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Feline Behavior Problems: The Influence of Declawing

1989; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 3; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2752/089279390787057766

1753-0377

Melanie Morgan, Katherine A. Houpt,

Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment

A survey of a computer group interested in pets was conducted to determine the incidence of behavior problems in cats and whether it varied with the sex of the cat, with declawing, or with the number of cats in the household. In addition, information on the brand of cat food and litter was obtained, along with details of litter hygiene. Sixty owners of a mean of two cats responded. The percentages of cats exhibiting behavior problems were: jumping on counters or tables, 60%; scratching furniture, 42%; eating house plants, 36%; acting aggressively toward other cats, 25%; stealing food, 25%; house soiling, 16%; inappropriate vocalizing, 16%; acting aggressively toward people, 12%; chewing fabric, 7%; hissing at people, 5%. A significantly greater percentage of declawed cats, as compared to intact cats, was reported to jump on counters or tables. There was significantly more meowing and also more jumping on counters among cats in single-cat homes than among those in multiple-cat homes. There was no difference between the sexes in the proportion exhibiting the various behaviors. This information can be used to advise owners as to the type of misbehaviors cats may display. It also indicates that declawed cats are not prone to have more problems than do clawed cats.