How do you feel about declawing?

[aylasmommy]

I don't have cat's anymore, but I was reading an article today about how bad it is for cat's to be declawed. It explained the process that they go through to be declawed and what it limits them from doing..

I felt so bad because I know one of our cats was declawed in the front of his paws..

What are your takes on this? Is it really not as bad as they say it is, or do you think declawing is in-humane?

[doodlebug]

We adopted our in-laws siamese after they decided they didn't want him anymore and he had been declawed both front and back claws. He didn't have any trouble with his front feet but his back feet seemed to bother him and he couldn't stand for you to touch them. I personally think that it is cruel to declaw especially since there are alternatives like the soft-paws that you glue on the kitties nails. We used soft-paws on our kittens for about a year to keep them from shredding the whole house and after they got older we stopped using them, they only claw on their scratch post and never bother the furniture.
But there is always the question, is it better to declaw if the cat will have a wonderful loving home or to put it to sleep because no one wants it because it claws everything and everybody? This is a hard subject.

[voodidit]

Time to get out my soap box..lol. How would you feel if they cut your fingers and toes off at the first joint and made you walk on them till they healed? Not to mention that you no longer have any way to defend yourself if you where to be left outside for some reason, which should never happen to a cat that has been declawed.

A cat can have it's nails trimmed same as a dog and you can buy, soft plastic covers if you really feel the need. But if you provide them with proper scratching surfaces and teach them ot to play rough you don't need to worry about the claws in the first place.

Putting away my soapbox now.

[doodlebug]

oh yeah, we do trim our cats claws just to keep them from being needle sharp, not much fun having your leg bleeding because the cat decided to take off in a flurry of claws.

[SewCrafty]

I totally agree with Angie! Stupid me listened to other people when I got my Bubbie. She was the first cat I had ever touched let alone adopted. When she was spayed we had her declawed too because I was taking her down off the tops of curtains 50 times a day! We only had her front claws done and never let her out of the house, but I deeply regret what I did to her. I was ignorant of the procedure and never asked either. I took 3 days off work (which I do not regret to this day!) and held her in my arms the entire time!!! I will NEVER EVER do that to a living being again!

She gets around great and can still get on top of the fridge whenever she wants, she still wrestles with all the other kitties and sometimes even wins, but I still regret doing it.

I think it is about as in-humane as you can get. There are other was of dealing with the problem of scratching furniture etc. Believe me I have dealt with it, with lots of kittens and cats! It is the same as dealing with a destructive child, it just takes patience and persistence, (and a squirt bottle filled with water that shoots about 10 feet! )

[SewCrafty]

I agree doodlebug, I clip thier nails (all 8 of them, Olga won't let me touch her!) every 7-10 days.

[voodidit]

LOL..Diana..don't you just love those squirt bottle...mine got to where all I had to dowas pick it up and they would squint and quit whatever they where doing.

[heaven]

ANGIE thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!! i feel the same way and said that to my best friend they cut their little toes off. That is just too mean if you ask me!!!!!!

[SewCrafty]

I know Angie, all I have to do is pick up the bottle now and SHAZAM no cats!!!

The babies haven't figured it out yet though. Ralphie thinks it is great fun ( what a he is!) and Toby can't figure out where it is coming from!!

[Coffee16]

sorry Question.Where is there an article about this procedure.Actually I have 2 cats.One (Tia)is 2(had her since a kitten)and the other(Fluffy) is about 4(had her for 6 months).They love to scratch my coach up.The spray bottle doesn't work any more.The 2 year(Tia) sits there like I dare you to do it.Honestly I have thought about declawing but I want information about it first and want to make an informed whats best for them decision.They are indoor cats only.Thank you

[voodidit]

Try this http://www.declawing.com/ I did a search on aol and that was the first site I copy and pasted the main article but there are more links on the page.

Written by Veterinarian, Dr. Christianne Schelling

If you are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a moment, and it will give you valuable information to help you in your decision.

First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude.

Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat.

No cat lover would doubt that cats--whose senses are much keener than ours--suffer pain. They may, however, hide it better. Not only are they proud, they instinctively know that they are at risk when in a weakened position, and by nature will attempt to hide it. But make no mistake. This is not a surgery to be taken lightly.

Your cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is unique to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design. Amputating the important part of their anatomy that contains the claws drastically alters the conformation of their feet. The cat is also deprived of its primary means of defense, leaving it prey to predators if it ever escapes to the outdoors.

I have also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being declawed. Although, the medical community does not recognize this as potential side effect.

Okay, so now you realize that declawing is too drastic a solution, but you're still concerned about keeping your household furnishings intact. Is there an acceptable solution? Happily, the answer is yes. A big, joyful, humane YES! Actually there are several. The following website "Cat Scratching Solutions" provides many solutions as well as and insight into the psychology of why cats scratch. You can teach your cat to use a scratching post (sisal posts are by far the best). You can trim the front claws. You can also employ aversion methods. One of the best solutions I've found is Soft Paws®.

Soft Paws are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws. They're great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people who are away from home all day and can't exercise the watchfulness necessary to train a cat to use a scratching post. Soft Paws® are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors--which are really fun. Now that's a kitty manicure! The colored caps look spiffy on Tabby or Tom and have the added advantage of being more visible when one finally comes off. Then you simply replace it. You can find Soft Paws® on the web by clicking here or call 1-800-989-2542.

You need to remember, though, that the caps and nail trimming should only be used on indoor cats who will not be vunerable to the dangers of the outdoors.

For a list of countries in which declawing is either illegal, or considered extremely inhumane and only performed only under extreme circumstances, or for medical reasons, CLICK HERE.

Not yet convinced? Click Here for "The Truth about Declawing - Technical Facts."

Questions or Comments? Like to add to this website? Please feel free to e-mail me.

Dr. Christianne Schelling Copyright 1998 All Rights Reserved

[Belinda]

I had our cat Desi declawed when we got her 11 years ago, only on her front feet. I so regret it! At the time, if you were keeping a cat inside that's what you did, or at least that's what I was told. But when I picked her up, her little feet were just so pitiful and when it came time to remove the bandages, I just bawled! I would NEVER do it again, and would definitely try to talk someone out of it.

[Coffee16]

Thank you Voodidit for the article and Belinda for the information about your experience about declawing your cat.After your information and reading what is written i have decided not to declaw Fluffy or Tia.I will have to check about the Soft Paws as they are indoor only cats who refuse to use a scratching post.Thank You Very Much Again.

[SewCrafty]

Coffee16, try the sisal post or they also make a board covered in sisal with a spring on top that has a pom pom attached. It gets their interest and they love it! You can lay it on the floor or hang it from a doorknob. They run around $5-$7 in Wal*Mart.

Sisal is like a really rough rope or hemp like product.

[voodidit]

Yep..some cats prefer one type of scratching stuff over another, mine prefer carpet surface over the sisal, they have a teppe that is covered in carpet right now, but it is about wore out and needs to be replaced.