Should I get my two indoor cats claws removed? They are ruining my furniture. I do not let them go outside.?

Question

I have two cats, a girl and a boy. They don't go outside, AT ALL. I don't allow them to go out due to fleas, other animals, etc. But they have ruined all furniture that I have. I am getting ready to get a new apartment and get a new couch, and other various items. I just don't know if I should get their claws removed though because it's permanant and they are ages 2 and 1. So it will be tough. But I still kind of want to because they have ruined everything in my apartment.

Answer 1

Declawing cats is inhumane and painful, which is why it is illegal in the UK and most European countries. It can also lead to issues later on with litter trays, and declawed cats often resort to biting as a means of self defence.

Either buy a scratching post at a pet store or find a large piece of tree bark that they can scratch instead. With patience you will be able to train them to use these instead of your furniture. Everytime you see your cat scratching something they should not, take them to the post and put their paws on it. When they begin scratching it, praise them, as positive reinforcement works well with cats. Also as your new furniture won't contain the scent of their claws, they may not be tempted to use it, especially if you have already persuaded them that the scratching post is a better option. You can keep their claws trimmed with special clippers.

My two cats are kept indoors at all times, they use a scratching post and they also enjoy scratching corrugated cardboard paper. Even if they aren't allowed outside, you should still treat your cats for fleas.

Answer 2

If you take an animal into your home it is your responsibility to care for it, and it is absolutely wrong to mutilate it because it is doing something you don’t like. If you had a child, would you remove its teeth if it bit someone? No, it is a behavioral issue and should be treated with understanding.

There are alternative options that do not involve mutilation which work very well, and if you are a responsible cat owner you will take them.

1) Buy the cardboard scratch pads that they sell at the pet store. They are much cheaper than scratching posts and less obtrusive – you can put one next to any piece of furniture your cat is scratching. Buy spray catnip and spray the cardboard occasionally – your cats will much prefer scratching this than your furniture.

2) If this doesn't work (though I've never known someone who it didn't work for), have your vet show you how to apply something called “soft paws”, which are little plastic nail covered that are glued on to the claw. They fall off every month or so but they are easy to apply.

There is a reason people are anti-declawing. It IS extremely harmful. Also declawing can cause other behavioral issues like going outside the litter box and aggression.

Answer 3

Declawing is cruel and is of no benefit to the cat. Plain and simple. It involves removing the last section of bone from each toe as that is the only way to remove the claw. This can cause all sorts of problems later on. Many declawed cats have litterbox issues, they have problems with posture and walking, and they often will resort to biting because the claws are gone.

First off, get a scratching post. Many cats will take to them instantly. If not, you can teach them that that is the only appropriate area to scratch. If that still doesn't work, than you can try Soft Paws. They are nail caps that slide over each nail and are applied with glue. They usually stay on about 6-8 weeks. And most importantly, you need to trim their nails every 2-3 weeks.

Please don't think that just because your cats are inside that it will be ok. You may never intend for them to go outside, but things do happen. It's very possible that one day they could sneak outside. My female cat has done it twice. And had I declawed her, she would have had no defense. People claim that it's ok because they have their back claws, but when is the last time you saw a cat willingly roll over - and expose their bellies, where numerous fatal injuries can occur - to fight an animal with their back legs? The back claws are of little to no defense.

I have two indoor cats. One of them loves the post and doesn't scratch any place else. The other I'm having more difficulties with, but I would never under any circumstances consider delawing her. Really, what's more important? Your cats, or your sofa?

Answer 4

I have never been a fan of outdoor pets and I think that especially if these cats have been raised indoors then it would be more of a risk to give them this option. They do posess "natural habits" but over all they will be much less street savvy and could easily get into trouble. Plus it will raise the risk of certain health problems. I just think that it would be a bad idea. Indoors is all they have ever known and since they have been so domesticated, it'd be to much out of their "habitat", so to say. For their safety I would suggest to just leave them indoors. You may not be giving them as much attention with the new family additions but keep in mind that cats are much more independent than, say, a dog. Especially when they get older. They will definately keep themselves occupied and as long as they get their food bowl refilled and some behind the ear scratches every now and then, they will be content. Good luck! <3 Laura

Answer 5

Ericams8 answer was right on. I wouldn't want that done to me if I was a cat - it is cruel. A lot of vets won't even do it. I would get some nail trimmers from a pet store and remove the tips of the front claws. I had two male cats fixed years ago and I guess they got feisty and when I got them back the end of the claws were gone and they couln't scratch a thing. Obviously don't even trim the claws if they go outside, they are their only defense besides their teeth and climbing trees to get away from something

Answer 6

Maybe since they are so young you can train them to use one of those catnip treated scratch post. When they go for the furniture use one a spray bottle and spritz them with some water. Then show them where the scratchpost is. On the other hand if you have tried these things then maybe declawing is the solution. If you do get them declawed tho make sure they really don't go out side since they would no defence at all.
This might help you get some more ideas.
www.catscrating.com
Good Luck

Answer 7

Do not let go outside your cats, An indoor cat will live around 15 years while an outdoor just 5 because of cars, other animals, infection, people who hate cats.......

The best thing you should do is buy a scratching post and trim their nails weekly, I have 2 cats and my furniture is perfect. The first cat I had either ruin my furniture. I have leather sofas.

Declawing is cruel

Oh.... you can also buy a spray in a pet store, you spray your furniture and your cats won't go there, but the most important is the scratching post

Answer 8

its really up to you you can try special fruniture sprayes caled pet no and spray the areas they scratch frequently the cats dont like the smell and stay away from it and try geting a cheap scratching post everytime you catch em clawing on your couch swat em or spray em with a water bottle make sure that the pet no spray wont ruin your couch by testing it first also

if your going to trim there nails frequently its best to learn how to trim them from a store like pets mart or a good pet groomer if you cut them too short they have veins in their claws and can bleed to death id use declawing as a last resort if they keep up after all that then mabe you should

Answer 9

Years ago I had a cat that was totally inside. He was clawing my wall paper to pieces. I did have him declawed, and I will tell you this. I hated that I did it at first, as he was in a lot of pain, and did not walk very well for about 2 weeks. Now days, I would have the vet give me pain meds. After the initial 2 weeks, he seemed fine. It saved the contents of my house, and he was ok. However, be prepared for a miserable 2 weeks, for the poor baby. Hope this helps.

Answer 10

I posted a related question a week ago and seems there are a lot of anti-declawing people out there. My cat is scheduled to get her's done next week and she is approximately 4. I just moved in with my boyfriend and since she's been working on destroying the leather furniture and terrorizing the dog (among other things). Make sure you discuss this thoroughly with your vet before making any decisions.