should i get my cats declawed?

Question

i have 3 cats and they claw my funiture really bad, i cant have them claw all of my funiture. they also clawed my carpet to shreads when they accidently got the bedroom door shut on them. should i declaw them or is there another way to keep them from doing this?

um miss jenny c, you dont have to be so rude. why do you think i am exploring all my options??? im not out to hurt my beloved kitties. in fact i have never heard of soft claws until now. every ones advice has been great, and some funny i would never beat my cats or throw them out the window lol. you shouldnt bite someones head off for something they dont know much about. thank you very much

Answer 1

Before you do anything as drastic as declawing your cats, give them a chance to clean up their act.

Adults need a scratching post at least 3 feet high. Doesn't need to be anything fancy, a 4 x 4 attached to a base wide enough so it doesn't tip over when they use it, covered with used short nap carpeting (staple it on). Rub some catnip into the post so they're attracted to it.

But wait!!! Don't show them the post yet. Clip their claws first. Special little scissors with a notch for the claw are available at most places that sell pet supplies. You only have to cut the hooks off. You will be able to see a pink vein in the claw so don't clip back that far. Since your cats are not used to this you might have to work up to it by playing with their feet, gently stroking and flexing the toes when you pet them. Talk to them while you do it and be gentle. You'll have to do this once or twice a month. You'll need to do this before they get themselves all "nipped up".

Meanwhile, try to trim the fuzzy stuff off where your cats have scratched. Spraying lightly with somehing like Simple Solution might lessen their desire to return to scratch some more. (Be sure to follow directions). If your cat has decided to use the woodwork, you can rub it with orange peel to keep them away.

Get yourself a squirt bottle (leaks less than a squirt gun but isn't as much fun) and say "No" and squirt the cat when you catch him scratching. After while kitty gets the hint, but they have short memories, too.

If you let your cats have free roam of your home when you're away, they can't get in any trouble if you put them in the bathroom for the day.

Keep in mind, though, that some cats will never give up and can't be trained. Since you have 3 cats they might just be the "furry youth gang" type by now. If you get them declawed they should not go outside under any circumstances.

Answer 2

You can try providing them with scratching posts and a carpeted cat tree. Giving them a place to do it and encouraging it there can stop them from shredding the furniture. I had a cat that shredded the sides of stuff, and ripped my speakers.. so I know where you're coming from.

If you're patient, you can apply Soft Paws to all three. You trim the claws, then glue on soft colored claw look-a-likes. They last 6-8 weeks and prevent your cat from getting hooked into things. You can get one paw done at a time when you catch them during a nap. Unless you have an understanding cat that will let you do it.

Declawing is a very painful event. The claw, tendon, and tip of the bone is completely removed. It's a hard healing process. It's illegal in some countries and considered cruel.

Some cats will lose some of their spunk, when they realize they can't function the same. They can't be let outside on their own anymore either, since their main form of defense is gone.

But, if they're shredding the furniture that bad, and you can help them through the difficult healing and possible personality changes, then it is an option and it will stop the harm to your household goods. I would only use it as a last resort though.

Answer 3

You have lots of good and heated answers here. Let me just give you one last spin on the question, from a veterinary professionals point of view. I assist with declaws every day.

If it is a matter of declaw vs. losing their home for bad behavior. By all means declaw is better (unless another home is available, but with bad behavior, that's unlikely)

That said let me note that I would never declaw a cat over about 3 years of age as it is more painful and slow to heal with age. (most scratching behavior is developed by then)

A declawed cat should never be let outside. Can you commit to that?

Is declawing painful? Of course, but a good veterinarian will provide pain meds to make the healing process very comfortable for the cat.

Lastly, mine are Not declawed, they are age 9, 8 and 6 now. Despite all my best attempts, they have destroyed my furniture. I will Not declaw them now, but I do wish I had when they were younger.

Answer 4

I wouldn't, I think it's horrible
Take a look at this site-
http://www.declawing.com

what I do is trim the claws with nail clippers - just taking the really sharp tips off
I also have scatching posts which I spray with catnip - these are far more attractive to the cats than the furniture

Also there is a product called "softpaws" which is like stick on claw covers, I don't know where you would get these as I have never actually tried them. The trimming works well for mine.
I have a lot of rescue cats

Answer 5

If your Cat(s) gets declawed, that limits their mobility outside eg less traction while running. This is especially try when climbing trees, stretching and playing around. If your cats get chased by a dog, for whatever reason, one of the the first things they do is to climmb a tree. Claws are important, as cats can climb thigns that are vertical. If your cat tries to defend its self with its non-existant claws its in for a bit of a shock. But thats all for outside. It isnt really a problem, but of late i have seen a few random dogs skulking around.

Anyway, Its up to you, i mean, if you left them on, you could decide to do it later at any time.

Later.

Answer 6

If their strictly indoor cats, I don't see that much of a problem if it's that big of a problem for you that way it keeps both you and your cats in a happy home.

If not you should try your local pet store, they might have sprays like to discourage them from doing stuff like scents or something that they smell, and toys and scratching posts for them to put their clawing energy else where lol


or you could always buy new furniture that can't be clawed up ;-) and let the little kitties go on with their clawing habits ;-) oh and hard wood floors or tile ...

oh cool what "Akashdeep Singh's" said DIY heeeheee

Answer 7

THIS IS THE BEST SOLUTION, AND EASIEST:
http://softpaws.com
they sell claw caps, they are humane, cheap and easy to use. Plus they are reversible and effective, and of course you don't have to declaw the cats. Do you know:
a. that declawing means cutting off their finger, not just claw?
b. after declawing, apart from the pain, the cats may start biting and stop using the litterbox and poo on your carpets and furniture (because it is no fun digging without fingers!)

Answer 8

Would you like to have the end of your fingers and toes chopped off and then have to walk on them? I think not. It is inhumane to declaw a cat and most of the time it will completely change their temperament. Try the soft claws (they work awesome) and a spray bottle with water in it, just give them a misting in the face when they are doing what they are not supposed to, should work after a few times. Good luck

Answer 9

I've known several people that have had their cats declawed and it seems to work out fine for them....but these were strictly indoor cats. They can't protect themselves very well outside without the claws. I don't know of any other way to keep them from scratching. If you don't already have a regular scratching post for them to use then try one of those.

Answer 10

DO-IT-YOURSELF CAT TREE
Step-by-step plans (including materials list, and instructions) for building a great place for your cats to perch!
Based on plans originally published in PETA's ANIMAL TIMES including modifications by Cat's Haven; revised and reformatted by Amby Duncan-Carr.
http://amby.com/cat_site/cattree.html



Build your own Scratching Post
Clear instructions, common tools, straight-forward illustration etc., from the creator, Kevin Loader! The only thing you don't get is a visit and try-out from "co-creator" and principal user, Kiki (although I'm sure he'd love to!)
[NOTE: This page is provided by the Web Archive since the original site seems to have vanished; the email address listed is probably no longer accurate.]
Kevin Loader
http://web.archive.org/web/19981207022751/http://www.sidus.net/kloader/usepost.htm



Cat Tree Forest
.... describes a sturdy cat tree designed and built by Caledonia's and Liberty's people. A clear drawing is shown but no specific dimensions are included.
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5421/forest.htm



Kitty Sunroom and the Kitty Bathroom Plans
For $10 you can get the plans for these great kitty spots. The site has some info and pictures; get your creative juices flowing!!
John & Patricia Canivan
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/CatAnna/plans.htm




Cat Climber
These building directions include a list of all the materials needed; diagrams and instructions are also provided. Dave says it's H E A V Y so you may want to have help moving it if you assemble it elsewhere (or perhaps you'll want to put it together near its final location!!).
Dave Harrison
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/david-rebecca/Catclimber.html


How to build a scratching post
Here are set-by-step instructions for making a Sisal Wrapped Scratching Post - cat tested and approved! Includes training advice; the Coping With Your Cat section (also on this site) provides additional training tips and clearly explains why cats should NOT be declawed.
Cats International (formerly Wisconsin Cat Club)
http://www.catsinternational.org/9_3.html


BUILD A SCRATCHING POST!
Do it yourself: Step-by-step directions -- Low-cost!
Instructions from Gregory and Pamela Talin-Bryant; inspirational assistance provided by Stella & Izzy.
http://www.ultranet.com/~tb/toys.htm

The Cat Ladder
As you can see, Xena, Gabby, Lissy, and Lucy have done a thorough quality inspection and are quite pleased with this great cat perch made from a step ladder, cardboard concrete mold, and sisal rope, along with 2x4 anchors. Build this, add cats, and you'll have a great-looking conversation piece for any room in your home.
Anne M. Kolaczyk
http://www.nd.edu/~akolaczy/catladder.html


"Build A Cat TREE" instructions, in common everyday language
Provides answers to common questions, hints, tips and clues for how to build your own cat tree. Also, check out the selection of unique, hand-crafted cat trees available for inspiration (or purchase).
Smith Industries
http://www.smithindustries.com/How-To.html


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Not into DO-IT-YOURSELF projects?? Check this alternative:
Natural Scratch For Natural Cats
This solid cedar scratching post system features an interactive string toy, kitty treats, catnip, and a seven-page training booklet. The new, improved version has a white cedar post, is available in two sizes (24" or 32" high) and comes with a red cedar base of equal dimensions -- this provides stability so that your cat won't have the awful experience of digging in and then having the post fall over!! The beautiful X-shaped base also provides an appealing HORIZONTAL scratching surface. Cedar provides the tactile sensations preferred by cats PLUS you're not training your kitty to scratch on the carpets!!
Ted Schaar
http://www.naturalscratch.com/


Cat-friendly End Table
Here's the idea behind this new concept for hearth and kitty: Instead of complaining about what some cats do to some living room furniture, why not use those same activities to make handsome rooms and happy cats? This end table is not CHEAP and will be an attractive and much appreciated addition to your home!!
Jonah Kalb / Catnip Trading
http://www2.viaweb.com/cgi-bin/clink?catnip+LENyxD+catendtab.html