Declawing - valid medical reasons?

Question

I haven't seen anyone listing any medical reasons to declaw a cat, all of them have been purely superficial (furniture, which is simply a trainable matter, plus the cost of declawing is far more than the cost of a scratching post), kids (teach your cat to play nice as well as your kids), etc. For what valid MEDICAL reasons should one declaw? I'd like to hear from vet techs, vets, not people who can't be bothered to train their animals and think of alternatives.

Answer 1

Immunodeficient people de-claw cats to keep themselves healthy. One scratch could cause a serious infection. That's a medical reason for the person.

Answer 2

First let me say I agree with you totally.
I have an Aunt who has this condition where she has to be careful of scratches because she bleeds and is extremely prone to infections (not sure what this is called) - well she found a cat outside her door during winter, huddling in a box. She took it in and was going to give it to SPCA until she saw how many cats were already there - she ended up keeping it though it had a terrible fear of people. Because of my Aunts condition, she ended up getting her declawed - she hated doing it but she felt that the cat had better chance of life. She also takes precautions to make sure cat never gets out - so as much as I hate declawing - I can understand a little more in this instance.
PS- I have cat that I would NEVER even think of declawing - ever!

Answer 3

I can think of no medical reason (that actually benefits the cat) whatever to justify declawing.
I am a bit amazed by one of the responses here that says cats cannot be trained not to scratch furniture. Odd that. I have leather furnitures and two neutered male cats. They have never scratched my leather couch, armchair and ottomans. And it wasn't a big deal training them not to. It was just a matter of persuading them that there are other more rewarding objects they can scratch to their heart's delight.

Answer 4

this is my medical reason for declawing my cats. i am highly sensitive or allergic to cat scratches. my cats have their front claws out and when a back claw catches my skin with even a small prick i get a large red welt that itches. you should see it when its a long scratch. i LOVE cats and can't imagine not having one or two or three. i have never had a cat that is affected by declawing, and have always followed the vets advice when bringing them home.

Answer 5

I work in rescue. The only valid medical reason I have ever heard of was for a cat that was obsessively scratching itself to the point that he had numerous infected wounds. The Victorian collar only prevented his getting at his head.

Answer 6

there are no medical reasons for declawing. Just like tail docking and ear trims, they are considered a cosmetic procedure. It helps with many "superficial" things as you called them.. but medically you arent doing the animal any favors!

Answer 7

There isn't any...as you said it's mostley done for protecting property from clawing. San Francisco outlawed it.
It can also be a deadly if a cat cannot protect itself if it ends up outside and gets into fight with another or run and climb away from danger.
I trained my cat by buying cheap throw rugs and have them around the house...It hasn't clawed my furniture once that I can remember.

Answer 8

it's like detatching a part of their fingers and can (if not done properly) cause more problems for ur kitty. sensitivity to their feet, they lose perception of jumping and bounding which could cause a injury, bleeding and infection. check out ur vets office, i know mine is 100% against performing it.

Answer 9

Hi.
Cats can't be "trained" not to scratch furniture, etc. The fact is that they WILL NOT use a scratching post instead of the furniture in most cases.
Cats aren't dogs.

Answer 10

There is no real reason, people just feel "safer," although yes, they would be safer if they simply loved and trained their cat.

I absolutely agree w/ you.