Do you think I should get my kitten declawed?

Question

I'm getting my almost 6 month kitten neutered pretty soon and I need to decide if I want him declawed (just on his two front paws) too since its cheaper if you get it all done at once. His scratching doesn't bother me much like me getting hurt-wise (he bites more anyway) but I don't want him to scratch up the furniture or anything. He doesn't do it now but I heard that they will when they get older. The main reason I don't want him to get declawed is because I think it would hurt him and my dad is really against it too. Is it cruel? I don't want him to hate me or anything lol but it might be for the best. And he's just an indoor cat also so he doesn't need much defense for himself. I'd like some opinions on this thanks

About the furniture thing its my parents furniture and if he ruins them I will pretty much be dead we don't have the money to buy new things especially that much.

Answer 1

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 http://www.catscratching.com/ 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®.

Answer 2

Don't declaw him unless you have to. Have a small child in the house, etc.

A lot of cats will scratch on a post rather than furniture if trained to. Some cats never learn to scratch. Occasionally there will be a cat who absolutely must be declwed because he will not stop ripping things up, and takes soft paws off as soon as they are put on them. But most cats do not fit into this category.
www.softpaws.com
check that out, if the cat ever starts scratching things up try these first! I'll bet you can find them even cheaper on ebay (though $20 for 6 months is a decent price to not have to take the chance your cats paws will never be the same again.)

If all else fails only then should you consider declawing him.

Answer 3

Take a look at your hands. Imaging someone cutting all of your finger tips off at the first joint. That is what declawing involves. I have a cat that was declawed. This was done to her when she was a kitten, long before I ever owned her. I would never have done it. Also, if you plan on letting your cat outside, remember that a declawed cat has a hard time defending itself against attacking animals.

Answer 4

Dont do it. It is unnecessary, painful for the cat and takes away their main defense. What if your poor kitty somehow got outside...his claws would be his best defense against other cats and dogs. As someone has already mentioned, it is the equivalent to removing everything above the last knuckle from a human hand. It is illegal in Australia - thank goodness.

Yes cats can claw couches but there are alternatives that can be very effective. Get a cat scratching post, you can also buy a sticky plastic that you can attach to any area of the couch that the cat is scratching, the theory being that a cat wont scratch there if the surface is unpleasant to them. You can also trim the nails, making sure only to remove the very tip of the claw - dont cut into the quick.

Also make sure there are toys to keep kitty amused, especially since he wont be outside. My cat loves those strings with feathers attached at one end. It is good fun for me too as we get to spend quality time together.

Please, please, please dont get your cat declawed!!!!!!

EDIT: If you can afford to get your kitty declawed, surely you can afford a cat scratching post! My cats favourite toy is a piece of scrunched up paper thrown around as a ball, and a cardboard box with holes cut out of the side (toys don't have to be expensive, often it is the cheapest toy that will be your cat's favourite!!!!).

Answer 5

I think declawing is cruel and unnecessary. Cats can be trained not to scratch in certain areas. There are lots of deterrents you can try if he shows an interest in the furniture. I trained my cat to leave the furniture alone and allowed her to sharpen her claws on a certain old rug in the house. You have to allow them a place to do this because it's a natural behavior. And there is always a chance they may escape to the outside world. I would get him a scratching post early and hopefully he'll make that his favorite place.

Answer 6

I had a bad thing when I had my cat ( who is dead now) when I had her declawed. Bad experience I will never never forget. I felt so bad for her. She must of gotten a bad job. Cause she bled and I tended to her the best I could. I cried over her pain and then and there I vowed never to do that to another cat as long as I lived. Its cruel to say the least to do an animal like that. I have one now and I keep a scratching post where she does her thing. Sometimes she will scratch an old chair but she's old and so am I . So who gives a rats butt ... If you do this make sure who does it makes sure that he doesnt bleed afterwards. I dont like the idea but you gotta make your own mind up. Take all the answers and please dont do it.

Answer 7

Personally i find that filing the ends of a cat's nails is better than getting them declawed. Cats don't usually scratch furniture anyway, they usually look for a tougher substance like a tree.

Answer 8

Of course its cruel!

Here is a website all about it:

http://www.declawing.com/

Declawing is actually illegal in many countries.

Declawing is removing the first joint of the cats paw.

And all indoor cats sneak out eventually. Trust me. Your cat probably has 20 years to get a chance to sneak out. I'll get out sometime. And when it does it won't be

A) used to surviving outside, and will have odds against him in the first place

B) Unable to defend himself in addition to being outdoor stupid.

Answer 9

I actually think it is cruel to declaw a cat and I have heard that it is a very painful procedure for the cat to go through as well. I wouldn't do it.

Answer 10

Don't get him declawed. Find a rope post or tree trunk for him, or play a lot and find a book that teaches how to make a cat obey. You can do it.