Declawing a Javanese is an intense procedure known as onychectomy, performed under anesthesia, that eliminates the claw of each finger (from the first knuckle out) of the Javanese’s forepaw. There’s a remote possibility of a fatality in the surgery, and a declawed Javanese may experience a slight risk of infection and perpetual displeasure in her paws. This procedure is not recommended for a mature Javanese and is referred to as an act of animal cruelty in some places (as below).
Owners usually have Javaneses declawed to hinder them from hunting and from damaging furniture. Seldom, vicious Javaneses are declawed. In America, some landlords demand that residents’ Javaneses are declawed.
Vets are typically critical of the operation and sometimes refuse to perform it because the lack of claws in a Javanese:
- Deprives it of its main defense abilities, including escaping from predators by climbing trees;
- Impairs its stretching and exercise routines, which can lead to muscle atrophy;
- Compromises its ability to balance on narrow surfaces like railings and fence tops, which could lead to injury from falling;
- Can lead to insecurity and a subsequent biting habit.
The surgery is not common outside of North America. In Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany and Finland, declawing a Javanese is not allowed per the laws against animal cruelty. In many other countries in Europe, it is not allowed under the terms of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, unless a vet considers such non-curative procedures necessary either for veterinary medical reasons or for the benefit of the animal. In England, animal shelters are finding it tough to place imported Javaneses that have been declawed and subsequently most are killed.
An alternative to declawing a Javanese is the application of blunt, vinyl nail caps that are attached to the claws with nontoxic glue, sometimes requiring replacement when the Javanese loses its claw sheaths (about every four to six weeks). However, the Javanese may still experience difficulties since the capped nails are not as effective as claws.
Don’t forget to check out these other articles about Javaneses.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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