Cat Declawing?

Question

I don't know very much about declawing. Does it hurt them at all? Do they even notice that it's been done? Will they still be able to scratch themselves when they are itchy? I just want them to stop scratching the furniture, but I don't really want to do that to them...

Thank you to everyone who has replied. I think it is safe to say that declawing my cats is out of the question! I would never put them through anything like that just for the sake of a couch! I just didn't know very much about it and wanted to know more. Again thanks to everyone.

Answer 1

I don't think it hurts them, at least mine didn't react like it did, but he certainly noticed his claws were gone. It made him into a better all around pet!

Answer 2

What you have to do is teach your cats not to scratch your furniture. Here is what you do. Go to the pet store and get a scratching post they will have several different kinds and you will have to try them out to see which one your cat likes best. Get some catnip spray as well as some leaves. Spray the scratching post with the catnip and put the leaves right next to the post. Go to the toy store and get a squirt gun and every time you see them going for the furniture say no and spray them , just a little you want to startle them not drown them. When you see them using the scratching post tell them good kitty and praise them a lot.

The issue of declawing is a tough one. The only cats who should ever get declawed are cats that never go outside. Claws are a cats defense and an outside cat needs them. Personally I would never declaw any cat I like them the way God made them claws and all.

Answer 3

I just recently declawed my kitten (when she got fixed) and I think it was one of the best things I could have done for her and I. My cat has a lot of personality and she is a very agressive cat because she was wild. Her mother was a barn cat and her father- probably quite feral. She also is not very good around men but I've worked hard at socializing her and she's become a better cat somewhat. Her first vet trip did not go well- so we tried somewhere else- because she was just too wild and they thought t hey would have to sedate her because she just couldnt be looked at. That vet couldn't believe that I could regularly trim her nails because of her wildness. But...

I followed through with many of the suggestions people here listed- and many suggested by the vet and through my own research- to stop your cat from scratching me, and destroying the house. They simply did not work with her and I was consistent with her for months. My main concern was her scratching us- me especially- and if her agressiveness didn't tone down somewhat with the claws what would happen when small children come into the mix. If she was not completely locked up when you went into the bathroom and the door closed- you very well could have a cat in the shower with you and her claws sliding down your back once she jumped from the shower curtain rung.

So, I spoke to another veterinarian who has done a lot of research on declawing cats. Early in her career she was against it but she has done a lot of research and she will now do declawing- because of what she has found and she now has declawed cats of her own. Sure- they need time to heal and they won't be the exact same they were right away (due to having major surgery) but they will still be your lovable creatures. They just need a bit of time. So- do your research into a vet as well- look at what they use in their procedure- if they use nerve blockers or not. They can still scratch themselves when they are itchy....it does hurt them some when they are recovering because there paws are a bit tender so you have to use a different litter for a few weeks and they might not dig around as much at first. But, my cat is the same cat she was a few weeks ago- just without claws and maybe a touch calmer.

Do what is best for both your cat and you and don't be scared of declawing because people generally say its evil and cruel. Do what is best for you and for your animal.

Answer 4

There are so many opinons about declawing.

First of all, if the cat is an INDOOR cat ONLY, I don't have a problem with a declaw. It is not painful to the cat, and if it is ~ it is minimal. They have laser surgery now that reduced the pain by MASSIVE amounts.

If the cat goes outside, I do NOT recommend a declaw, front OR back. The cat must be able to defend itself if presented with danger outdoors.

I have Persians, and they are all declawed. None of them were set back with pain after the procedure. NONE of them EVER go outdoors. Ever. They can still scratch themselves, and it doesn't seem to impair them at all. They even still act like they are honing their claws. My cats are all healthy and happy. I don't think the declaw had a debilitating effect on them whatsoever.

Answer 5

The truest thing about those that trump the evils of declawing is that it is basically removing the cats upper "fingers".

That said

1. Scratching posts- I have two cats, niether used the various posts I got them when they had their claws. Just because you buy a scratch post, it doesnt mean the cat will use it. Ive found more often then not, they prefer rugs or carpeting. Cats will scratch on whatever they want though.

2. Spray bottles, cat repellent, etc.- This is a joke. Cats historically, do not normally react well to any type of enforcement. My cats continously still jump on the dining table, dispite receiving the gamat of punishments.


3. Soft claws- Again, a joke. Some require glue, and all are hard to put on. If you also ever noticed, many cats chew at their nails, and the cats can pull these off, swallow, and possibly choke on these nails. Since they do come off, they need to be constantly replaced, and they arent cheap.


4. Constantly clipping the nails- Have you ever clipped a cats nails before? Let me just point out that cats are extremely flexible, and good with using their back feet. Unless you have two or three people to hold the cat down, or your cat somehow enjoys it, you are going to get clawed to no return. At 12 weeks old, one of my cats put 3 foot long gashes in a vet tech who tried to hold her while the vet clipped her nails.


5. The cat is going to be permantley disabled- Baloney. The best argument Ive read so far is that it prevents them from properly stretching.....which I believe is a load of fluff. My cats stretch all the time, and have no claws.


6. The cat is going to suffer from one of the various horros, such as growing nails under the foot, necrosis, etc- Even on these anti-declawing sites, the authors blatantly admit that just about every one of these scenarios is caused by improper completion of the procedure. In reality, these injuries are very rare, and are usually always the result of an incompetent or inexperienced vet. The chances of any of these can be reduced to almost nothing by getting a vet who has done many of these surgeries, and successfully.


7. The cats behavior will change- I think the data on this is mostly circumstantial. I have never seen a significant change in behavior in atleast 12 cats Ive had over the years, all of which have been declawed.


8. Declawing is expensive compared to alternatives- Uh, no. It cost about 300 bucks for declawing. That is roughly 15 sets of soft paws, that is about 5 years of the cats life if you calculate the recommended extension of a supply. This obviously does not calculate in nails falling off, or being chewed off by the cat. Then if you calculate the cost of the destroyed furniture/clothing/bedding......


9. The cat wont be able to scratch themself- Ive never met a vet who would pull the cats back nails out, and to be honest, cats dont destroy much with their back nails. They are generally used for two purposes, defense, and scratching. Since they have their back nails, it will not affect their ability to scratch themselves.

Answer 6

If you worry, get a scratching post and maybe even try to work some catnip between the twine. Personally I have nothing against removing the front claws, but I was raised by parents born and raised beleiving that furniture is more important than the well being of an animal, therefore my perception may be a bit skewed.All but our two newest cats that were at least semi-permanant residents have had their front paws de-clawed, and they've all been fine. The after surgery booties were also quite entertaining.

Either way, the decision is yours. It's cheaper to simply get a scratching post, but a post doesn't protect you when playing with the cat. You'll get a whole lot of people ranting the evils of declawing, but I know from experience that the cats don't seem to care. It's a different story if the cat spends time outside, then you should leave the claws the way they are.

Answer 7

No way! Don't do it! I toyed with the thought of doing it to mine when they were babies. But then I read a lot about it, and it's very inhumane. It's basically like removing the tip of your finger to the first knuckle. I mean, it's an amputation! My cats like their scratching post a lot. Sometimes they make mistakes and scratch the furniture. But you know what? If you're not prepared for all the things that come with having a cat, then you shouldn't have one. I'm not saying you in particular. Just a figure of speech. Trying the scratching posts and cat furniture and spray some catnip on it!

Answer 8

I am so glad to hear that you decided not to do it. It is banned in other countries and should be here. I don't understand how a person would want to mutilate thier cat. I have had them all my life and I now rescue and I will NOT adopt to anyone thinking about declawing.
It can cause other bad behaviors like not using the litterbox or biting. The shelters have lots of declawed cats and that is why.

Answer 9

i know you think since they are sedated thru the procedure thay may not feel it but it is considered cruel. they may never scratch your furniture agin but you are taking away their natural tools. They will not be able to scratch themselves as well but i'm sure any cat could figure another way to get satisfaction, you just have to weigh the options have you really tried everything? squirt bottles, soft paw claw tips, etc. And of course cost i don't think it's cheap and some vets won't even do it. so good luck and make sure you really want to do this, if you have any doubts don't even do it try all other possiblities.

Answer 10

I have one cat is declaw and if she gets itchy than she will us her hind claws to scratch herself. If you decide to declaw your cat you just have to be careful with the litter box you will need to shread paper until her claws are heal and the vet will let you know how long it will heal it won't take long for them to heal it already depend how old the cat is I have one and he is 2 years old and it will take longer for it to heal and the baby one is just a year old and she will take a long while for it to heal the longer I take the longer it will take to heal. Call your vet and if you have any more questions call your vet they can answer all your questions for you. Good luck

Answer 11

Declawing a cat is more than just pulling out the finger nail. It is an amputation. Yes, it does hurt and but it will heal. You could be causing psychological damage to a mature cat. If you do declaw, keep it indoors.