Ok. My first cat is 2 1/2 years old, his name is Donnie. He used to live with other cats, so I know he is ok with them. He is neutered and declawed (only the front paws). Now, in order to bring home the second one home, since I got him from the no-kill shelter, I have to have him fixed. I don't know exactly how old he is, they called him an adult but I don't think he is full grown yet. My question is, should I have him declawed before he comes home or should I wait? I'd like to get it done all at once but I want to do what is best for the cats... thanks!
2006-12-16 12:37:48 · 10 answers · asked by Runaway 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I should have added that I wouldn't worry about declawing E.J. but Donnie is declawed, that's the only reason I'm worried about it now.
2006-12-16 12:42:10 · update #1
Personally, I don't believe in declawing cats at all. It's a cruel and unnecessary procedure that leaves the cat chronically in pain. It's the equivalent of amputating part of our fingers, since the claws are actually an extension of the cat's toes themselves, and not like our nails. There are little caps you can glue on the claws every few weeks that don't hurt at all, and keep your cat from scratching, or you can trim the nails regularly, or you can simply train your cats not to scratch on your furniture and provide a scratching post instead. Not only do cats scratch as a means of protection, but they do it to relax. By declawing your cat, you are taking far more from it than just it's claws.
If you tell the shelter that you are going to declaw, most shelters won't even let you adopt from them. Declawing is illegal in many countries, for good reason.
However, if you are going to have it done, I'd do it all in one surgery. The cat at home won't be able to defend itself against a clawed arrival, and that's just not fair to the existing cat. Be sure that the doctor uses pain meds after the surgery (you have to ask, it's not usually standard). Declawing a cat can change the way he reacts to other cats, too, so make sure he is still OK with other cats before you bring a new cat home.
2006-12-16 12:45:20 · answer #1 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could wait if you wanted to,if you keep the cats separate for a while to get adjusted.Also,you can have the surgeries done at once too.I had my cats fixed and declawed at the same time to save a trip and some stress to the cat.
2006-12-16 12:43:57 · answer #2 · answered by spicy1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know I am probably going to get a lot of thumbs down for this, but we just recently adopted our second cat, and a condition for this cat was that he had to be declawed when we adopted him. Our original cat is declawed (front only) and it would only be fair that the new guy was as well.. This is just my opinion...
2006-12-16 13:38:04 · answer #3 · answered by debra 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I have a cat that is 4 and when i asked about getting him declawed they said they don't like to do it to adult cats because its too painful for them, and his rehab time would be longer. So if the vet would let you do it I would get it done soon.
2006-12-16 12:43:21 · answer #4 · answered by kelitha8 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you worried about if he is old enough yet to be declawed take him to a vet they will be able to look at the teeth and stuff to see how aprox. old he is. There wouldnt be a prob with doing it all at once. When ever u invite a new cat in the house there will always be a little hissing between them. just give them time and they will love each other.
2006-12-16 12:42:49 · answer #5 · answered by Wooter 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't get him declawed at all! It's a horrible thing to do to a cat. There are alternatives now that are much more humane, like plastic nail coverings that are available at the vet.
2006-12-16 12:40:22 · answer #6 · answered by willster58 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do not believe in declawing...but you cannot have one with claws and one without because the other cat will not be able to defend himself. the vet will know the age of the new cat from the teeth.
2006-12-16 14:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by susan_peterson1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no don't declaw
its a cats self defense and they both have to learn to respect each other
ps - I agree that its inhumane to declaw it, for several reasons, including getting bullied by neighbour's cats who still have claws, decreased ability to climb or jump over a fence safely without falling down and getting injured, etc... Maybe you could get nail clippers to just cut off just the sharp points at the tip of the cats claws, where no flesh is, just finger-nail material. That way, the cat could still assert itself without causing injury to other cats or the furniture.
2006-12-16 12:42:37 · answer #8 · answered by million$gon 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This cat hasn't been fixed? Yes you can have him declawed at the same time. Talk with you vet.
2006-12-16 12:44:23 · answer #9 · answered by Precious Gem 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
have it all done at once, and keep him separated from Donnie til his toes feel better. they can hear and smell each other through the door for a few days before they meet. be prepared for some hissing and slapping for a while, then they will get used to each other.
2006-12-16 12:43:33 · answer #10 · answered by Squirrley Temple 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋