To declaw or not to declaw?

Question

i am interested in arguments from both sides
how much does it typically cost?
my roommate has a destructive 5 year old cat, would it adjust ok to life without claws?
i want to get a kitten in the next couple months. first time cat owner. please advise

both cats would be inside only

Answer 1

I urge you not to declaw it can be a very painful and debilitating experiance for your cat please read the artical and check the web site provided also here are some scratching tips for your cat:

Destructive Scratching in Cats
Cat Behavior >> Destructive Scratching in Cats

Why Do Cats Scratch?
It's normal for cats to scratch objects in their environment for many reasons:

To remove the dead outer layer of their claws.
To mark their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent -- they have scent glands on their paws.
To stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws.
To work off energy.
Because scratching is a normal behavior, and one that cats are highly motivated to display, it's unrealistic to try to prevent them from scratching. Instead, the goal in resolving scratching problems is to redirect the scratching onto acceptable objects.
Training Your Cat To Scratch Acceptable Objects
You must provide objects for scratching that are appealing, attractive and convenient from your cat's point of view. Start by observing the physical features of the objects your cat is scratching. The answers to the following questions will help you understand your cat's scratching preferences:
Where are they located? Prominent objects, objects close to sleeping areas and areas near the entrance to a room are often chosen.
What texture do they have -- are they soft or coarse?
What shape do they have - are they horizontal or vertical?
How tall are they? At what height does your cat scratch?
Now, considering your cat's demonstrated preferences, substitute similar objects for her to scratch (rope-wrapped posts, corrugated cardboard or even a log). Place the acceptable object(s) near the inappropriate object(s) that she's already using. Make sure the objects are stable and won't fall over or move around when she uses them.
Cover the inappropriate objects with something your cat will find unappealing, such as double sided sticky tape, aluminum foil, sheets of sandpaper or a plastic carpet runner with the pointy side up. Or you may give the objects an aversive odor by attaching cotton balls containing perfume, a muscle rub or other unpleasant odor. Be careful with odors, though, because you don't want the nearby acceptable objects to also smell unpleasant.
When your cat is consistently using the appropriate object, it can be moved very gradually (no more than three inches each day) to a location more suitable to you. It's best, however, to keep the appropriate scratching objects as close to your cat's preferred scratching locations as possible.
Don't remove the unappealing coverings or odors from the inappropriate objects until your cat is consistently using the appropriate objects in their permanent locations for several weeks, or even a month. They should then be removed gradually, not all at once.

Should I Punish My Cat For Scratching?
NO! Punishment is effective only if you catch your cat in the act of scratching unacceptable objects and have provided her with acceptable scratching objects. Punishment after the fact, won't change the behavior, may cause her to be afraid of you or the environment and may elicit defensive aggression. Used by itself, punishment won't resolve scratching problems because it doesn't teach your cat where to scratch instead. If you do catch her in the act of scratching inappropriate objects, remote punishment is best, in which you do not directly interact with her. Ideas for remote punishment include making a loud noise (using a whistle, shaking a pop can filled with rocks or slapping the wall), throwing a pillow at her or using a water-filled squirt bottle. If punishment is interactive, she'll learn to refrain from scratching in your presence but will continue to scratch when you're not around.

How Do I Trim My Cat's Claws?
To help keep them sharp, cats keep their claws retracted except when they're needed. As the claws grow too long and become curved, they can't be retracted completely. You should clip off the sharp tips of your cat's claws on all four feet every week or so. Clipping your cat's claws will also help prevent them from becoming snagged in carpets, fabrics and skin. Before trimming your cat's claws, accustom her to having her paws handled and squeezed. You can do this by gently petting her legs and paws while giving her a treat. This will help to make it a more pleasant experience. Gradually increase the pressure so that petting becomes gentle squeezing, as you'll need to do this to extend the claw. Continue with the treats until your cat tolerates this kind of touching and restraint. It may take a little longer if she's not used to having her legs or paws handled. Apply a small amount of pressure to her paw, with your thumb on top of her paw and your index finger underneath, until a claw is extended. You should be able to see the pink or "quick," which is a small blood vessel. Don't cut into this pink portion, as it will bleed and be painful for your cat. If you cut off just the sharp tip of the claw, the "hook," it will dull the claw and prevent extensive damage to household objects and to your skin. There are several types of claw trimmers designed especially for pets. These are better than your own nail clipper because they won't crush the claw. Until you and your cat have become accustomed to the routine, one foot a day is enough of a challenge. Don't push to do all four at once, or you'll both have only negative memories of claw clippers!

If you are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a moment, and it will give you valuable information to help you in your decision.

First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude.

Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat.

No cat lover would doubt that cats--whose senses are much keener than ours--suffer pain. They may, however, hide it better. Not only are they proud, they instinctively know that they are at risk when in a weakened position, and by nature will attempt to hide it. But make no mistake. This is not a surgery to be taken lightly.

Your cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is unique to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design. Amputating the important part of their anatomy that contains the claws drastically alters the conformation of their feet. The cat is also deprived of its primary means of defense, leaving it prey to predators if it ever escapes to the outdoors.

I have also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being declawed. Although, the medical community does not recognize this as potential side effect.

Okay, so now you realize that declawing is too drastic a solution, but you're still concerned about keeping your household furnishings intact. Is there an acceptable solution? Happily, the answer is yes. A big, joyful, humane YES! Actually there are several. The following website "Cat Scratching Solutions" provides many solutions as well as and insight into the psychology of why cats scratch. You can teach your cat to use a scratching post (sisal posts are by far the best). You can trim the front claws. You can also employ aversion methods. One of the best solutions I've found is Soft Paws®.

Soft Paws are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws. They're great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people who are away from home all day and can't exercise the watchfulness necessary to train a cat to use a scratching post. Soft Paws® are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors--which are really fun. Now that's a kitty manicure! The colored caps look spiffy on Tabby or Tom and have the added advantage of being more visible when one finally comes off. Then you simply replace it. You can find Soft Paws® on the web by clicking here or call 1-800-989-2542.

You need to remember, though, that the caps and nail trimming should only be used on indoor cats who will not be vunerable to the dangers of the outdoors.

Answer 2

It used to be quite popular. In terms of a destructive cat - let's be practical - some people will get rid of a cat that scratches up the place. So, the cat keeps the claws and gets put to sleep at a shelter.

I wish there were easy answers, but life and people are imperfect.

I grew up with cats and dogs, with cats declawed and not declawed. The declawed cats never had problems with the dogs. All of our cats (and mine, now) are indoor cats.

Would an operation cause the cat pain? It seems likely. If I were a cat facing short term pain, or abandonment, I would choose the pain.

Personally, I lean towards not declawing, but you are NOT EVIL if you choose to declaw. I will be checking out the softpaws I saw mentioned by another poster.

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EDIT ADDITION:

For those who say you shouldn't get a pet if you care about your furniture "more", how horrible. There are too many cats and kittens being put to sleep every day. If declawing is what it takes to save a life (pls get your kitten from a shelter), then so be it.

I'm a foster mom for bengal cats, and anyone who saves a life is a hero in my book.

Answer 3

Some times a declawed cat will develop a meaner disposition, as it may feel like it must work harder to protect itself. This was the case with my ex-wife's cat.
I would suggest you leave your cat's claws intact and give it something it CAN sharpen it's claws on other then your furniture, such as a scratching post or a small nappy mat, If you find the cat sharpening it's claws on your furniture, you can get it to stop by making a loud "PSSST" noise. This is essentially talking to your cat in it's own language, just make sure you use positive reinforcement when it does use the post or mat by giving it a treat or a small amount of catnip along with a nice scratch behind the ears! After while the cat will use these items without having to get a treat every time.
I used this method with my cat, starting when he was a kitten and he has not ever tore anything up that was not "his" to tear up. He is now ten years old!

Answer 4

Never declaw under any circumstances. I don't know anyone outside the US who declaws. It is comparable to having the last joint of your fingers amputated...before you nail begins. This causes the cat severe pain for a while and life long discomfort and spasmotic pain due to the nerve endings being cut off.
Learn how to clip your cats claws properly and do it as often as you need to. Provide it with a scratching post so it has areas where it is allowed to scratch. Above all if you can't accept a cats nature why get a cat??? Don't torture pets because you can not find it within you to accept a cats nature.....don't get a cat. It is selfish and above all ignorant to go through with declawing!

Answer 5

Instead of declawing them, buy a scratching block. Pet smart sells them for less then 10.00 and all my 4 cats go nuts over them. (They leave the rest of the house alone)

It's a cardboard box with a honeycomb looking piece inside with catnip..You can get one that's on a ramp, or one that hangs on the door. What ever you get the cats will prefer scratching that to the couch.

Declawing is cutting off the finger tips of the cat. They do learn to live without them, but why put a animal through that much pain for nothing. I always say if you are that worried about the couch, you really don't need a pet.

Answer 6

Speaking as someone who did de-claw a cat, I would not do it again. There are alternatives that work just as well.

A long time ago, I let my parents talk me into getting me cat de-clawed, because she was clawing the carpet near the apartment front door when I was gone. When she got home, she was in pain for two weeks, and it hurt her even to jump to the floor from the couch. I almost instantly regretted my decision.
De-clawing is actually amputating their fingertips, and not just taking their claws out.

For the destructive cat, you need to have two or three scratching posts, and place them in different rooms.
Go to PetCo or PetSmart and buy a thing called a `Cat Scratcher' - it's a rectangular-shaped cardboard box with cardboard honeycomb inside it. Place that next to the couch or anything else he's scratching. It will attract him like a magnet. I did this years later with another cat who was destructive, and it worked!

You can also trim their claws or buy little caps to cover them with.

Answer 7

I would call around to ask for prices. If the cat is strictly indoors, it should adjust OK, but declawing is extremely painful. If possible, if you have to do it, I would try to find a vet that uses the laser surgery, as opposed to just ripping them out. It costs a lot more, but is worth it. I would never declaw a cat. Try scratching posts, or those caps you put on their nails. Good luck!

Answer 8

Not a good idea especially with a five year old cat. If it HAS to be done it should be on a very young cat (6months or so). It can be quite pricey. Probably around 100-150.00. (ouch!)
They actually cut off the last joint of each toe. Older cats do not adjust as well as a younger cat and they are defenseless should they get outside. Can't even climb a tree! Not a good idea! Don't do it!

Answer 9

Do not declaw your cat. Would you like someone to pull off your fingernails??

All you need to do is ask your vet to show you how to clip them with a toenail clipper. YOu can cut them short (down to the pink) just like our nails & then the cat will not be able to scratch & tear stuff up. You will need to re-trim about once a month.

Answer 10

I'm a guy, and privately, I don't like long nails. I actually know a lot of like lengthy, painted nails cause they're "so pretty", but I don't like them.

Answer 11

A little bit of toe nail is fine... but I agree together with you. Long nails are kinda gross.