declawing kitty?

Question

i know its kind of cruel to have a cat declawed, but if his scratching post and other things arent working its my only choice, i was curious to see if he will act differently afterwards, like be alot calmer? he's only a little over 3 months and the shelter had him neutered at a young age so he's already a little calmer then he was im sure, any advice? I cant have him clawing up the carpet, tv speakers and couch...all things we'll end up paying for in the end.

he's not an outside kitty and never will be

Answer 1

Many do think that it is cruel, but I don't. Its just a help to co-exist with us humans. The cats I have been around did not act differently after declawing, they try to claw like they still have claws. Remember, after declawing, don't let them go outside because they are defenseless.

Answer 2

Some good points have already been made, ie alternative products, nail caps, water bottle. Try the alternatives first, at three months of age he's just a baby and full of energy. Declawing will not calm him down. I used a water bottle and it worked for my cats. There's also two sided tape to place where he scratches, he won't like the sticky feeling. If you are consistent in your training you should be able to train him not to scratch. But you have to use the concept of the cat not knowing the correction is from YOU, or he will do it when you're not around. Whatever products or combination thereof you use, he has to think "Gee, when I do this it's not really fun". Play with him a lot and use the catnip on the places you want him to scratch, as was already suggested.

Answer 3

There are things you can buy in Petsmart that discourage cats from clawing (even sprays that are kind to furniture, but sensitive to cat noses). You can spray a watergun when you catch kitty. If kitty never finds out that the water is coming from you, she will think it is a magical spray that comes whenever she claws what she was clawing. Also, use catnip and catnip sprays on what she is allowed to claw.
I don’t like de-clawing. It is actually taking out the entire last joint of each paw ‘finger’, and not just the claw. Feel it may be better to find another home for kitty then amputation. A small dog will be easier to train, and can even use the litter box.
good luck

Answer 4

Study your fingers. Look at the last joint, the one with the fingernail. Imagine them gone. That is what happens with declawing. It's amputation. It maims your cat and does not affect its aggressive tendencies. It does not make the cat mellower. In fact, kitty may be more prone to bite, it being his last defence.
On rare occasions declawing may lead to secondary contracture of the tendons. This makes it uccomfortable for the cat to walk. Post operational pain can make it hard for him to scratch in the litter box and lead to his choosing other places. A habit that can be hard to break.

Enough said. Now to solutions.

Soft Paws - developed by a vet. These are lightweight vinyl caps that you apply over your cat's own claws. They have rounded edges, so your cat's scratching doesn't damage your home and furnishings. Or you, for that matter.

Trim your cat's nails. I have a groomer do this. The Petco near me charges $8 and it is well worth it. This is a job best done by two people.

Provide your kitty with an approved scratching post.
Put the post where your cat goes to scratch. Make sure it is sturdy. If it topples or shakes, he won't use it. It should either be secured to the floor or have a base wide enough and heavy enough to keep it stable.

Encourage your kitty to use his post. Feed him and play with him by the post. Rub dried catnip leaves or powder into it. Reward him with a favorite treat when he uses it. Attach toys to it, so he will dig into it as he plays. Make the post fun for your kitty.

If he still continues to scratch non-approved items, there are means you can use to discourage him. Cover the area with double-sided tape, he won't like the texture. There are a variety of products available to spray on forbidden areas.

Remember: Cats are going to scratch. It's one of the ways they mark their territory and it helps stretch the tendons. Declawing should be the LAST option.

Answer 5

If you have to do it, make sure you get it done by a good vet that does a lot of them. So many vets don't do too many naymore and then they can come out badly. Some cats will forever hesitate to use the litterbox or develop a weird way of walking. It doesn't calm them any. Cats that are swatters with the paws CAN become biters.
There are many vets using the laser for declawing now and it is a lot better for the cat!!

Answer 6

You may want to try a product called Feliway. It's a spray that stops cats from marking their territory and scratching is way of marking territory. I bought some for my cat at PetSmart. Also, you can always do the nail tips instead of declawing. You do have to replace them but it is a less cruel option.
Also, if you try everything and decide to declaw, dont't feel guilty. It may be kind if cruel but putting your cat in shelter because he's destroying your house would be worse.

Answer 7

well you should of thought about its claws before getting a cat. DECLAWING is VERY CRUEL. If you dont like claws then a cat is not a pet you should of got even if you do love cats. Someone that declaws a cat isnt a True cat lover!!

Answer 8

do no longer DO IT! Declawing a cat is inhumane. they do no longer purely take off the claws, they take off the outer element to the toe with it. The cat would be defenceless outdoors, and can have soreness jogging for something of his life. you are able to trim your cat's claws generally to decrease the threat of harm to the fixtures, carpeting and your self. you additionally can get little sparkling plastic booties on the puppy save which will help, in the adventure that your cat tolerates them. Declawing isn't achieved to cats interior the united kingdom. i'm shocked that is nonetheless criminal interior the country.

Answer 9

It will not calm Kitty down,
a friend recomended that if I wanna keep my babies from ruining my good furniture to put the loop side of velcro with a removable adhesive such as double sided tape on that furniture. It'll give them a unpleasent sensation when they scratch & break them of it.
I know this frustration my kitty has 5 scratchers between 2 of them yet the younger prefers my favorite plush rocking chair.

Answer 10

Get a squirtgun and squirt him with it when he claws the furniture. Between that and yelling "no" when he does it and showing him where to scratch, he should quit. Cats just need to be taught these things!!! Don't be cruel unless you've tried all of the options!