You love your cats, but have no such love for the damage they can cause to your furniture.

We recently welcomed two new members to our family. They're soft, cuddly and cute. That being said, there is one problem with them, all those claws.The newest members of our family are two kittens, Jack and Bob. Kittens are playful and fun but can also be destructive to your home. While scratching is natural behavior for cats, it can often cause problems for cat owners.Ripped furniture, torn curtains and scratched woodwork are just a few of the things they can damage. So, what to do?For years, the standard solution was to declaw the cat. There has always been much debate on that subject. Like many other topics such as global warming people have very strong opinions, with some vehemently against it while others feel it's a no-brainer to get it done.As with most topics, the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle.A recent trip to the vet for "Jack," provided the opportunity to discuss the pros, cons and misconceptions about declawing with Dawn K. Mriss,

D.V.M., of Saint Francis Animal Hospital in Tamaqua.Dr. Dawn made it clear that educating yourself about the subject is important."Don't just rely on one source, talk it over with your vet and be open to their suggestions," she said."If the choice is between euthanizing the pet, taking it to a shelter where adoption rates are low (especially for an older cat) or releasing them outdoors, I would rather declaw and have the cat safe, happy and healthy."Declawing, according to Dr. Dawn, is disarticulating (the removal of the nail only) not amputation."It is a soft tissue surgery requiring the cat to be hospitalized for one night, then sent home the next day. The procedure is as safe for your cat as spaying or neutering. Healing time is usually two weeks," she said."Pain medication is administered before and after surgery. Surgical glue is used to close the incision site, not stitches. To avoid infection or discomfort to your cat, vets recommend special litter such as 'Yesterday's News' or shredded newspapers," Dr. Mriss added."As with any surgery, whether it's humans or animals, there are possible risks. Although not common, nerve damage, complications from sedation and infection may result. There is no age limit to declawing. Young cats adapt quicker but there is no added risk to older cats."For our cats, we decided to try an alternative to declawing that is both practical and painless Soft Claws Nail Caps.After doing some research, we decided to give this product a try and let the kittens be the guinea pigs. The Soft Claws Nail Caps come in various sizes depending on your cat's age and length of its claws.Anyone who has ever owned a cat knows they can be a little difficult when they don't like what you're doing to them. I had visions of myself wrapped in bandages if the process went horribly wrong.Bob was elected to go first, because he is more mellow than his slightly younger brother, Jack, who has a habit of getting into trouble.After a few deep breaths for me, and a little catnip for Bob, we were ready to go.Once the proper size of the nail caps was selected, it was time for the adhesive. The directions recommend filling 10 caps (enough for all of the cats' front claws) before putting them on.A small squeeze with my thumb and forefinger on Bob's paws to expose his first claw and we were ready for the cap. It slid on to his claw very easily and without any mess from the adhesive.Before Bob knew it, he was done and neither of us was injured in any way.Once I let him go, he immediately ran toward his brother and the two started wrestling.The application of the caps went so well I decided to put them on Jack as well. Although he was a little more reluctant, the caps went on very easily and without incident.It's been a week since the Nail Caps were applied and they're working perfectly. Every cap has stayed on despite hours of playing, climbing and even scratching. Each application lasts approximately four to six weeks so one package lasts about four to six months."Every cat is different," said Dr. Dawn, "so weigh your options, educate yourself on the subject, be open minded and do what's best for your pet."