Well I'm moving and my mom is making us keep our 2 cats in the basement because she doesn't want them to pick at our carpets and ruin them. I told her we should get them de clawed because I really don't want them in the basement and she said that you are suppose to get them declawed when they are young. I don't want them to be in the basement because it's going to be unfinished. Is there anything I can do to make the basement nice because we aren't allowed to get it finished? or if I can get them de clawed at an old age? or if there is like some way to teach them not to pick at our carpet..?
2007-09-08 02:46:30 · 9 answers · asked by Brii 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
if i use the soft paws i dont know how ill be able to get them on.. they arent the kind of cats that like to be held for a long time and they will scratch and bite at us if we try to put something on their paws
2007-09-08 03:40:09 · update #1
I don't agree with declawing but I am a vet tech and although we recommend that you declaw them a younger age..it has been done successfully in older cats too, although It is usually harder on the cat. Now they have laser surgery for declawing which is less bleeding and suppose to be better and less painful. I am not a cat so I couldn't tell you.
An alternative to declawing are little glued on boots. I have never seen them but I have heard that they last for months and then you just reapply them. I would guess any Holistic vet would have them. Look up a Board Certified Holistic Vet on line and I am sure you will find one near you..If not try local vets or the closest small animal teaching University.
You can always trim the cats claws and keep them filed down to minimize the damage too.
Good luck and try the alternatives before declawing...
2007-09-08 02:56:17 · answer #1 · answered by puppylove 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Declawing is a cruel practice for any cat. They actually amputate part of the cat's toe, they don't just pluck out the claw. How long do they have to stay in the basement? If you live somewhere where it's safe for them to be outdoor/indoor cats they might be happier doing that. And in that case definitely don't declaw them. To make the basement more cat friendly make sure they have plenty of toys and things to scratch and climb on, and visit them often.
2007-09-08 03:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is any, any chance your cats could get outside (on purpose, or by accident), please don't have them declawed. They would be left defenseless to predators (including young boys with firecrackers...shudder).
There are different sprays on the market, most with a citrus scent that cats supposedly don't like, that you could spray onto the carpet in areas that they pick. After a while, you shouldn't need the spray, and they will just avoid the unwanted behavior. You could also try luring them with a scratching post or pad with catnip rubbed on it to tempt them.
If the basement is necessary, try giving them a perch by a window to look out (if it has windows). Give them things to climb on, toys to play with, fresh food and water, and of course, attention. That could possibly be the most important factor in having the cats confined to the basement. Just put in your time down there and hang out with them. And let them upstairs when Mom's out...
2007-09-08 03:25:12 · answer #3 · answered by LunaPurr 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can get cats declawed at any age. my old cat was declawed at 4 yrs of age. so it doesnt matter th age. it may cost a little more though. but yes they are supposed to be declawed as kittens but its not a big deal. As for making the basement a little better for them try making them some scratch posts and toys that will keep them busy.
2007-09-08 02:57:01 · answer #4 · answered by Dee 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
An appointment at the vets for the vet tech (it's cheaper) to put the soft paws on them would be the easiest if you don't thinkyou can do it yourself.
Or you could try to do one claw at a time while they're sleeping.
2007-09-08 12:27:44 · answer #5 · answered by Elaine M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
De clawing an older cat is cruel. Ask your vet about a product call Soft Paws.
2007-09-08 02:53:56 · answer #6 · answered by Clueless 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can just buy some little things to put over their claws. Declawing is cruel even for a young cat. Here are those nail covers: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754502&cp=2767033.2768978&fbn=Taxonomy%7CGrooming&fbc=1&clickid=topnav_dropdown1_link8&parentPage=family&keepsr=1
2007-09-08 03:25:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
throw down some cheap carpet and put a big nice cat scratch post to keep them busy
2007-09-08 02:52:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
go to a grage sale and get some old carpet and other things 4 them to play with
2007-09-08 02:55:02 · answer #9 · answered by dogie_luvr<3 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋