Alternative to declawing a cat?

Question

My friend has a cat that attacks everyone that she comes into contact with. She got me a few times. I use to always say declaw that damn cat but I just read a few articles about declawing. Im not a fan. So is there another alternative?? She's such a bad cat. She doesnt listen at all. Stubborn!!!!

the cat attacks aggressively. also spray bottles does not work!!!! this cat is so bad a few vet places said they couldnt provide services for the cat. my friend had to go to this place where they take care of feral cats and other wild animals. she is an indoor cat. i think her mom/dad were outdoor cats if that matters. i have 2 cats myself and i know others who have cats. this cat is something else, like its possesed. my friend spoils her cat too. but it's like when guest come over, she has to lock the cat up in the bathroom since everyone is so scared lol. my friend does not like the fact that she has to lock her up and how she attacks everyone.

Answer 1

Hi there...alternatives to declawing is trimming the cats nails and using nail cap covers called SoftPaws http://www.softpaws.com

Instructional video on how to trim cats nails by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine for Feline Health:
http://www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/trimming_claws/full_movie.shtml

Answer 2

NEVER declaw a cat just in case it runs away and has to take care of itself. If you want the cat to stop scratching people you should get some of those rubber tips from petsmart... I think they're called softpaws. What they do is you glue them onto the cat's claws and the rubber keeps them from hurting people when the cat 'attacks'. Plus when the cats claws grow the rubber tips fall off, so there's no worries about it running away and being unable to defend itself. Rubber tips are MUCH better than declawing the cat.

Answer 3

Declawing is not a humane solution to cats who scratch people or objects. Cats, like dogs, can become bored and more interaction with the cat, using cat-nip toys and scratch pads or posts may help with draining this feline's excessive energy. If the girl isn't spayed, this, too, sometimes cuts back some of the energy and creates a more sedate feline. Nothing, however, is as effective as setting aside a half hour for human/feline interaction! Lastly, feline nails may be trimmed back so that should they scratch, at least it wouldn't be as painful or destructive.

Answer 4

In addition to the claw caps, consider arming yourself. Carry a little spray bottle or water gun and whenever the cat attacks, give it a little spray. Also be sure that the cat is provided with enough opportunity to scratch and play. Consider putting a sturdy scratching post in a few rooms and leave out plenty of toys with catnip.

Answer 5

There are these plastic things that you can have put on, forget wha they are called, but they go directly over the nails so they can't do damage...declawing is like cutting off their fingers not just nails so you are right. I am not sure how well they stay on but I do know it is an option, the vet has to put them on.
My cat isn't exactly an angel...she loves to claw and has extras to boot...7 on one paw and 6 on the other and is also, shall we say, ill of disposition, anyway..other than wearing shin guards...thats all i got!!!!!!

Answer 6

I've had the front claws removed on all my kitties except one, and they didn't seem to be in any undue distress afterwards.

But if declawing is not an option, then your friend is going to have to teach her kitty not to attack people. And to use a scratching post or pad.

I've not seen these things myself, but I have heard of little tips that can be put on a kitty's claws to keep them from being sharp called Soft Paws. And I understand a lot of pet supply stores can obtain them, or do carry them.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Someone told me recently about these little coverings that you place on the individual nails. They wear down after a while, but the cats paws are not affected. You might check at a pet store or with a vet.

Answer 8

Well lf you declaw a cat you have to keep this cat inside cause lf you don`t and this cat gets into a fight with another cat this cat won`t be able to defend ltself without his claws..keep lt inside..

Answer 9

Does she attack in play or aggressively attacks people?
If she is an indoor cat, declawing should be fine.

Answer 10

My alternative is keeping my cat's claws clipped. It's quite easy to do and doesnt take much time at all. I have been doing it since I got her so she doesnt put up a fight.