So the wife is freaking out. I sent the kids on an Easter practice mission to look around the house for cat scuds but they didn't find any. She hasn't eaten much since she got back from the vet. Is that normal? She does drink and pee normally it seems.
2007-03-20 22:08:47 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
She had to get declawed because she kept scratching the kids, big time gashes too. I don't know what her issue was, but she only tolerated me. (orphan I adopted from a dumpster) SO, it had to be done or kitty had to be taken to a farm to live.
2007-03-20 23:39:54 · update #1
Catlover, you crack me up. The kids have always tried to be nice to her, but she wants nothing to do with it. I had the 39 cent solution to the problem, but since the wife ponied up the money, hey...
2007-03-21 00:16:07 · update #2
The declawing might mean it's too painful to use the litter box and she's gone in and dug to do it but it hurt too much so she's scarpered. Not wanting to be a naughty cat, she's holding it in. Her appetite should have picked up by now, it's normal for the them not to eat much the day of surgery and the following day but the third day they're usually back to normal.
2007-03-20 23:06:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats that are declawed often stop using the box, because their paws hurt bad. Are you using normal litter or did you get her different litter for the box? After declawing, you should try either shredded newspaper or the litter made from recycled newspaper, it's softer and won't cause infections as normal litter can.
It's a pity you didn't ask a question about this before getting her declawed, because I'm afraid declawing WILL NOT HELP. If your cat has a behavioral problem scratching your kids, and you took her claws away but you didn't correct her behaviour, it's almost certain she'll start BITING instead. Bites are even worse than scratches for getting infected. Some declawed cats that weren't scratching people (only furniture) turn into biters after declawing; almost ALL cats that are declawed for scratching people do.... Declawing is outlawed in many countries, and for good reason, not only is it painful but in case of behavioral problems toward people rather than furniture it usually makes the problem WORSE.
Edit: I see you did ask a question about your cat being more mellow after spaying and declawing a week ago... and someone actually warned you about declawed cats not using the box and turning into biters instead... well then it's even more sad you went ahead and had her declawed. You got rid of the scratches but got a cat who won't use the box and will almost certainly start to bite in return, even though you were warned... Good going... :-( :-( :-(
2007-03-21 01:02:53 · answer #2 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you ever get another kitty: Don't declaw. They remove part of the toe in this procedure and it hurts. It also effects balance. Soft tips work very well,however,and they're surgery free. They're also pain free and pretty cheap. ^_-
I agree with one of the other posters. It most likely hurts to dig in the 'box,so she's not going to want to do it. PLEASE be sure you've got shredded news paper in there (and if your vet didn't tell you that,find a new vet. Normal litters get into the holes left by the claws and can cause multiple infections and TONS of other problems). The fact that she hasn't gone means she's constipated,regardless of the problem behind it...and the fact she's not eating worries me.
You seem like a really,truly good hearted pet owner. Take your girl to the vet. Hopefully it IS just stress... but it's always better to be on the safe side.
2007-03-20 23:30:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your wife is right to be concerned.
Four days is a long time and you need to call the Vet.
Chances are she's in a little pain from the spay, but in BIG pain for having her toes amputated.
Declawing a cat is nothing short of animal cruelty...in fact it is so cruel that it is illegal in almost every country in the world except for the US.
There are four Vets in my area and NONE of them will mutilate a cat that way.
You could have bought a scratching post and taught her to use it, or bought those nail covers called "Soft Paws" to cover her nails, clipped her nails on a regular basis....all of those solutions would have been MUCH cheaper and much more humane.
Don't be surprised if in time your cat starts to bite...the vast majority of declawed cats become biters because they no longer have any way to defend themselves.
Believe me, if you had a choice to be clawed by a cat or bitten by one, you'd choose clawed any day.
She may stop using the litter box, and she may develop back problems or arthritis later in life...cats walk on the tips of toes and you're cat no longer has any to walk on.
BUT I agree with your Wife, take the cat back to the Vet.
And please, for the sake of any cats you may think about getting later on...take them to live on a farm instead of mutilating them.
2007-03-21 00:53:36 · answer #4 · answered by gracieandlizzie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
She's probably highly distressed that her claws have been ripped out - as would you be.
As to your comment - declawing is NOT the answer. Doesn't happen in England, and our kids aren't shredded. Perhaps the kids should just stay away from kitty if she doesn't like them? Unless kitty charges at them from across the room?
Chalice
Call your vets if you have any post-surgery questions, it's what they're there for.
2007-03-20 22:59:50 · answer #5 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, she may be stressed and still a little out of it. That is a while to go without eating, and it's possible there is no NO. 2 becuase of the no eating. You don't want her to go too long without eating or her liver could be at risk. Offer her a treat to restart her eating, or give her cat milk.. If you are really worried try meat babyfood, and even syringe it. You can also call the vet and say your kitty is still acting weird from the surgeries. It's good if she is drinking, though, and still cleaning herself. But you don't want her liver to fail if she continues to not eat (hopefully she is nibbling at least a little, but try to give her something)
2007-03-20 22:52:18 · answer #6 · answered by boncarles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are very cruel! would you want to do much if you had your fingers riped out from you. you are very lazy as well, being that you probably didn't even try all the alternitives to declawing. and teach your kids how to properly handle the cat.. please don't get rid of it when it starts biting your kids because they aren't treating it properly.
Poor Kitty, too bad you have to put up with all this pain and suffering because of your ignorant owners.
2007-03-20 23:46:34 · answer #7 · answered by catloverme123 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
place shred paper in her box, maybe the litter hurts her paws so she doesn't want to use the litter.
2007-03-21 13:26:29 · answer #8 · answered by DONNA T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋