Declawing the Singapura is a major operation called a onychectomy, performed with anesthesia, which removes the claw from each finger (from the first knuckle out) of the Singapura’s forepaws. There is a remote possibility of a fatality during the operation, and a declawed Singapura might experience a slight risk of infection and long-term displeasure in its paws. This surgery is not suitable for an adult Singapura and is termed an act of animal cruelty in some regions (see below).
Owners typically have Singapuras declawed to hinder them from hunting and from damaging furniture. Seldom, vicious Singapuras are declawed. In America, some landlords demand that tenants’ Singapuras are declawed.
Animal doctors are typically critical of the surgery and at times decline to do it because the lack of claws in a Singapura:
- Reduces its primary defense skills, like escaping from predators by climbing trees;
- Compromises its stretching and exercise routines, which can lead to muscle loss;
- Reduces its ability to balance on narrow surfaces like fence tops and railings, leading to injury from falls;
- Can cause insecurity and a subsequent biting habit.
This operation is not common outside of North America. In Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and Finland, declawing a Singapura is prohibited by the statutes against cruelty to animals. In many other European countries, it is forbidden under the terms of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, unless a doctor deems such non-curative procedures necessary either for veterinary medical reasons or for the benefit of the animal. In Britain, animal shelters are finding it difficult to place imported Singapuras that have been declawed and as a result most are killed.
One alternative to declawing a Singapura is the application of wide, vinyl nail caps that are applied to the claws with safe glue, sometimes requiring changing when the Singapura sheds its claw sheaths (about every 4 to 6 weeks). Yet, the Singapura may still experience difficulties since the capped nails are not as effective as claws.
Don’t forget to check out these other articles about Singapuras.Was this post helpful? If so, please take a minute to Tweet and Share below on Facebook. I would also love to know your thoughts so leave me a comment 🙂
Follow