-gluing them onto the claws with superglue, but this may lead to them being attached incorrectly. Both glue and caps can easily be found online from Amazon and ebay; covers aren’t just fashionable accessories; they help prevent your cat from damaging furniture or soft furnishings by protecting its claws if attached incorrectly; those against this practice allege they often can’t fully retract their claws when applied incorrectly.
Manufacturers and owners assert that cat caps help prevent cats from hurting themselves while bathing, as well as from scratching arms and legs while playing. Furthermore, the caps prevent damage to furniture by cats, while at the same time not altering their natural behavior.
Others suggest that scratching is simply part of owning a cat, and its natural behavior. Some consider claws handy during self-grooming sessions and in marking one’s territory.
Many owners, particularly young ones, view social media pet posting as an act of pure vanity and fashion fad that serves to please themselves and satisfy a desire for recognition of their pets on social media. Unfortunately there’s no convincing people of its wrongfulness as most just view it as fun; another facet of our modern relationship and attitude toward our pets.