Okay. So, I have read many opinions about declawing cats. I have heard insults from both sides of the fence. "Declawing is bad and inhumane!" "Declawing is lazy!" But what do you do when the two year old cat that you love (and have had since he was 6 wks old) decides to use your children and dog (a big ole lab) as a scratching post? No one grabs his claws and says "No claws" because all he would do is scratch the daylights out of your face! Now, I don't know many people who would adopt such an agressive cat. I don't want to give him up (because they would probably just destroy him) and he is strictly an inhouse cat. Would you all suggest I take him to a shelter? Or declaw him? Or just squirt water at him as he rips through my sons chest! I don't know what to do anymore. I love my cat but my kids and my dog are constantly being scratched by him. He doesn't scratch me. But the kids and my dog are his prey. I'd love to hear some suggestions.
2007-03-23 10:48:45 · 27 answers · asked by all_er_nuthin 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Yes, squirt water at him, sternly say 'no!', or spook him by clapping your hands loudly. Then ignore him for a while, don't go straight back to petting or playing. You have to correct his behaviour; apart from the cruelty of declawing, most likely it WILL NOT HELP. When cats are declawed because of aggressive behaviour like yours, and that behaviour is not corrected, it's almost certain he'll turn into a biter instead. Cat bites are painful and more prone to infection than scratches.
Try to get your children and dog to leave the cat alone if at all possible, correct the cat's behaviour as I mentioned above, and also talk to a vet, especially if the cat attacks even when kids and dog didn't even come up to the cat first; cats normally aren't this aggressive, there might be something bothering him.
2007-03-24 02:42:47 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Thats a tough situation. I do agree with the first comment of its your cat, do as you feel nessicary. However, i have 4 male cats, strictly indoor and they all have their claws. I also 2 young children, but theyve never had a scratch.
A few suggestions that I have may help or not, I dunno. Buy a cat tree. I found a 72" one, that has 11 scratching posts on it, for 82$. Armarkat.com is the brand site, but try ebay first (type in armarkat) thats where I got mine. Mine use the scratching posts like crazy, which i never honestly thought they would. Also, if you have a scratching post, (if not get one) and rub catnip all over it. It'll help teach your cat to use the post, but as well show him how good it feels to do this. Consider soft paws, they are little 'rubbers' that got over your cats claws. They are harmless, and at least this way if he attacks you it won't hurt. Do you trim your cats claws? I do once every 2 weeks. Ive been doing it for 4-5 years now, and 80% of their claws have dulled, so they don't even need to be cut anymore. I personally don't like declawing, however if its your last option, I guess you gotta do what you gotta do, but do consider if you decide to declaw, just get the front claws removed, not the back. This way, he'll still feel like a cat. Hope I've helped some, good luck!
2007-03-23 11:04:29 · answer #2 · answered by dreamkillerkitten 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH.
I sympathise with your predicament, and I'm probaby going to end up with a beast of a cat myself for saying this but.....
No to declawing. There are many other options, so don't give in to it! A quick squirt of water will teach many a cat what's acceptable and what's not. Also, unless you live in a busy area, maybe let the cat outside if you can? (if he's castrated). It might help work off some of his energy and distract him a little!
I'm a veterinary nurse and I've been in surgery with a lot of cats. They are MASTERS at hiding pain - they only show it if they're in AGONY, it's a natural survival strategy. it's not just that tho, I'm morally against any surgical procedure that isn't necessary for the cat's health. Which i recognise may so in this case...
I can't speak for America, but in England there are plenty of cat charities that would NEVER destroy a healthy cat, there must be in America too!
Also call a vet for advice, they're all familiar with this problem! And it wouldn't hurt to get kitty checked in case there's a medical reason he's started lashing out. It's probaby behavioural tho.
Really hope you get this sorted, it sounds like a right bummer.
Chalice
2007-03-24 10:16:37 · answer #3 · answered by Chalice 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Declawing is not inhumane at all. Don't let those that are against it make you feel like a monster.
Things to know before declawing:
Make sure your vet doesn't use nail clippers during the surgery.
Laser declaw vs. scalpel declaw is about the same, but the cost is different. A laser declaw may bleed a little less during surgery, but it takes longer to heal. My cats were declawed by me using a blade.
Keep kitty indoors: but you already mentioned she is strictly indoors, so that's good.
The welfare of your kid comes before. A scratched eye in your dog is more painful and dangerous than the declawing surgery will be for the cat.
For more info, this is the only declawing page that I've found w good information:
http://www.geocities.com/declawing
Finding a new home for a cat that is aggressive, already used to living w you and forcing him to adapt to new surroundings... or sending him to a shelter that may destroy him is more inhumane than declawing. Wonder if you are still reading this far :-)
2007-03-23 15:24:15 · answer #4 · answered by kitty98 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
In door cats in my opinions should be declawed, if he is using your dog and kids as scratching posts, it could be your furniture next. That would be a mess. I got all 3 of my indoor cats declawed, and they are perfectly happy. As long as their indoor cats, they don't need claws to defend themselves. They also can still find mice and stuff,(we had a problem with mice a while ago). The only thing they need claws for, they don't because they are indoor cats. The first couple days after the surgery, they might be a little wobbly on their feet, but soon after only a few days, they'll be back to normal. I would advise getting your cat declawed.
Good Luck!
2007-03-23 10:57:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 3⤋
Sounds like you're in a predicament. I, myself am against declawing, however, in your situation, it might not be such a bad idea. But first, I suggest you take him to a veterinarian. He might have something else wrong that could be easily fixed with medications. He knows you the most... that's why he won't scratch you. So, my suggestion is if you do start thinking about declawing, get him a thourough checkup first.
Good luck.
2007-03-23 11:01:12 · answer #6 · answered by PurePurr 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In the uk you would have a problem finding a vet to do it - it's considered to be unnecessary mutilation. What I would do ( and have done with various cats) is to trim the claws with nail clippers - do it frequently but be careful to avoid the quick.
It's also a lot cheaper than any surgical remedy. To be honest I have never met a declawed cat and have only read about the procedure, if you are unsure (as you seem to be) why not try the clipping option and see how it goes ?
2007-03-23 11:50:21 · answer #7 · answered by Debi 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Sorry to hear about your cat scratching your kids and not you, are they playing roughly with him, maybe he doesn;t want to be handled. Why is he so stressed? something must be bothering him, but if he is never going outside, it may be your only solution or find him a home with no children. Some cats just don't mix with young kids. He could be jealous of others having your attention. It's really hard to say, just decide yourself what to do. I wouldn't want any scratching done to my kids. I've never heard of such an aggressive cat that was raised by you since a kitten, something must have gone wrong I wonder what. g.
2007-03-23 11:40:49 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
What a frustrating position to be in!
These articles have great information about various types of cat aggression and solutions: http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=playaggression
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=overstimulationpettingrelatedaggression
http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/aggression.html
If those articles don't provide the answers you're seeking, a qualified behaviorist should be able to work with you and your family to find a solution.
http://www.animalbehavior.org/ABSAppliedBehavior/caab-directory
The title of 'behaviorist' is not regulated, so you'll want to go with a certified applied animal behaviorist (see the link above), or a behaviorist recommended by your veterinarian or local animal shelter, to be sure you get someone who knows what they're doing.
Before you seriously consider declawing, I recommend that you read the links about feline aggression and consider consulting a behavior specialist. To prevent injury to your children or the dogs, you can simply trim the sharp tips off his nails to blunt them - no surgery needed. If your cat will let you hold him and handle his feet, it's pretty easy to do yourself at home See this link for instructions: http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/article.htm
Another alternative is Soft Paws nail caps: http://www.softpaws.com
If he won't let you handle his feet, your vet or a groomer can clip his nails for you for a nominal fee (usually somewhere around $8-$15). Many vets and groomers can even apply soft paws nail caps for you as well.
Instruct your children to stop petting the cat and to leave it alone if it attempts to scratch them, even if the 'scratching' doesn't hurt because of the blunted nails. That will help keep the cat from feeling like it needs to escalate the aggressive behavior.
Declawing your cat would indeed prevent your cat from scratching your kids and the dog, but it's highly likely that it would actually make things worse in the long run. The pain of the surgery, combined with the feelings of helplessness associated with removal of his claws and part of his toes, often leads to defensive biting, and sometimes causes litterbox problems as well. (see this site: http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=002 ) I've seen even previously friendly and gentle cats become biters after being declawed. A cat bite is much more serious than a scratch, because cat bites puncture the skin and inject bacteria down into it. Keeping the nails trimmed will prevent scratch injuries from your cat, but unlike declawing, it will not cause your cat any pain or make him feel defenseless.
If in the end you decide that you intend to declaw your cat in spite of the possible negatives, I strongly recommend that you find a veterinarian skilled in performing the surgery with a laser, instead of the old-fasioned scalpel method, to reduce the possibility of complications. I would also recommend that you consult a behaviorist to address the aggression issues, even if you decide to declaw your cat.
I hope you're able to find a solution that works well for your cat and for your family. Best Wishes!
2007-03-23 11:30:21 · answer #9 · answered by Bess2002 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Declawing an aggressive cat will probably turn him into a biter. Correct his behaviour instead, or find him a quiet home with adults only.
2007-03-24 12:11:31 · answer #10 · answered by Beyaelle 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋