is it cruel to declaw a cat?

Question

my landlord is wanting me to have my cat declawed ..i think it is cruel... does anyone agree declawing a cat is cruel?? he has a scratching post and uses it...if i have to move i will. take it tony is only four months old..

Answer 1

Do you really need to ask? Just move.

Until you can, clip the nails CAREFULLY or pay someone (pet shop or vet) to do it - try the little slip on "caps" you can buy. Use a squirt gun to discourage the cat from scratching on carpets or drapes, which is probably what your landlord cares about.

Next place, if your cat is the type that goes after drapes, get a place with those vinyl mini blinds and wood floors or tile or linoleum etc...

But if Tony is using the scratching post, what is the problem? Does your landlord just hate cats?

Another reason to move. I would move as many times as it takes to get a place that doesn't dislike pets.

I once lived where this little old lady had a dog - and because it barked so much (a poodle I think) her landlord pushed her into having it "de-barked". Oh my G*D!!!

If I was a landlord, I'd just require more of a deposit and deal with it!

Answer 2

I think it is cruel to do that.

First of all, if the cat is only four months old, of course he will scratch because he is a kitten! I have a 6 month old puppy that LOVES to bite and nibble. But as time has gone on, she does it less and less.

As for your landlord, why does he want you to declaw your cat? Is the kitty ripping up the carpet? If so, you could always put Tony in a kennel when you are away (so he can't rip things up). And when you are home, just try to keep an eye on him. My dog likes to take human things (like socks and stuff), and she will hide in a corner and chew on them. So we learned that if she is not in the same room as us, to go check on her every so often to see what she's up to. My dad actually built a large kennel out of wood and that chicken wire stuff, but more heavy duty (it's about the size of a twin bed), with a gate on it. When we are gone, we put her in there.

I would ask your landlord to work with you on it. Tell your landlord Tony is only a kitten, so he is still learning what is right and wrong. Maybe your landlord could have you sign a contract about damaged property? I'm sure that is what he is worried about. But if you were told it was OK to have pets in your place, then he has no grounds to tell you after you moved in to get your cat declawed. If it was not written into your contract, he can't make you declaw the kitty. BUT, he may be able to charge you for any damaged property (ex. ripped up carpet). I would check your leasing agreement, or whatever papers you signed...

GOOD LUCK, and remember...no place is worth having to give up a pet. If your landlord is going to be unreasonable about it, I would find another place that will be more accommodating.

Answer 3

yes and no, i worked alot of years for a vet and at the time had all my cats declaw and they all did fine and lived long happy lives the last that i have that is declaw is now 14. i have 3 other cats that are not. the surgery it's self is to me cruel and they take a while to heal.(after surgery in pain full for the cat) i have found that with a scratching post and regular nail trimmings that a declaw is not needed. i would not do it again to one of my cats hope this helps (i would move frist)

Answer 4

I do to a certain extent and if you're going to do it (get the cat declawed) do it when they are still young. Mine isn't declawed, however, I'd be more likely to consider it if she was a kitten. The only reason why I would is because she's a bit psychotic and while her scarring me is one thing, I don't want her attacking others (not in a mean way - except with dogs, but she's a bit rambunctious and I don't think she realizes the damage she can do). However, if you do eventually decide to do so DO NOT do all four paws! My ex's whole family did this with cats and it NEVER made sense to me at all!

Answer 5

In essance yes, the actual last bone digit is completely severed from the paw, almost like medival torture! But thankfully the cat is under anesthesia, and recovery when cared for properly is fast and easy. If it means you getting kicked out, declaw your cat, he should always be an indoor cat after that for sure. If your cat is not spayed or neutered do it along with the declaw for it will save you money with anesthesia. If it means you have to take your cat to the pound over it, declaw the cat. He will still have a happy life.

Answer 6

I don't think I could ever do it. It's possible to train your cat to scratch on a scratching post. The Human Society will tell you it's cruel. I've heard the process is painful to kitty. I've been lucky my cat came to me declawed, front paws only. I didn't have to make that decision. I've had kittens as young as your Tony and I didn't have a problem teaching him to scratch on the post rather than the furniture. They have little covers you can buy to put over their nails. You can find them in pet stores. I've seen them in mail order pet catalogs. I think I'd try those first. If it's not a problem for you to move I'd move if your landlady is that adament about it. Isn't that why you pay a deposit? Your responsible for any damages so what would she be worried about?

Answer 7

I had my cats declawed when they were very young. They don't seem to be living painful lives. They are actually quite happy. There are alternatives to declawing. You can trim your cat's claws (just don't trim past the quick) and there's something called "Soft Paws". The good thing about declawing is that it's a one time fee and you never have to worry about scratching again. That bad thing about it is that the last knuckle on the cat's toes is being removed, which can be seen as cruel -- and you can't give him his claws back. If you never want to have your cat as an outdoor cat and he never seems to escape to the outdoors, declawing might be the best thing to do. Is declawing the only option? Talk to you landlord about trimming and soft paws if you're afraid to declaw.

Answer 8

If done on a human in the same manner, declawing a cat is like cutting a human's fingertips off past the first knuckle and then sewing them back up. It is NOT painless, as so many people seem to think. With people, we can put our feet up and relax while healing injuries. Cats MUST use their feet to walk, so they are in constant pain for many days and even weeks afterwards.

Many declawed cats suffer from permanent psychological damage. Many won't use the litterbox afterwards because the grit hurts their feet. Some begin biting and become agressive and overly defensive.

It only takes a little work and consistancy to teach a cat to use a scratching post. You are doing the right thing. Keep it up!

Answer 9

If you cat is going to be an inside cat declawing is not a problem but most vets will only declaw the front. just in case they were to get outside theystillneed protection. Doing it when they are young is the best time. Some cats can really do major damage to the wood in a home. I have 2 cats and thay have almost torn off all the varnish of my stair railing and posts. I say go for it, Tony will never know.

Answer 10

Yes, it's cruel. It's illegal in some areas and some vets will no longer perform the procedure. The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, the American Humane Association (although their position is wishy washy), and numerous other rescue groups condemn it. Sorry, but there is no excuse for declawing your cat, indoor or outdoor.

However, you should have talked to your landlord before you got the cat. If this was the only option for the cat, then you should not have gotten him, I'm sorry to say. But, you can ask your landlord if you can put down additional deposit money or use 'soft paws' as an option. Print out information on declawing from reputable sources along with information on soft paws and give them to him. I'll brb to link to some resources for you. : )