Declawing the Cat?

Question

My girlfriend and I recently purchased new couches. My girlfriend has suggested declawing the cat however I object to declawing the cat. I find it to be incredibly cruel. I have learned how to trim his nails. Should I get him declawed? Why or why not?

Answer 1

NOOOOO!!! it should only be used as a last result! there are plenty of things you can do to teach it not to scratch on the couch,
1. get a scratching post, get a couple if he really likes scratching
2. clipping nails is very good
3.put tape on the side of the couch
4. if he does scratch the couch have a spray bottle handy and spray him
5. make loud clapping noises everytime he scratches.
this should help, i have three cats and none of them claw our funiture. good luck

Answer 2

You're right, don't get him declawed. It's illegal in many countries (including mine) and that really isn't because the people in charge happen to own an upholstery business and like extra sales!

It's NOT true that if declawing were illegal there'd be more cats in shelters; perhaps even the opposite. Declawed cats often turn into biters and also often stop using the litter box. Biting kitties and cats that aren't box trained are given up at least as often or more so than cats that scratch, these problems are harder to correct and thus these cats are harder to place! Many people don't blame declawing for these problems at first, just 'cause they don't think of the two being related, but when it's pointed out to them they often do admit that's when it started. If your cat is lucky he may come out of it fine, but if he doesn't he'll be in a FAR, FAR worse position than he was at first, creating bigger problems in your household and if that means he has to be re-homed you'll have a much harder time finding someone who will want him with those more serious problems of biting & not being boxtrained.

Others have already given excellent advice on how to train your cat. Use that :) Good luck!

Answer 3

http://www.declawing.com/

Please go and look at the above link for real info on declawing.

From my own experience I had one cat declawed at a relative's request. She was 3. She had a month of pain and discomfort, hardly moved and underwent a negative personality change. And to top it all off, in 2 years, she re-grew 3 of her claws -- and that was a bloody, painful process too.

I guess if your cat is a kitten you might could justify it, but it sounds like you have an older cat. I just wouldn't do it.

If you really want to turn your girlfriend off, show her this site with pictures of an actual declawing. If that doesn't change her mind, I don't know what will.

http://community-2.webtv.net/zuzu22/STOPDECLAWCOM/

Answer 4

If you are going to keep the cat indoors and it will never be allowed outside then declawing the cat is an option. We tried soft claws but they kept falling off or they were chewed off by our cat. We also tried trimming his claws but after a few times (and a lot of scratches) we gave up. The deciding factor was when I came home from work and the cat had shredded our blinds in our picture window and gotten himself tangled in the mess. He was stuck hanging by one claw for god knows how long. Needless to say I made the appointment the following day to get him declawed.

Answer 5

Do not declaw the cat.

Not only do they have to go through a painful surgery, but it eventually decreases muscle denisity and balance.

Also, if they ever end up outside, they are in a world of trouble without claws

There are several alternatives, including soft gel caps you can get from your vet that fit over their nails.

Or there is a furniture protector called "Sticky Paws" which is virtually invisable and works really well.

Besides, isn't your kitty more important than a new couch.

Answer 6

The surgery to declaw a cat is the equivalent of cutting a person's fingers off at the first joint. It should be your last resort (between keeping the cat and getting rid of him). Try training him first, and providing areas where he will be allowed to scratch (like a scratching post).

Answer 7

I have 3 cats, all declawed and very happy 5, 4 and 2 yrs ...
If they are young (6-8 months) declawing is not cruel, they do
not feel a thing! They are asleep and they heal in one week!
If they are older and use to their claws, then not good to.

My cats are happy, healthy indoor cats! They do have their
back claws for scratching and because there's no reason to
get rid of those. Our furniture is still in tacked and the cats
are spoiled rotten! They play and pick toys up without them!
My 2 year old catched her toy mouse in the air when thrown.

XOXO Mel

Answer 8

Try Soft Paws... You glue them on your cat's claws to prevent scratching.

We declawed the cat I had growing up. He left bloody paw prints on our bathroom counters for years, right up until he died. I don't think I'd ever get another cat declawed after that and after learning its cutting the first joint off.

Answer 9

Absolutely not, under any circumstances. This is a terribly cruel thing to do, it denies the animal the right to live its life naturally and can be dangerous to the animal, for example if he tries to climb trees, he will fall. If this is a new kitten, its an awful thing to do, but for an adult cat, who is used to having claws, it is unimaginably cruel. I personally would not like to have all my toe nails removed - would your girlfriend?

If you live in the UK, declawing is illegal too.

Better to get a scratching post and encourage him to use it, he'll soon learn not to scratch the furniture. Good luck!

Answer 10

This is soley up to you. It is very painful and I know some people would like to see this procedure banned but if it was banned there would be alot more cats being put to sleep every year. Some people want cats but want nice things more. In my opinion I would rather see a cat declawed than put to sleep because it was destroying furniture!!!