Declawing cats? I'm worried, if they will always feel pain even long after the surgery?

Question

I used to be against it but I tried those plastic claws that you can glue on and they don't stay on plus it's very hard to get them on,the cats don't stay still

the couch i could care less about, i got scratch resistant ones and they were pretty cheap I also have warranty.They are climbing my curtains! and ripping the carpet,(we rent!) leaving holes.I like curtains but maybe I should just get blinds but what about the carpet???and yes they have a scratching post.I will not ever get rid of them either.

the couch i could care less about, i got scratch resistant ones and they were pretty cheap I also have warranty.They are climbing my curtains! and ripping the carpet,(we rent!) leaving holes.I like curtains but maybe I should just get blinds but what about the carpet???and yes they have a scratching post.I will not ever get rid of them either.

the couch i could care less about, i got scratch resistant ones and they were pretty cheap I also have warranty.They are climbing my curtains! and ripping the carpet,(we rent!) leaving holes.I like curtains but maybe I should just get blinds but what about the carpet???and yes they have a scratching post.I will not ever get rid of them either.

the couch i could care less about, i got scratch resistant ones and they were pretty cheap I also have warranty.They are climbing my curtains! and ripping the carpet,(we rent!) leaving holes.I like curtains but maybe I should just get blinds but what about the carpet???and yes they have a scratching post.I will not ever get rid of them either.

Answer 1

I am very much against declawing cats, however, if you feel you have no choice, then you must do what you feel is necessary. Have you tried clipping their claws every couple of weeks? It's like trimming the fingernails on a human. Their claws are still there, but not sharp enough for them to get a "hold" on the curtains. I also recommend blowing a whistle whenever your cats do something you don't want them to do. (That's how I trained my 10 cats to stay off of certain shelves.) Another suggestion is to have several designated scratching areas around the house and reward them when they scratch there.

If none of these things work and you must get your cats declawed, no, it doesn't hurt for long. Their paws will be sore for a couple of weeks and they'll need softer litter (shredded paper is good) so that the bits don't get in their wounds. They'll need plenty of love, affection and patience after the operation so that they don't develop behavioral problems. I've heard of cats that got so depressed from having their claws removed that they started peeing all over the house. I have one declawed cat (declawed by a previous owner) and my parents have a declawed cat. Both cats are well-adjusted and happy and neither one has litter problems. So, not all of them develop problems.

I hope another solution works for you, but if not, just remember to give them extra TLC and they'll be fine:) Good luck to you and your cats.

Answer 2

Many people say their declawed cats don't act like they're in pain, but cats are SO extremely good at hiding their pain. So I think it is impossible to know for sure. That is one reason I personally will never declaw my cats- -I just do not KNOW that they won't be in permanent pain from having the ends of their toes cut off. So I think you're right to be concerned.

I'm also very concerned that they won't be able to defend themself if they go outside. I have an indoor cat but last month he got out one night and was outside for hours. I'm glad he at least had his claws.

Declawed cats still pretend to scratch, so it does not take away that behavior. But they won't be able to get a full body stretch without claws to brace themselves.

I've seen some web sites where vets and vet techs say that it is the absolute worst post-surgical pain they see when cats come out of anaesthesia with their 10 or even 18 separate surgeries, But I recall another vet tech's pro-declawing site that says she thinks that is a big exaggeration. There must be vets who agree with that --after all they do the surgeries (in the countries where it is still legal) OTOH many vets think of pet owners as more concerned with our own convenience than with our animals; they recommend declawing because they think the alternative is to kill the cat--and often they're right. , but maybe many times the people did not really try anything else.One big problem is people get scratching posts that are too lightweight or small, and they slide or tip over. Then when the cat won't use the unsteady post but tries a nice heavy piece of furniture instead the people think it means it is hopeless.

Anyway, that's my take And at least I think nobody should have it done without knowing exactly what is involved.

Answer 3

As I do not favor declawing cats, I must say that once they have learned the fun of carpet..the claws should go. However, only the front ones. Not only will it be cheaper, but they will still be able to scratch themselves with pleasure. It will also make them easier to jump and hold on. They'll feel discomfort, and be a little dis-oriented for awhile, but it'll pass and they will get over it and forget they even had front claws with time. Most vets will give them a slight pain medication to ease the pressure of the declawing after effects. You can also request them, if you feel the need.
Clawing up the carpets are a very fun hobby for acat, and from experience..it is a trait they don't lose. No amount of cat tree's, or what ever will deter them from playing with the carpets.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

I would try rubbing catnip on the scratching post before declawing. Normally, when cats claw and climb where they arent allowed, its a question of training.
A well aimed shot with a water gun is a wonderful deterent for climbing kitties. Just be sure that when the water hits the cat you firmly say NO and then you remove them from where they are. I had a cat that I shot once with a water gun and she never got on the counter again (when I was looking anyways). :)

Answer 5

I'm from the UK, so declawing is unheard of (it's illegal on the grounds of animal cruelty) and soft-claws are fairly new to the UK market. So millions of cat owners manage, by teaching their cats good claw manners. It's the kindest way and best of all it costs nothing but your time and patience.

You have to understand that scratching is perfectly natural behaviour for a cat so they need to be provided with an item that they can scratch without getting into trouble. They have preference for what they like scratching too. Some like a sisal post, others like corrugated cardboard or a heavy duty door mat. Offer your cat a few alternatives to see which he will use.

The web site below offers good advice on how to persuade your cat to use a scratch post and how to trim his claws, as this will also limit their potential for accidental damage.

http://www.catscratching.com/

You are right to be worried. You love your cat, so why would you potentially want to inflict unnecessary physical and psychological pain on him? Please re-consider your decision to have him declawed. Perhaps reading the sad story of Stella the cat with no feet may help you change your mind.

http://www.stellahasnofeet.com/whois.html

EDIT: Cats like climbing, that's another of their natural instinctive behaviours. They like to be high up, because they feel safe from surprise attack, and because they have a good view of everything going on around them. Again, it's a case of trying to re-direct the behaviour to an acceptable alternative, like a cat tree, shelf or even the top of a book case. If you can encourage them to use the scratch post, they will leave the carpet alone. In the meantime, cover those areas with heavy duty plastic mats or sheets. Cats won't scratch areas that they have chin rubbed and Feliway mimics that scent. Spraying the scratched areas of carpet or curtains once a day with Feliway for 21 days will curb their desire to scratch there.

If they are indoor only cats, the web article below has lots of ideas to keep them amused and hopefully out of trouble. I'm guessing they are still young kittens, so be patient as they do take a little while to learn all the house rules.

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20problems/cats/frameset.html

Answer 6

People are probably gonna rip you a new one over this question. People are really militant over this subject. :(

I rescue cats and many come to me already declawed. They don't have any pain that I can tell and I'm with them every day. Most cats are up and running around a few days after the surgery. The only cat I ever saw that had trouble was one that came to me TOTALLy declawed. Front and back claws were gone. He couldn't stay on anything. For instance, if he jumped up on the back of the couch, he'd fall off because he couldn't hold on. It was sad. So I'd never totally declaw a cat.

Good luck! :)

Answer 7

I adopted two cats from the humane society and both were already declawed front and back by their previous owner. They don't have any pain from it and don't seem to even notice. They still sometimes act like they're scratching the couch lol. They manage to intimidate my dog (who just wants to be friends!) just fine without claws. I even let them outside because they stay in our front yard and have managed to let all the other cats in the neighborhood know that this is their turf. They do allow a few "friends" to come visit - sometimes we have 2 or 3 "visitors" in the yard lol. We just bring out the feed bowl and my cats generously share with their friends. I compare it to having teenagers - they lie around and invite their friends over and eat like horses lol.

Anyways, if your cat just won't stop scratching your furniture/walls etc I say go ahead and get them declawed - its better than getting rid of them (which is what some people would do). At least you are giving them a good home and they don't NEED their claws for anything.

Answer 8

To be honest I have declawed every cat I have ever owned. I did have one Siamese that refused to walk on one of her paws after the surgery for about 6 months. The vet said this was a rare case. Nothing was wrong she just didn't like the feeling of not having claws. She eventually got over it and she has been fine ever since.

Answer 9

I just got a stray and he has claws still, i dont want to declaw him even though we just got a new couch! Ive seen him claw it once then went out and got the sticky tape to put on the side of the couch were he likes to scratch. It has helped! I also got him a scratch post and one of those cardboard scatch posts you refil. I put catnip on all his toys and his tower and he is attracted to scratch there.
I dont want to declaw cause my mom did to her cat and it messed up his toes, they were soo crooked and he got really bad arthritis. It was always painful for him to walk : (
Try training your cat and use declawing as a last resort! They also have sprays and powders to deter but not sure on how well they work!
GOOD LUCK

Answer 10

Declawing is CRUEL!!!!

Alternatives to Declawing
* Nail Caps - Soft Paws/Soft Claws. These are soft nail caps that are glued on to the existing trimmed nail. They are also made for dogs.
* Trimming the claws - Trimming the claws regularly. Most owners do this at home. If you are unable to, your vet or groomer can perform this service or teach you how.
* Diversions - Get a scratching post. There are many to choose from. You may need to "teach" your cat how much fun it can be. You can also make your own cat scratching post. A popular variation on the traditional scratching post is the cardboard model filled with catnip.

Top 9 Reasons Not to Declaw a Cat
* Declawing is NOT Just Nail Trimming
Nor is declawing only the removal of a portion of a claw. Instead, it is the surgical amputation of the first joint of the cat's toes. Whether this procedure is accomplished with a scalpel, a guillotine-type cutter or a laser, it is major surgery, and not to be undertaken lightly.
* Declawing Does Nothing to Benefit the Cat
* Declawing Robs a Cat of His Chief Weapon of Defense
* Declawing is Painful Surgery
* Declawing May Lead to Litter Box Problems
* Declawing Sometimes Leads to Biting Problems
* Cats Need the Exercise Their Claws and Toes Provide
* Altered Gait May Lead to Later Joint Problems
* Cats Need to Be Cats for Their Entire "Nine Lives"