How does declawing a cat effect it?

Question

Can a cat turn nasty from being declawed, most cats that I know are quite mean afterwards. is this common?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Long-Term Effects and Declawing Alternatives
Aside from the initial pain, other short-term effects of declawing can also lead to long-term problems, both physiological and behavioral.

Litter Box Avoidance

A declawed cat's toe stubs will be severely painful for days or weeks after the surgery, and "phantom limb pain" may be a lifelong legacy. Some litter box substrates are very painful to the cat's tender paws, and he may avoid the litter box entirely because of its association with pain. Owners can help by using a softer substrate such as one of the paper-based litters.

Biting and Aggression

A cat's claws are his primary defense against other cats, dogs, or humans who would harm him. Lacking his claws, he may turn to biting, either in defense, or as a "warning" to humans who can't read his "body language." Other cats may choose "flight" instead of "fight," and become withdrawn and depressed.

Arthritis and Crippling

Cats are "digitigrade," which means they walk on their toes. Pain in the toes can cause changes to their normal gait, which eventually can cause stiffness and pain in their legs, hiips, and spine. Anyone who has ever experienced prolonged foot pain will understand exactly what I'm describing.

Many cat owners who have had cats declawed in the past now say they would never consider it again, knowing what they now know, and remembering the aftermath of the surgery.

Answer 2

I don't think the exact incidence of adverse reactions is documented. Still, it's generally known that cats are more likely to become biters if they can't use their claws when they feel threatened. It also makes sense that declawed cats could develop joint problems in later life due to walking unnaturally i.e without toes. Same happens to people who wear high heels too much - feet are designed to be used in a certain way, and that includes with toes.

Possible adverse reactions aren't even the entire issue. I'm sure many cat can be OK with declawing. But is it really worth the risk, just to save some furniture or whatever?

Cats have claws. People need to learn to accept animals as they are and if they don't like it - don't get them. Not that animals have much of a chance, people can't even accept other people for what they are.

People should think about the effect declawing has on the human race, as well as the effect it has on cats. Never subject a cat to the risks of an anaesthetic if it isn't for their benefit.

Chalice

Answer 3

Absolutely DO NOT de-claw your cat. It is a cruel and horrible thing to do. You cat teach a cat to be gentle with their claws, there isn't any need to declaw a cat. There is a website that in detail, explains what declawing a cat REALLY means. This is coming from a vet mind you, so she knows what she's talking about. This is the site: http://www.declawing.com/

“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 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.”

It's mutilation. If you can't bear the responsibility of caring for a cat as it is, then you don't deserve to be a cat owner. Anyone who does this, then claims to love their cat is just downright disgusting.

Answer 4

You should NOT declaw your cat. Cats need to scratch; it's part of their natural instinctive behavior. Scratching helps to keep cats in shape and allows them to stretch and tone their muscles.

Reasons not to declaw your cat:

1. The surgery is extreme, removing not just the claw but also the first joint of the toe. It is painful and traumatic for the cat. While some cats do manage to adjust after this surgery, others will experience pain for years. It may cause the cat to have difficulty running fast, climbing, or jumping.
2. Scratching is both exercise and entertainment for your cat. Depriving your cat of the ability to scratch is a lot like telling a kid he can't ever play hide and seek or baseball again. Your cat will not be able to stretch and tone her muscles in the same way as before. She may feel bored and unhappy.
3. Scratching is a natural and instinctive behavior in cats. A declawed cat cannot understand what has happened to her and she will still attempt to scratch. She will feel frustrated when she cannot scratch or when her injured toes cause her pain. Your cat may act out her frustration in other ways, becoming destructive or crying out constantly.
4. It just isn't necessary to declaw your cat. There are plenty of other simpler, kinder ways to stop her from destroying furniture. Cat lovers who choose not to declaw their cats can still save their furniture. It may take a little effort, but it is well worth it to have a happy cat and happy human. See Other Side If you feel you must have a declawed cat, consider adopting a cat that is already declawed. Millions of cats are dropped off in animal shelters every year. They desperately need good homes. Previous owners have declawed many of these cats. So instead of subjecting another cat to such a terrible procedure, help out a needy cat who has already been through the surgery.

So what to do? Get a scratching post!

Regards,
Pete

http://www.catpert.com

Answer 5

declawing a cat is mutilation. imagine if someone forced you to have the top centineter of every finger and toe chopped off. that is equivalent to declawing a cat. thier claws are also necessary for their mental health. scratching is not only necessary physically in order to wear claws down but is a part of their mental wellbeing. it is shocking to me that any veterinarian will still do this procdure but there are those who ignore their moral obligation to keep our pets healthy and happy. i do not know if cats turn mean afterwards (as i have never lived with a declawed cat) but i would not be surprised i have known some peole who had declawed cats and some of these cats became very depressed. a cat who still has their back claws cannot protect themseves agianst a cat with front claws.

Answer 6

I know I'd be mad if someone cut off all of my fingers at the first knuckle. I would never have a cat declawed.

I've had a couple of shelter cats that had been declawed and their personalities were good. I think it really depends on the cat's personality to begin with.

Answer 7

I think you mean AFFECT.
Anyhow, declawing, once popular, is now considered a cruel and unnecessary mutilation. There is a movement to ban it in the US. Declawing involves amputating the last joint in the cats paws, a very painful procedure. Many cats are emotionally scarred for life after this experience. Declawing also affects balance in the cat, as cats do not normally walk with full weight on the pads. Removing the claws (amputating the last finger digit) is said to cause back and other problems later in life. Additionally, cats who are declawed often resort to biting as a means of defense. It also prevents them from escaping from danger by limiting their ability to climb - a natural instinct. Finally, it reduces their success in hunting.
Do not declaw your cat.

Answer 8

As controversial as this subject is there are many reason to declaw a cat. Consider the necessity beforehand. If it is the best option, find a facility that offers laser surgery. Using a scalpel and tourniquet can pose problem in rare occasions. The laser will help reduce pain and is safer. Also, see if your vet offers a Fentanyl pain patch. It releases pain meds continuously over 3-5 days. It is very important to find a reputable vet and don't skimp on the price.

Answer 9

My cat is declawed and she is not mean at all. My cat does not bite me or she never had any kind of problem when she got declawed. I have given her a lot of love. My cat gives loves back.
Here is a link that will explain about it.
http://www.geocities.com/declawing/index.htm

It never changed my cats behavior or her personality.

Answer 10

i dont like the idea of declawing cats...GOD gave them claws for a reason. besides that, all it took was for me to watch the operation while a vet tech...the vet took ordinary large breed nail clipper and while the cat was under, he cut the last finger bone off at the knuckle, then "glued" it shut with a super glue made for vets for flesh. then he wrapped it up. when the cats first wake up from being under, they are in extreme pain. and there is no pain med given them. what is worse is they must walk on those feet and use the litter box...all while trying to heal. no...besides the fact that they need their claws for defense and stress management, it is just too cruel.

as to the personality...every cat is different, just like humans. each cat will respond to the pain and trauma and stress of the surgery and stay at the vets in a different way. for some it may scar them for life. for some it wont faze them a bit. for others they become even more lovers than they were. depends on how sensitive the cat is.