How do you feel about declawing cats?

Question

I personally think that if it is a indoor cat it's ok, because it will never need it's claws to fight. However, witha outdoor cat they need claws to protect themselves. What do you think?

CF_ They aren't getting their toes cut off otherwise I would have said de-toeing.

Answer 1

I put clear nail caps on my cat's claws.
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Answer 2

They DO cut off part of their toes. You obviously need to do your research before you offer an opinion on the subject. Indoor cats DO get out. What then?
Also, many do not know of the side effects of declawing. Because they cannot use their claws, they are prone to biting. By cutting off the first knuckle, they are forced to walk differently and can cause spinal issues and arthritis later on. When a cat scratches it is marking it's territory. By taking that away they feel the need to mark in different ways like urinating or deficating outside the litterbox.
And this can all happen if the surgery goes right. All surgeries pose a risk. The poor cat can end up disfigured, die on the table from anesthesia, or suffer from infections if not healed properly.
If you value your furniture over your cats, you don't disearve a one.

Answer 3

I am one of the "paws come with claws" crowd. I am opposed to mutilation for convenience. That said, I did, long ago and far away allow my future ex-husband to convince me to declaw our two cats. One developed arthritis and never had another comfortable winter. The other one became a biter - granted, mostly the other cat, but once in a while one of us. I would not do it again unless it was a medical necessity. When I raised Abyssinians, my adoption contract specifically prohibited declawing. If I had any doubts about the prospective owner, I simply would not sell the kitten.

There are countries where declawing is considered abusive and is illegal. There are certainly other options, like training, the claw covers, owning another kind of pet. For those who don't think it's painful - you have it done to you and let us know.

Answer 4

Its not the best thing for them and this is why it is illegal in some states. Without them your cat would not be able to properly grasp, hold or establish footing for proper walking, running, springing, climbing or stretching, and cleaning up after themselves in the litter box. Others become depressed and lose the loving personality that made you choose him to start with. If you really love your cat, you will want him to lead a long, happy life, giving and receiving love and affection. If you really love him, and care about him, don't declaw him. Buy or build your cat a Cat Tree, and spend some time training it. Declawing should not even be considered a solution.

Answer 5

I love my cats and have never had the desire to mutilate any of them. "Unnecessary mutilation" is the legal term for declawing in the UK, which is why it's illegal on the grounds of animal cruelty.

Do British cats really have better claw manners than North American ones, or is our culture more tolerant of cat behaviour?? Who knows, but somehow literally millions of us manage to train our cats to have claw manners.

If you don't want cat behaviour then don't get a cat.

Answer 6

Up front I feel the same as you. As I am sure by now you know that they are cutting off the first knuckle of the toe.

OK, with that out of the way, they have a new laser procedure that actually reduces the healing time down to just a couple of days. Had it done, would highly recommend it. Its not cheap, but it is so much more human for the cat.

I also know that a lot of land lords now require cats to be declawed. I would suggest though that you leave therm with their back claws, because if you take them they will stop covering in their littler box's and may start urinating out side their box's.

I had to fight with my landlord years ago. I ended up getting a letter from my vet that said exactly what I was telling him and he not only let me leave the back claws, he adjusted that clause in every ones contract.

Answer 7

and what if the indoor cat happens to get out???

its painful to walk when your toes have been cut off.. its painful to dig in the litter box - which is why so many declawed cats refuse to use their litter boxes..
declawing often results in cats with heighted "flight or fight" response.. making many cats into nervous biters

cats have claws.. if you dont want a pet with claws.. dont get a cat.. simple as that...

Answer 8

I believe it's one of the most cruel thing you can ever do to an animal!! Even if it's an indoor cat, **** happens and if it gets away or ventures out one day when you've accidentally left a door or a window open, it wouldn't be able to defend itself from all the other stray cats! Please don't do it.

Answer 9

I agree with you completely. However, there is a 30% chance the cat's attitude will become nervous and tempermental, as this has happened with a few tomcats and a couple females.. But I think overall if you've got a indoor cat who is ruining your house, it's a matter of your house or your cat's claws.. I think we all know what I'd pick ;D

If it's unneccesary to declaw them, yeah I wouldn't. But we all know that's usually not the case.

You're completely right, don't let any person change that :)

Answer 10

I rescue animals and have for some 15 years.I have homed a Lil over 40 in just 7-8 years.That includes having them spay/neuter before they leave my home.( a private center helps me with spaying and neutering since they are rescues).I pay very Lil for the spay and neuter.I'm very lucky.My rescues come from road sides,shelters,families that are not able to care for them anymore,etc.I have 7 cats.3 of which is declawed.1 was declawed before I rescued him from being put down in a shelter.The family had rendered him as they were old and sick.The other 2 I had declawed.Before u freak out on me I will explain.Hubby Not I is a diabetic and the 2 we had declawed likes to Mush as I call it.And because of this it was causing scratches and sores on him.And at one point The infection got so bad he was hospitalized.These cats were not rehomeable.It was either keep and declaw or have them euthanized.I chose declawing.My cats NEVER touch ground.I don't believe in it.They could be it by a car,stolen,lost,etc.And I have 4 that are not kneading dough as hubby calls it.Yes my furniture plays hell,My walls look like toothpicks LOL but Its all worth it.Pumpkin hasn't seen Grass in 8 years,The latest rescue hasn't seen grass in Id say about 3 months.He was a house fire kitty.I had him Neutered,shots,and I'm trying to get him ready for re homing.I will not declaw him because I am scared once he is re homed,He might escape.It takes alot of responsibility to keep a cat from escaping.But It can be done.I have managed it alot of years.I have been told I was a bad person who shouldn't have animals because i declawed 2 of the cats.Well,1 had his hips broke and even after$1,700.00 of surgery is still basically lame.He can walk but hes kinda crooked and he didn't trust ppl,I chose to keep him.The other was abused and left to die In a trash bag thrown in a ditch.I chose to keep her.They all 3 still think they have claws and are my babies.And yes I have to buy a new couch quiet often.LOL but as long as the other 4 aren't causing sores on my hubby,They will always have their claws.I Know its a hard surgery and yes I have seen it done.But I think declawing is better than death.So each individual is different in opinion.If a cat is to be outside,Then NEVER remove their claws.Its their only protection.They wouldn't even be able to climb a tree if need be.The pics are of my 3 declawed cats.2 of which are bob tail.1 by birth vet said,The other(black one when rescued some a**hole had a rubber band on budda babys tail and the tail had to be amputated..I don't think my choice was cruel.They have a dang nice life.LOL firt pic is Pumkin who is a good sleeper as u can tell.Second id Budda belly(fat) 3rd is Cudzu(found in ditch by some cudzu bush's)

Answer 11

It is sick and cruel, and done by selfish people who get pet cats as decorations. There is more to it than just stripping the cat of its defenses. It hurts, they feel tingly pain for a long time. Just disgusting.