De- Clawing cats?

Question

Would you consider it bad if i wand to declaw my cat if i dont want her to tear up my furniture because some if it cost tons of money so what should i do?

Answer 1

I would not do it. For many reasons, one of which is that declawing actually is cutting off the first knuckle of the toe (kinda like clipping your fingers just above your nail ... all the way off).

I had a rescue kitty (who I named "Ruth," after her tormentor), who was so skitzy she started getting under my bed and pulling the cotton from the box spring. Thinking I had no real alternative, I had her front feet declawed. It changed her personality.

Before, she would chase toys and strings across the floor, and stop on a dime to turn by extending her claws into the carpet ... boy was she quick, too! Afterward, she couldn't stop, and slid on the carpet. It gave her front pads carpet abrasions, which hurt her, so she quit being so playful.

In addition, it made her submissive to my princess kitty, Xena, who is a Siamese Tabby. Xena is not declawed, so when they argued, Ruth would become the submissive one because if she slapped, it didn't carry any authority.

Ruth was the most loving and kind kitty, but last year she became very ill in just a few days, and and the vet recommended a humane ending. My dad had died just the same week, but we had expected it ... I hafta admit, I was so much more sad over Ruth than my dad ... it even makes me feel sad to write it now. She was only 8 years old, and I know she lived a lot longer than she would have if I hadn't rescued her; and, had a much better life; but, I still miss her unique little quirks and bright eyes and snapping tail.

Memories

Silently slipping into our hearts,
Making mem’ries we save in
Our souls,
They keep us captured
And totally enraptured,
Yet, remind us they’re
Just ours on loan.
And, when they’re gone,
Once they have flown,
For eternity, our heart is their home.
©viewfromahorse

Answer 2

I wouldn't consider you bad, just under-informed. What most people don't know about declawing is that they don't just take off the claw like removing a toenail. They actually remove the last digit of the bone. So, take your pointer finger for example. You have the knuckle, then a joint in the middle and then a joint before your nail starts. From that joint down gets cut off in a delcaw - not just the nail. Actually declawing is illegal in most of Europe and is considered inhumane. If your cat is more than a year you better not because that can be very traumatic. Cats often have personality changes after a delcaw. It would be better to consider getting cheaper furniture or taking the time to get his claws regularly trimmed, either by you or by a groomer. It's good that you asked. Hope that makes your decision more clear.

Answer 3

Oh dear. Problem is, when you declaw a cat you're actually amputating the first joint of their digits. This is mutilation, plain and simple, and can cause an unnatural gait that can cause hip and spinal pain. There is also the danger of infection. Also, cats that are declawed tend to develop biting problems-as in biting people. Not always, but often. Not to mention the rather obvious fact that you are taking away their ability to defend themselves or escape quickly to higher ground-trees. Even if you leave the back claws, she won't be able to defend herself anywhere near as well or climb as quickly. Even if she's an inside cat, can you guarantee she'll never slip out? There are chemicals you can spray on your furniture that will make it less attractive to your cat, and scratching posts that smell enchantingly of catnip. Try that first, ok? Weigh the options, consider your priorities, and good luck.

Answer 4

Actually, trimming your cats nails regularly and providing appropriate cat poles is much more humane. Declawing basically involves ripping out the entire nail and leaving raw wounded flesh behind. Often, this procedure leaves you with a cat who won't use the litter box appropriately and instead of scratches you get urine stains on that valuable furniture. Using a water bottle and scat mats can keep the animal away from the most valuable furniture as well. Nail clippers cost very little and it is fairly easy to get your cat to submit. You can trick them by using a yummy hairball ointment on their bellies for them to lick while you are dealing with the nails. Your vet will gladly show you how much nail to cut and you have saved the cat a lifetime of pain and disability.

Answer 5

Yes..it is bad. Why would you buy expensive furniture that costs tons of money if you have a cat? Declawing is ripping out half a finger and is cruel. Many vets will not do it.

Answer 6

I am an antique dealer and my place is filled with antiques. Some of them quite valuable. I have 3 cats and I have also fostered cats. I have never, nor would I ever consider getting one of them declawed. Before you make this decision, please educate yourself by doing a search on "declawing cats" and see what is done to them. It is a horrible, painful and cruel operation. Many places, including England have outlawed it. There are ways around the situation and precautions and actions you can take to ensure they don't go after your furniture. Read up on the alternatives. Thanks for asking the question before jumping into action.

Answer 7

Please only De claw as a last resort. You can train your cat to use scratching posts. Get a couple and have them near the furniture. When you see the cats starting to put their feet on the side to scratch pick them up and set them at the scratching post and pit the feet on it. Shut the cats away from the furniture unless you are at home to watch them. They will get the idea to use the posts. You can but or make some pretty neat looking posts. Good luck.

Answer 8

Declawing a cat is a horrible thing to do. It causes them a lot of pain. Just as another poster said, it is indeed illegal in many countries. I live in Germany and it is illegal here. Why? Because it is cruel. There are ways to train your cat to stop scratching the furniture.

Answer 9

My mom had my cats declawed. It does hurt them. You can buy little toppers for the claws (just little rubber things that cover them and won't let them scratch). These do not hurt them, but they can be a bit expensive. Check any doggrooming sites, or talk to your vet about them.

Answer 10

I have had all but one of my cats declawed over the last 14 years, I always do it when they are still babies and then they do not remember, they heal quickly never let them use regular litter afterwords use the Yesterday's News for about 2 weeks so they do not get it under where they had surgery.

I only have the front done as it is does not make sense to do the back they claw with the front, but make sure they are to remain indoor cats as without front claws they can not defend themselves outside.

Good Luck with whatever you choose.