What is your opinion on de-clawing cats?

Question

As in getting their claws REMOVED, not just trimming them.

I just answered a question about problem scratching and one woman said she should 'get the cat declawed'.

Personally I think this is awful. It is taking away a vital part of the cat. It leaves the cat defenceless.

I think that if you're so bothered about the cat scratching your carpet you shouldn't get a cat in the first place.

What are your opinions?

I also do NOT think it is fine for a house cat. What if the cat escapes one day? Aside from that, scratching is a *natural* instinct for a cat, indoor or out.

The arguments for declawing a cat are entirely selfish - "I don't want him to scratch my furniture"..... get a dog then....

Kari - who am I personally attacking?? I haven't singled anybody out! I'm simply expressing my opinion!

Wow, I'm amazed that some people actually think it's ok to declaw cats!

What benefits does it have for the cat??

My cat never scratches my furniture because I took the time to train him....

Answer 1

Completely against declawing. Its inhumane.

Answer 2

I Own A Cat, And Even Though It Does Scratch The Furniture A Lot, I Would Never EVER Think About Getting Her Claws Removed. Personally, I Would Find It Cruel, As Its One Of The Main Features Of A Cat, And If It Had No Claws It Wouldn't Be Able To Defend Itself. I Live In An Area Where There Are A Lot Of Dogs, And I Have Often Seen My Cat Clawing A Dog If It Is Annoying It.
I Would Never Get My Cat's Claws Removed. Its Cruel And Unkind.

Answer 3

I think declawing is unbelievably cruel and I only heard about it in this forum. Removing a cats claws! Thats like chopping your fingers off! I'm from England and its illegal here and rightly so. I agree - if you don't want a cat to scratch your furniture then don't get one at all. My two cats are indoor and part outdoor cats (i.e they play in the garden when I'm at home) and they don't scratch the furniture as I have trained them not too. A water spray is THE alternative to declawing.

Nice one for opening up this discussion

Oh and btw Kari - I don't think you should own cats at all. You don't let one cat inside!! OMG! and you declaw - I think it would be best if you got pets better suited to your lifestyle - like a goldfish

Answer 4

I've seen many people get their cat declawed, but I am personally against it. A cat's claws are essentials for its survival. It's their only way of defense. A dog cat bite and appear very intimitading, but a cat cannot really. There are other ways to get your cat to stop scratching furniture or what not. An animal behaviourist, a vet or an animal healt technician can also help. Some websites also offer advice. Look here: www.peteducation.com

Answer 5

I agree with you to a point.
I think it is very cruel and inhuman. People think if it is an indoor cat it is OK tho save their furniture. But what if that cat gets out? It has no way to protect itself as you mention.
But have you seen the animal shelters lately?
They are so many without homes, and being put down for lack of homes. I would rather see someone adopt a pet weather or not they decide to have it declawed, at least it is one more home for a cat or kitten.

Answer 6

I have 2 cats and would never dream of declawing them. Although my cats do like to scratch carpets and furniture it doesn't bother me because I clip their claws regularly.

Cats need their claws. It is what they use to climb things and as a measure of self defence against other animals. If a declawed cat came up against a cat with claws it wouldn't stand much of a chance.

At the end of the day, it is everyones personal decision but I couldn't do that to my cats.

Answer 7

Absolutely DISGUISTING.

My boyfriend has 2 cats, neither of which have been declawed. People only declaw their cats because they're worried about what they may scratch and damage, not a good enough excuse in my opinion.
If you have a cat then you have to remember that scratching is something that may come with it, if you're not prepared for it then simple: DON'T GET A CAT!

How can anyone justify mutilating an animal because it's natural instincts interfere with their new carpet etc ...?

Answer 8

I totally agree with you!! My kitty stays inside, but I would NEVER de-claw him! Like you said, its a natural part of being a cat and if he gets out (which he is always trying to do!) he would get totally beaten up by the other cats.

I've also never had a problem with scratching in the house. When I noticed where his favourite scratching spots were I put down scraps of old carpet and cat nip to encourage him to scratch there instead.

Super easy and very effective!

And can I just say, "WOW!" I have never seen a question get as many answers as yours has!!!!!

Answer 9

Totally barbaric unless deemed necessary for a medical condition in which there is no other option. I often tell people that think it is OK that it is the same as having their fingers and toes chopped off at the first joint and then being forced to scratch around in a litter tray, how painful that must be, I have had LOADS of abuse from people who ask about it and when I express how barbaric it actually is they get angry, obviously they are more concerned over their furniture than the comfort of their animals. People should really think about the negatives of having pets, like having your furniture clawed, it's going to happen, it's natural, and if you don't like it then don't get pets.

Answer 10

it is sick this is why

"Declawing is an inhumane, unnecessary procedure that has many alternatives. It is never in the cat's best interest. With declawing, we are interfering with a species' nature because of our own whims, mis-conceptions, misinformation, and sometimes, laziness." Neil Wolff, D.V.M.

Dr. Nicholas Dodman, author of The cat Who Cried for Help, and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine has the following to say about the procedure: "Declawing fits the dictionary definition of mutilation to a tee. Words such as deform, disfigure, disjoint and dismember all apply to this surgeryÉin veterinary medicine, the clinical procedure serves as a model of severe pain for the testing of analgesic drugs."

Declawing is actually multiple amputations comparable to the removal of human fingertips at the first knuckle. Sensory and motor nerves are cut, damaged, and destroyed. Recovery from the surgery is a slow and painful process. This procedure can hamper the sensations and enjoyment involved in walking, running, springing, climbing, and stretching.

While declawing is a popular and lucrative practice in the United States, it is not practiced in European countries. It is, in fact, against the law, in many countries including England, Germany, and Switzerland.

Cat Owners who elect to have their paws declawed generally do so with the belief that they will never have to deal with fabric damage due to destructive scratching problems. However, paw sensitivity resulting from the declaw operation may result in litterbox avoidance and urine-soaked furnishings or carpeting.

Without its #1 defense system many declawed cats resort to nipping or biting with very little warning. They often use oral means to express their insecurity and this may also result in destructive chewing problems.

Cats, like people, react differently to physical handicaps. Some appear to be unaffected and others become nervous and defensive. When a dramatic temperament or behavior change occurs, the cat owner often decides to take the cat to a pound or shelter or have it euthanized by a veterinarian.
Destructive scratching problems are 100% correctable.


yes some people do have house cats but they get out they need there defence

Answer 11

Declawing can be okay sometime, but I personally don't like it. They do cut off the cat's knuckles to make sure that the claws don't grow back. I don't like it because my cat has arthritis and if she was declawed she really wouldn't be able to get on anything in the house and he would have to have small stairs everywhere. If your cat starts scratching the furniture first get covers for it and she if your cat will stop then. If it doesn't your best bet my be to declaw it but it is completely up to you.