I know this has been a topic of hot debate, and normally I think it's a terrible, inhumane thing to do. However, my vet has recommended that I get Smokey declawed. I rescued Smokey from the engine of a car where he was trapped just over the exhaust return. Lucky I was at that gas station, eh? I rushed him to the emergency vet, where he spent four months recovering from 3rd degree burns over 65% of his body. He is fine now, minus his ears which had to be amputated, but he has A LOT of scarring. The problem is that he scratches his scars bloody. I'm sure they itch like crazy... most scars do. At first, we thought once he was totally healed he would stop the incessant scratching, but that was 2 years ago. Poor baby always has an open wound from scratching. The soft claws don't help, he just chews them off so he can scratch better. He doesn't go outside as is, what with having no ears and all, so that's not the issue, it just doesn't seem right to take off his toes! Please help!
2006-12-26 18:41:40 · 9 answers · asked by sinaka23 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
To answer a few questions that have come up: Smokey is already neutered, he has had 2 negative allergy tests (this is not the cause of the scratching so medication and/or ointments won't help), and the tendonectomy wouldn't help as it can only be used on the front feet and Smokey scratches with his back feet. I do appreciate all the support and well wishes I have received. E-mail me if you would like to see a picture of him - just know that his apperance is a bit odd. I think he's beautiful, but my dad calls him ugly cat and small children are usually scared of him.
2006-12-27 13:55:20 · update #1
If he is endangering himself with constant open wounds thereby risking infection and he is not an outdoor cat, your vet is right - in this case, the most humane thing to do is to have him declawed. You may want to ask the vet to put a Victorian collar on his neck until his paws and wounds are healed (this will prevent him from switching to biting his scabs until everything is healed and help to avoid further bad habits). You can also keep the scabs moist with vaseline to prevent the itching/ask the vet to give him a steroid injection to conteract the histamines from the scratching
2006-12-26 18:48:13 · answer #1 · answered by shasser2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, kudos for taking in this cat. That was an awesome thing to do! I'm normally opposed to declawing, but in this case, since he is a "special needs" cat and is actually hurting himself, I'd agree with the vet and have him declawed.
Declawing won't remove his toes, just the 'nails' or claws inside.
I do have a question though...why is he scratching? Is there some kind of ointment or medication that can be used to combat the problem before declawing? I would ask your vet about that first.
2006-12-27 00:25:25 · answer #2 · answered by Enchanted 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Declawing doesn't actually remove the claw, it cuts the actual claws and you deform the cat's paws. There's a new procedure called TENDONECTOMY. This involves cutting the tendon that allows the cat to extend it's nail. It is only done on the front paws. If you have the operation done in the morning you can take your cat home later that evening. It's a very small incision close to the tips of the paws and doesn't involve stitching;surgical glue heals the wound and you cat will be back to it's regular activities in a day. I had this procedure done on my cat.
2006-12-26 20:38:22 · answer #3 · answered by Smart Blonde 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your dilemma. I have two cats and had a 3 year long domestic with my husband over the topic of declawing. I am absolutely 100% against it. I am European and back home it is illegal. In order to keep the family together and stop him from giving my babies away, I finally caved. I had them perform a laser declaw which is less invasive albeit still an amputation. I hate to admit this...my cats both seem to be fine after the procedure. They were both 4 years old when they had it done and they have adjusted perfectly. They still jump and climb and their personality hasn't changed at all. I am still against doing it and would not recommend it to anyone with a healthy cat, but in your case, I believe that your cat's quality of life will be improved if he can no longer itch his scars. You are doing it for medical rather than vanity reasons.
Best of luck and best wishes to you and your kitty.
2006-12-26 18:50:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes yes yes ,and a nueter too! If your vet thinks it won't hurt Smokey to declaw him , ask if you can get him nuetered too. A nuetered male cat will be more docile and less likely to scratch himself,or want to go outside if he were healthy. Without any claws to reopen the wounds, Smokey would be a much healthier and happier cat. An indoor cat really doesn't need claws if it has a protective an caring owner like you.
2006-12-26 20:06:38 · answer #5 · answered by stoshisarockin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I got my last cat I swore I would reconsider the whole "declawing" issue, but it was my vet who persuaded me not to do this with his explanation of the types of declawing now possible.
That said, your vet advocates the procedure, but can you just get the back claws taken care of? Typically that's what cats use to scratch, and then your cat will still have claws to defend itself (even indoor cats can get out) and play.
Very cool to rescue a cat in this situation. And cool that you give this issue the thought it merits before making a decision. Good luck and God bless.
2006-12-28 02:05:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a really big fan of de-clawing cats, but in Smokey's case I think it's a good idea. First off, Smokey doesn't go outside and so he won't need them for defense. Also, it sounds like the claws are prolonging his suffering. If he still has open wounds because of his claws, then he won't heal. Worse, cats can carry many germs in thier claws which can lead to secondary infections. Without claws, Smokey will still attempt to scratch, and it may be somewhat hard for you to watch him try to relieve his itching over and over, but in time the scars will heal. Good luck
2006-12-26 18:50:12 · answer #7 · answered by tranquility_base3@yahoo.com 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have both of our cats fully declawed and we are very thankful for it. They are indoors only and have been declawed since they were kittens.
It my be a little traumatic for a cat of a few years to be declawed but it sounds like its in his best interest....good luck
2006-12-26 23:33:26 · answer #8 · answered by red5jb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Poor thing-in this situation I would most definatley declaw your cat it's the most humane thing to do. I hope your cat gets better!
2006-12-27 04:37:11 · answer #9 · answered by dancefastgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋