I'm not sure what to do in this situation. A couple months ago I recieved Dak, a polydactyl (six-toed) kitten as a gift. He's the sweetest thing ever, but he absolutely WILL NOT let me trim his claws. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but his extra claw grows at a bad angle - it doesn't wear down when he uses his scratching post and it grows into the pad of his foot after awhile.
I have tried every trick in the book when it comes to trimming these two pesky claws, but all it has resulted in is a very angry cat and LOTS of scratches on my end. I know I'm not trimming them too short, either. I'm considering taking him to the vet to have these two extra claws removed.
I have never had any of my cats declawed before - usually just trimming their claws or using Soft Paws works - but I don't see another solution to this problem. He is absolutely terrified of the nail clippers. Even if he sees me clipping my own nails, he takes off running.
2006-07-13 06:07:13 · 15 answers · asked by katiehops84 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Thanks for everyone's opinion!! I hate to do it, but I just made an appointment with the vet to have his two problem claws removed. The vet's opinion was that it was the best long-term solution for him.
I normally agree with those of you who say that declawing is cruel. However, I think that in these specific circumstances it will be beneficial to his health to have them removed.
2006-07-13 07:27:59 · update #1
That is really odd... most six-toed kittens are not polydactyl, as this is a normal trait, but then, they do not have claw problems, either. It is probably a good idea to remove the sixth claws. If they grow into his paws, as that would cause lameness and pain.
2006-07-13 06:14:50 · answer #1 · answered by aeiou12 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Remember that de-clawing a cat is considered very similar to cutting off your toes. I would rather see you not do this in favor of having the problem claws removed. That seems like the least of all evils in this situation. Also, professional groomers are great at trimming claws so that is always an option.
2006-07-13 06:44:01 · answer #2 · answered by Paul G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You already know part of the reason. Being separated from her mother so young, she got no training. Try several things. First, try to snip the stiletto tip off her claws. They are like needles. If you were another kitten, she would get immediate feedback that she was being too rough. So mimic the mother cat. Hiss at her when she seems ready to pounce, or when she pounces. Mother cats train their kittens by hissing. She may give ear clues when she is ready to pounce. If the ears go back against the head, that is an indication she is ready to do battle. Typically a response is to say NO and put her on the floor to show disapproval. But you have a more immediate problem, so hissing would be the approach I would start with.
2016-03-27 03:54:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you're doing the right thing.
I generally agree with those (including you, I think) who are opposed to declawing, for all the obvious reasons. But this is not a typical case of declawing for human convenience. Your kitty's extra claws are an abnormality that are causing him trouble and pain, so getting rid of them is a kindness.
In most cases the extra fingers and toes don't cause problems for polydactyl cats, but your kitty is obviously an exception.
2006-07-13 08:14:18 · answer #4 · answered by Mick 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As much as it pains me to say it, I would go ahead and get those claws removed. I am glad to hear that you do not declaw your cats but sometimes, as with humans, you find cats with special needs. Your cat may be upset for a day or two but will appreciate it in the long run.
2006-07-13 06:44:05 · answer #5 · answered by kgforaingeal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the vet and have just the problem ones removed if you still want the cat to have the other claws this way there is no worries of kitty getting and ingrown claw or infection. Cause kitty needs his claws especially if it goes outside or you have other cats.
2006-07-13 06:27:02 · answer #6 · answered by honey2bears 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually I disapprove of declawing cats because I personally believe it's inhumane, but I would approve of it (just on the extra annoying claws) for your special circumstances.
2006-07-13 06:12:11 · answer #7 · answered by Mariah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know most people think it is cruel and inhumane to declaw cats, but I am not of that opinion, especially if the cat is kept indoors.
I have 2 cats who are both declawed (they were that way when I rescued them from a shelter), and they have no physical or psychological problems.
2006-07-13 09:41:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well i think its innhumae to declaw kittys-But what if U just declawed his one extra one?Or if possible take him to the vet to clip his nails!Im srry i cant help more-i really wanted to---
2006-07-13 06:23:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
first i would ask the vet what he thinks. personally i would not declaw a cat because if the cat gets outside he has no defense for him/herself. if u absoultly need to declaw him/her u should but i would ask a vet 1st.
2006-07-13 06:46:45 · answer #10 · answered by tupacamarushakur7196 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋