Cat with an attitude problem...?

Question

I have a 7 year old cat named Daisy. I've had her since she was born. Other pets have come and gone for short periods in her life. I have been dating my boyfriend now for almost 2 years. He came with a cat. A few months later we got another cat. And a few months after that we got a puppy. Daisy is the only cat that has claws. So, she thinks she's the boss. She doesn't claw anything. But since we've gotten the other pets, she's been spraying my boyfriend's leather recliner and other spots in the house. She thinks that my boyfriend is responsible for the additional permanent residents. We're not going to get rid of any of our pets. But I was thinking that if I declaw her, maybe it would make her realize she's not the boss... I am. I don't know if that would mentally scar her since she's older, or not. Any suggestions what I could do...???

Ah, geez. You guys are missing the point. Having claws is an ego boost to the cat. Declawing often calms down and tames the cat. The cat doesn't compare itself to the other cats... that's beside the point. She feels that she is above those around her. I give her plenty of attention, as does my boyfriend. She likes him and goes to him for petting many times a day. I was asking if it would hurt or help her pschy to get her declawed at an older age. Most people declaw cats while they're kittens.

Answer 1

No, I think it would be all right. I got my cat declawed when I brought him home at 7 months, and we have much less scratches nowadays!!!! It also calms him a lot, so he is much more loving than when he had claws. ♫

Answer 2

Cats are creatures of habit and very territorial. She possibly feels threatened by all the changes within the house and the additional pets. She's scent marking to try and warn them off.

She probably isn't even aware that she's the only cat with claws. De-clawing her won't resolve the problem. You need to give her a lot of attention to help her understand that she's no need to feel jealous or insecure. Perhaps you could create some space somewhere in your home purely for her, that she can retreat to when she's had enough of the other pets.

It takes some cats longer than others to accept change. Just be patient and eventually she will calm down.

P.S. With your added details, I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps you are just looking for people to validate your decision to declaw Daisy. I'm not judging you, but please try seeing it from her point of view. How would you feel if your boyfriend suddenly moved another girlfriend and a couple of his mates into your home. Then when you voice your objections, he takes you to a doctors to have your fingertips amuptated. Would that really make you less upset? You will just be adding physical pain to Daisy's existing mental pain. Please, please don't declaw your cat, she isn't misbehaving, she's just feeling really miserable.

I know you say you don't want to get rid of any pets, but not all cats are prepared to share and will always resent the newcomers. Perhaps it might be kinder to think about re-homing her somewhere that she is the only household pet.

Above all, please take professional advice before you do anything drastic. I really do hope this has a happy ending for Daisy.

Answer 3

That is the absolutely worst thing you can do to that poor kitty!!!!! Do not declaw!!!! You'll make her separation complex worse and destroy her!!! That is unusual behavior for a female cat. Declawing won't solve your problem. Usually the spraying is a male cat thing to mark territory. Daisy is both overwhelmed and neglected. For five years she owned you. You got that right. We don't own cats. Never think you do. Cats and people are fellow travelers on planet Earth. Then, two years ago you bring in a boyfriend, two more cats and a puppy? If I were Daisy, I'd be pissing too. It's pretty obvious that you aren't giving her enough attention. Cats are notoriously jealous creatures. If you want to keep her happy, pay a lot of attention to her. She deserves it. After all, you've had her a lot longer than your boyfriend and it's pretty obvious, she doesn't like him at all. One last thing. Cats are extremely sensitive. That is why the Egyptians thought they were gods.

Answer 4

Declawing is extremely harmful to cats. I really don't think that would help because I don't think her claws are the reason she thinks she's the boss. It's because she there before them and doesn't like the other animals around. Is she fixed? Most cats stop spraying once they're fixed, but if she is and still spraying, it may just be a habit now that you really can't break. I'm having this problem right now with my cat.

To learn the dangers of declawing, visit this site: http://amby.com/cat_site/declaw.html
There's plenty more out there, but this is just one that had a lot of stuff.

Also, to keep your cat from spraying, there's some things that may help like scattering lemon, grapefruit and orange peels things that need protection, or even some candles that some pet companies sell.

All in all, your cat feels threatened and wants to show her territory and with other animals around, this is her way and you can't really stop it, unfortunately. Some cats are just possessive!

Answer 5

What? Why would you declaw the cat if she does not claw anything? At her age that would be devastating and absolutely pointless, even mean.

She probably just needs special attention. If you declaw her she will be even more pissed off at your boyfriend, and it is going to HURT her. Do you want to hurt your cat of 7 years???

The girl lost a lot of attention with these new arrivals. Give her extra loving, and make sure your boyfriend gives her extra love too. It will help a lot.

Answer 6

don't declaw her-I think that's inhuman. You could invest in what they call soft-claws (they are little covers that go over the nails). Most good pet shops or catalog stores have them. Cats are very territorial, she just probably feels her territory has been taken from her. Daisy might be saying that there are too many cats in her territory. (its her territory, she was there first) Sometimes, one cat is enough for a territory, sometimes more. Also, that spraying may be her way of showing her readiness or non-readiness to mate with the other cats. (or for that matter, even have them there) She's showing them that this is her mark, so stay out other cats.

Answer 7

I really do not think that declaw her is the answer. Your cat is angry at something or showing everyone she was the first pet to mark her area. You may want to do some search about behavior modification. Also some vets may not want to do the operation as it is dangerous when you put cats under to do that.

Answer 8

well people say you sh ouldnt declaw cats. that is there defense.. I honestly think that will piss her off even more, you should just get this feliway stuff, find it on ebay it will calm her down.. my cat is realllllllllllllly mean, she is just about a year old.. but Daisy seems to be very jealous that you have them other pets.. does she see tha they ge tmore attention and she gets less? go to petoftheday.com , click on pettalk, then click the cat forum, register there, and ask on there. them girls on there will be glady to help you.. good luck

Answer 9

Would you like to have the tips of your fingers cut off? That is what they do to your cat when you have them declawed.

You're probably not going to be able to convince her she isn't the boss (she IS a cat after all) but you might try getting a water pistol and spraying her when she sprays - I've had luck in the past with this approach.

Answer 10

don`t declaw her. that`s not going to prove any point with her she is the boss. just kidding..... she will work it out with you spend extra time with her and correct her in a loving way when she is bad. be thankful she is not spraying your boy friend. its just a Territorial thing with her