De-claw or not to de-claw..that is my question...?

Answer 1

I believe in declawing I just had it done to my kitten but you need to read up on it and be sure it is right for you first. Oh yeah, you will have a lot of bashing comments on here if you decide to declaw. Just remember to do whats right for you. Good Luck.

Answer 2

Bottom line is why would you want only part of an animal? Cats have claws. End of story.

If you don't want the whole animal, get something else.

Obviously a few people went through here that support declawing...I don't.

If you go to a shelter, you can almost always tell the declawed cats from the others.

We got our cat from the shelter...she is as loving as get out, with claws...

...AND, THE ONLY THING SHE SCRATCHES AT IS THE CARPET.

You can train a cat to not claw things.

So...don't de-claw!

Answer 3

Declawing your cat is like -compare it to pulling your ingernails out---declawing is very painful for the cat-can you imagine going to sleep and then waking up in this awful pain--they do not give a lot of pain medication. Also if your cat ever gets outside she will not be able to defend herself or get away by climbing-cats climb by hooking front claws in the object as tree or pole. They also defend mainly with front claws. They now have nail guards for cats Can Get at Petsmart, Petco or any Pet Store that go over the claws and stay for weeks-talk to your Vet-are safe and prevent the cat from clawing furniture. There are also scratching posts you can buy that the cat can be trained to scratch-sometime just showing and the cat will use. There is a spray-will not harm furniture-that can be sprayed on all you do not wish cat to be near. Declawing (cruel) is not necessary with all the other options.

Answer 4

I strongly encourage you not to declaw. Many people don't understand that a declaw is not a simple nail trim; it's an amuputation of the bone at the first knuckle.

It causes the cat a great deal of pain and stress, as well as frequently causing behavioral problems later on. It's so brutal that it's been outlawed in many countries. And all so the owner can be more comfortable.

Claws are a cat's main line of defense, as well as helping to keep them mentally healthy by allowing them to mark their territory with a good scratch--hopefully on a post.

There are many alternatives to declawing: claw caps, behavior modification, deterrent sprays, nail trims--and they're all quite effective.

Cats have claws. If you aren't prepared to deal with claws, I don't think you should have a cat.

Please visit these sites for more information:
http://www.declawing.org/
http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/declawpics.html

Answer 5

I wouldnt suggest it.. for several reasons (and if you read below I offer an alternative you may not know about)
the most common result is a change in personality - mostly they get a hightened "flight or fight" response... which means either they run and hide or bite... and are extra paranoid - I know a declawed cat who was killed by a pit bull when she chose to fight it rather than run, since running was a sign of weakness and often what weak animals do is put on a show of strenght in an attempt to diguise their vulnerability - unfortunately they dont know a pit bull isnt easily intimidated.. one of my current cats was declawed before we got her and if you pat her the wrong way - she bites.. and is extra nervous...

other problems are refusal to use litter, permanent pain in their toes, back problems... etc...

ok alternative solution - SOFT PAWS or similar claw protectors you glue to the front claws - they really work!!!

declawing should be a last resort to euthanasia.. people who are more worried about the looks of their sofa than about the mental health of their pet...if its a kitten - be aware that it will grow out of some of this behavior..
if you havent got a cat yet and are considering one - either get a cat who was already declawed OR get a breed who isnt so likely to be claw agressive -eg persian, himalayian

Answer 6

I have been fostering mom cats and their kittens for over 4 yrs now and have found that the majority use their scratching post right from the get-go. I would recommend placing scratching posts in several rooms. Also, trimming their claws once a week would be helpful; they'll get used to it. I give mine a treat afterwards.
If you decide to declaw pls just declaw front paws only & if you must let your cat out pls don't remove its claws as it will need to defend itself. But pls don't let your cat out - it isn't safe. The last indoor/outdoor cat died in 1984 from a disease caught from the mice he caught. Cars & other animals are dangers. All of my foster mom cats were outdoors & I haven't had one yet who wanted out.

Answer 7

DON'T - It's horrible to the cat, they lose the use of their claws. What if s/he got in a fight or got lost? S/he wouldn't be able to defend her/himself. Either put up with it, get really strong furniture, or get thingies to put on you're cat's claws.

Answer 8

i say not- because i worked as a vet tech and i assisted with one and i fainted on the spot.it is a very very very gruesome procedure ,they literally cut part of the off so the nails will never grow back,and the cat will be in alot of pain afterwards.also like many people have pointed out -the cat will not be able to defend itself.most people declaw there pets because they dont want there furniture clawed on or they dont want to be scratched-but you need to realize that this is an animal and if you cant handle that then you should not be a pet owner.if you truly love them-you should not inflict pain on your animals ,you wouldnt hurt your child with such a procedure.

Answer 9

Oh please do not declaw your kitten or cat's claws.... it's sounds so painful.... I've enclosed the website links... one is from Canada's "cat fanciers association" and other website that shows how declaw works. Make the decision for your CAT not for yourself.

http://www.cfa.org/health/declawing.html

http://www.declawing.com/htmls/declawing.htm

So do us a favor, please do your research before making the final decision because once the claws are removed, it cannot be reinstalled back on.

many CAT shows bans clients or pets to be shown in the show if they are declawed.

I won't be very mad but i'll be sad.

Answer 10

you can buy caps for your cats.....de-clawing does not guarantee that the nails wont grow back and also this is a painful procedure for cats. Just imagine someone snatching your nails out. This is basically the procedure. I think if you look at the results of the procedure you may not want to declaw your cat. Try caps

Answer 11

I wouldn't. To declaw a cat is like removing your own fingers. You like to scratch yourself right? A cat does too.

If you have a problem with your cat tearing things up then you have 3 options:

1) buy some cat nail clippers and trim them yourself

2) take them to a vet or pet salon to get their nails trimmed

3) just buy those little plastic nail covers to make their claws less sharp.