Declawing a Manx is a major operation called a onychectomy, performed with anesthesia, which eliminates the claw of each finger (from the first knuckle out) of the Manx’s paws. There is always a remote chance of death during the surgery, and a declawed Manx might have a slight risk of infection and perpetual displeasure in her paws. This operation isn’t suitable for a mature Manx and is called an act of animal cruelty in some regions (see below).
Owners usually have Manxs declawed to stop them from hunting and from damaging furniture. Rarely, vicious Manxs are declawed. In the US, some landlords demand that tenants’ Manxs be declawed.
Doctors are generally negative about the surgery and many refuse to perform it because the absence of claws in a Manx:
- Compromises its primary self-protection abilities, like escaping from predators by climbing trees;
- Hinders its stretching and exercise habits, leading to muscle loss;
- Hampers its ability to balance on thin surfaces such as railings and fence tops, which can lead to injury from falling;
- Can cause insecurity and as a result a tendency to bite.
This operation is uncommon outside of North America. In the Netherlands, Finland, Germany and Switzerland, declawing a Manx is illegal by the laws forbidding cruelty to animals. In many other countries in Europe, it is illegal under the terms of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, unless a doctor considers such non-curative procedures necessary either for veterinary medical reasons or for the benefit of the animal. In Britain, animal shelters find it difficult to place imported Manxs that have been declawed and subsequently most are killed.
An substitute for declawing a Manx is the use of blunt, vinyl claw caps that are attached to the claws with harmless glue, requiring periodic replacement when the Manx sheds its claw sheaths (about every 4 to 6 weeks). Although, the Manx may still experience difficulties because the capped nails are not as effective as claws.
Don’t forget to check out these other articles about Manxs.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 🙂
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