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Local veterinary clinic to teach pet owners how to live with clawed cat

ALPENA, Mich.— Switzer Veterinary Clinic staff continue to provide ways to keep furry friends happy as well as their owners. In February, Michigan legislators proposed the bill prohibiting the declawing of cats. Declawing is an irreversible surgery performed under anesthesia removing the finger bones and claws.

Knight says, “Owners most commonly declaw cats to keep from destroying household items and also as a safety measure.” Owners can seek other options such as utilizing scratching posts kept in an open area and applying nail caps.

An owner could be fined up to a thousand dollars if the new law is broken. Dr. Knight says, “We want to keep cats with their claws and educate owners on how to live with a clawed cat.”

Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular check ups for their animal and to discuss other preventive measures with a local veterinarian.