I have a 3 month old kitten and was just wondering how old they have to be to have them declawed and how about getting them fixed as well?
2006-10-15 14:13:28 · 19 answers · asked by ally 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Oh young lady! Lets make a physical comparison of the procedure you are asking about for you 3 month(equivalent of a kindergardener in age) feline friend: Would you take a gradeschool age child and have the first knuckle of each of their toes removed to save scuffs on your floors? Or her little fingertips shaved so she would not be so inquisitive to touch everything?
The procedure you are considering does just that to cats. As they age it shortens the tendon in their lower legs as well causing pain and disability.
A modern Vet can tell you about a much less violent proicedure called nail caps. They are cemented over her claws and replaced as needed. You and she can both get your nails done! And they come in colors in metropolitan areas.Your furry friend will live a lot happier and longer life for your sensitivity! Also a reputable animal trainer can instruct you in aversion training to curb kitties clawing, Long life to you and your feline!
2006-10-15 14:32:17 · answer #1 · answered by littlescreechowl 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
You've gotten the answers and judgements forthe declawing. I just wanted to say, I opted to not declaw because I didn't like the whole idea. But to ensure that she doesn't scratch up my apartment etc I bought Softclaws. They're rubbercaps that go over her claws and I replaced them every 4-8 weeks when they fall off. She doesn't notice that they're there. They have sizes for young kittens, and your vet can show you how to put it on if you're worried. It's actually really easy.
Just as an alternative.
2006-10-15 16:05:19 · answer #2 · answered by miserychick01 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People who declaw their cats shouldn't be owning them in the first place IMO. Just give the kitten away or DONT declaw the poor thing.
2006-10-15 15:36:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
4 months of age is usually the earliest a vet will declaw. If you have both surgeries done at the same time, most vets will give you a discount.
Once your cat is declawed, she will have to be an indoor kitty for the rest of her life. You can take her outside as long as she is on a leash or in a cage. After the surgery, you will not be able to use clay litter for 2 weeks. You can use stuff like: shredded paper, cedar/pine shavings, or any paper-based pelleted litter (Purina makes one called "Yesterday's News").
Before you get your kitty declawed, you might want to try something called "Softpaws". They are little covers that you glue to your kitty's nails so they won't be sharp.
2006-10-15 14:34:06 · answer #4 · answered by Vet_Techie_Girl 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Usually both procedures are done around 6 months - Please if you declaw your cat - Keep her/him inside - You are taking away it's only protection! Males can be fixed as early as 4 months. Females it's better to wait 6. Females also need to be monitored for a week or so after surgery.
2006-10-15 14:17:25 · answer #5 · answered by buzzgt_1987 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
They can be done at six month, this way you are only putting the kitten out one time, please think about de-clawing your cat, as they are removing the first digit, it would be easier to buy a scratching post and rub some cat nip on it ever other day so kitty learns how to scratch there,
You can research both questions here if you would like http://www.peteducation.com/
2006-10-15 14:25:41 · answer #6 · answered by pinkpiggies336 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your Vet would be able to answer that one, but please re-think having the kitty declawed, it can be very detrimental to a cat to have this done. Also if your cat gets out of the house it becomes less able to defend itself. If you have concerns about scratching your furniture, you can get the kitty a scratching post then there are no concerns. Regards KG
2006-10-15 14:20:06 · answer #7 · answered by kgreives 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Don't declaw them! That is like cutting off all your fingers at the first bend! They need their claws. Use scratching pads for them to scratch on. That is better. But please do not declaw them.
Three months for spaying and cutting the nuts off of your male cat if he is a male.
2006-10-15 14:51:25 · answer #8 · answered by Kaladan 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I heard having a cat declawed is extremely painful for the cat. 12 weeks is fine for being spayed or neutered though.
2006-10-15 14:28:46 · answer #9 · answered by Professor Armitage 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
please DO NOT declaw you cat, it is the same as cutting off your fingers at the knuckles, which equals handicapping the poor cat.
if you are afraid that your cat will scratch your furniture, you can buy a cat claw-clipper to trim his claws. do take note not to cut near or at the blood vessels in his claws, as said before their claws is very much part of their paws and will cause much bleeding and pain.
i strongly suggest you do not do anything to your cat's claws. if you are so certain in that, you might as well not get a cat at all
2006-10-15 16:36:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋