I have an indoor, neutered cat who has been scratching the furniture, fixtures and even family members. I am at the end of my rope. I am considering haveing him de-clawed. Is this a cruel thing to do?
2007-08-27 08:04:58 · 30 answers · asked by Blue Eyed Angel 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
I don't think it is cruel. I think it is fine because it's an indoor cat. I used to have a cat and had it de-clawed and she was fine.
2007-08-27 09:51:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 6⤋
You will get many different opinions on this, as nearly every cat lover has a strong feeling either for or against it. I am against it. Strongly.
That being said, there are ways to train the cat to scratch in the appropriate places. Cats need to scratch. If he doesn't have one already, get him a scratching post. Or several of them. Place them in strategic places around the house, particularly where the cat already scratches (such as next to the sofa) When you see the cat scratching in an inappropriate place, say "NO." firmly. Then pick the cat up, place him next to the scratching post, scratch it yourself to show him what to do and then put his paws where you just scratched. When he scratches there, say "Good cat." in a soft, soothing voice. Then offer him a treat to let him know that he's done well. Repeat this process every time he misbehaves.
If he still continues to scratch, especially people, I recommend clipping his claws. Claw clippers can be bought anywhere pet supplies are sold. It's just like clipping fingernails. They'll grow back, but the tips are blunted and can't do as much damage. (Be careful not to sever the vein close to the paw, though. that will cause bleeding!)
I consider declawing cruel because it's amputation to the first knuckle. There's no way to remove the claws without removing their "fingertips." Imagine trying to go through your day to day life without your fingertips! Not an appealing thought, is it? A declawed cat can still be happy. I have a declawed cat (declawed by a former owner) that leads a contented life. But it's not something I recommend doing to any cat, except in a dire circumstance. (ie, a person in your household is a diabetic or has some other illnesss that delays the healing process.)
Either way, that's my opinion on the matter, but the ultimate choice is up to you. Whichever one you choose, make sure you do extensive research before committing to such a procedure. Once it's done, there's no going back.
2007-08-27 09:28:24 · answer #2 · answered by Avie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's always cruel to declaw a cat. Even if your cat is kept indoors there is always a chance it can get out and it would be defenseless against another animal if it has no claws.
That aside, the pain you would be putting the cat through with regard to the surgery is a horrible thing to do to it.
Just keep a squirt bottle handy and when the cat starts clawing furniture, give a firm "NO", then squirt the cat. It worked for all of mine.
2007-08-27 08:14:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I think that it is cruel and hurts the cat but, I have had to have my cat declawed. He is 25 lbs and white with blue eyes and he is deaf so he will never go outside. When he was little he had what we call "cat fits" he would run from one end of the house to the other. He chased imaginary bugs and scratched all the paper off of the sheetrock on the walls and when he would tear through the kitchen his claws tore up the linoleum floor. My mom was at her wits end and I was either going to have to get rid of him or have him declawed. I talked to the vet about it first and they agreed that I should do it so I did. He is 14 yrs old now and I don't know if Softpaws were around back then. I would try them first though.
2007-08-27 08:20:14 · answer #4 · answered by shayshay7000 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I understand your pain,I have an indoor cat with the same problem, and yes it would absolutely be cruel. I don't mean to compare a cat to a child but you took on the responsibilty of owning a cat and the problems that come with it. Would you like having your nails pulled out, I think not, for me it is not even an option I hope you will see it the same way.
2007-08-27 08:16:37 · answer #5 · answered by chillypowder 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I would never condone cats being declawed. I have two indoor cats and both still have their claws. Just get them groomed a couple times a year. That should help keep the claws fairly close.
2007-08-27 08:18:33 · answer #6 · answered by Daffy Duck 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Declawing is cruel! It's like getting the end bones in your finger removed instead of the fingernail! Try scratching posts with that rope stuff on it and putting double-sided tape or foil on the furniture. Hiss and clap when he scratches people. And if you declaw him, he won't be able to ever go outside without being in danger. if he sneaks out, there's more to worry about because he can't escape danger very well.
2007-08-27 08:14:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
imagine having fleas all over you and no claws to scratch. i was given a cat that has no claws. and when she gets fleas, she is literally miserable. she hides, and runs around like she's lost her mind, because she cannot scratch. i have to bathe her every other week, because she cannot use her claws to get down to her skin to scrape away dirt that builds up from being outside and using her litter box. when i first got her, i gave her a bath, and the bathwater was pink with blood because she could not scratch at the fleas. please do not declaw your cat. instead, buy a couple scratching posts treated with catnip. he'll prefer that over your furniture.
2007-08-27 15:38:13 · answer #8 · answered by superyduperymommy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is very cruel. God gave cats claws for a reason. I always hear people say "I'm keeping my cat forever". Well, I advertised on craigslist for a cat and got over half my responses from people wanting to rehome their declawed cats for various reasons. You need to take the time to train your cat. Declawing is for lazy people who really need a picture of a cat to look at rather than a live animal with feelings and needs. Sorry to be harsh but that's the truth. Neither the Humane Society or the ASPCA condones declawing.
2007-08-27 08:11:28 · answer #9 · answered by ♥Pretty♥ ♥Kitty♥ 7 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Declaw is not cruel. I have two declawed cats that are now 10 and no problems at all. You should only declaw cats under 1 year because they have more chance of getting arthritis if it is done after a year of age.
2007-08-27 11:15:56 · answer #10 · answered by eilin_22 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, I do think it is cruel and usually quite unnceccesary. It is an amputation. Unless euthanasia is your only other choice, i would not do it. A lot of cats dont mentally recover.
Try soft-paws, they slip right over the nail with a bit of glue. Then kitty cant scratch. I've seen them in pet stores, even online.
2007-08-27 09:03:34 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋