what Alternatives are there for declawing?

Question

I would like to know what hummane options there are if I REFUSE to declaw my kitten.

I do trim regualary. I was just wondering what other options there are. MY Kitten has a good home thank you and we are working on training

Answer 1

Getting a scratch post.

Trimming the nails.

Applying SoftPaws to the claws. They're vinyl caps that you glue on to cover the claws.

Answer 2

There are MANY alternatives.

The first is a good scratching post. You can get sysal, cardboard, carpet etc. Not every cat likes every kind. The cat uses these not only for their nails, but to stretch. Thus, you need a scratcher that "fits" your cat. Catnip is a good incentive for cats to use the scratchers.

You also should trim a cats nails frequently. A vet can show you how to the first time. You cant cut too close or the cat will bleed.

If a cat starts to claw at furniture there are other options. Put sticky tape on where he is scratching. (double sided) Put up tinfoil. Get inhibitor sprays from a pet store. (bitter appler, citrus etc...check to ensure it doesnt stain your furniture or carpet)

A water spray when the cat scratches is effective too. (a quick spray, not a drenching)

Soft Paws are another option. They go on over top of a cats nails and help inhibit scratching.

Bottom line....a cat scratching is part of being a cat. You just have to direct the cat to where it is appropriate and it will be fine. Give it time too....most cats are declawed because owners are too lazy to train them; and that is part of be an irresponsible owner.

Good luck to you. :) (The links I gave below are also very helpful)

Answer 3

There are other options like putting rubber caps over the claws and you can get them at Petco, PetSmart. But the only down fall is the caps have to be replaced every 6 months.

Answer 4

Best alternative is training....And scratching posts- best if covered in rope or carpet. If its to save furniture, then a water sprayer is invaluable, or when ur not home then something sticky like double sided tape does the trick. If its to save getting scratched, then just teach ur kitten....And don't rough them up or play games with ur hands only, as it will teach them bad habits. Assert ur dominance as the "top" cat, not a playmate.

Answer 5

Trim the kittens claws for goodness sake. It is just like yourself trimming your nails or else keep putting up with the scratches.

Answer 6

Well, I clip my kitties nails because I refused to declaw him too. Plus, I got him a scratching post at very young age and he has never scrathed any of my furniture, just the couple of posts I have.

Answer 7

Declawing is amputation. Part of the finger is cut. It is cruel and awful. The alternative is not declawing, period. Trimming is recommended, and I have taught my cat where to scratch, by removing him and saying NO everytime he tried to scratch somewhere he shouldn't, and putting him where scratching is allowed.

Answer 8

You can actually trim a cat's nails shorter than you think.. If you trim a tiny bit, every third day, the 'quick' shrinks back, and soon they are as harmless as if they were declawed..It really makes them nearly disappear..
Here are a lot of helpful hints> http://www.paws.org/cas/resources/fact_sheets_cats/catclaws.php

Answer 9

Hi there...consider clipping your kitties nails regularly. It's quite easy to do. Here's a step-by-step video on how to do this that Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/trimming_claws/

And a website that shows photos along with the instructions as well: http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/article.htm

Answer 10

you can clip there nails without hurting them, i wouldnt reccomend declawing, to me its about the same as if someone cut the tips of your fingers off , would it be ok for me to remove your fingers? just to the first nuckle of course...heh yeah id clip the nails once a week and try to teach the cat proper behaviours so as to avoid my furniture from being clawed. ive owned cats and ive never had a problem with it.