I have heard recently that to declaw a cat is very bad for them. That they develop problems later on. I had a declawed cat once and he after a few years started to pee on the carpet. I was considering haveing my kittens declawed later on but now I am not so sure about it. Any advice would be appreciated.:)

Elinor, please check the following links and I am sure you will see declawing is inhumane and should not be performed.

From the Helping Paws website:
http://www.listnow.com/helpingpaws/articles/article_87.html

and the Stop Declaw website(this includes pictures of the surgery):
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

A great alternative, Soft Claws Nail Caps:
http://cats.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=2975

Hope this helps! I know you'll make the right decision. ;)

Elinor:

Please, Please, Please read up on declawing before you do anything. I think if more people knew how cruel it was and all of the behavior problems your cat might have they would not do it. I know a lot of people who have done it before they knew any better and now are regretting it. To me, no piece of furniture is worth putting a cat through any pain. Furniture can be replaced.

Michele

OMG I didnt realize that declawing involved amputation. The pictures I saw made me feel sick to my stomach. I feel so cruel for getting a cat I had years ago declawed. The vet never informed me of what it involved. I thought they just removed their nails and it was a minor surgery.

NO wonder later on he started peeing on my carpet. I will definatly not go with declawing. I am so glad I asked you guys about this. I had read somewhere on here that declawed cats had problems but I never knew what a cruel procedure was involved. They should ban it here in Canada. Thanks :)

Elinor:

I am so glad you decided against declawing. :D You made the right decision!! It was really good of your to research it before doing it. Alot of people just do it without knowing what it going to happen to their cat.

Michele

Yeah:bigthumb:the kittens are going to keep their claws. I am glad you asked and got the info before making a decision. A lot of people do it because they think it's normal to have it done. Most vets do not warn or inform people. We had a thread a long time ago and went through all the countries it is illegal in. I wish they would ban it everywhere!! In 99% of the cases, it is uncalled for.

I am glad I asked about it too. I just wish years ago I had found out more about it before subjecting the cat I had to this torture. I trusted the vet at that time and he said it was a very simple thing and no bother to the cat at all. He must have been after more money. He had to have known what it can do to a cat.

Originally posted by Elinor
I am glad I asked about it too. I just wish years ago I had found out more about it before subjecting the cat I had to this torture. I trusted the vet at that time and he said it was a very simple thing and no bother to the cat at all. He must have been after more money. He had to have known what it can do to a cat.

Elinor,
There is no need to beat yourself up over this; you did what you thought was right based on professional information you had no reason not to trust at the time. I have 2 cats that have been declawed as well and it wasn't until I was in a Vet's office and saw pictures of the operation that I realized how truly barbaric the procedure is; it's the same as cutting your fingers off at the first joint to clip your nails. In some countries this procedure is illegal as they consider it animal cruelty (and rightly so). All either of us can do now is continue to spread the word about the facts concerning this procedure and hope others will learn from our previous lack of knowledge.

Pete

I agree with Pete. We all need to spread the word and save as many kitties from this torture that we can.

Michele

Please don't declaw!!! We clip our boys' claws every week our so and provide them with a scratching post and we have no problems!! Like someone said, furniture or rugs can be replaced, but putting your kitties through that pain is NOT worth it!

Just like Mavis, we have scratching posts in every room, or where there is a tempting piece of furniture.

When I adopted my first cat, Nigel, seven years ago, the shelter wouldn't let us adopt when they knew that we were thinking of declawing. My cousin adopted a cat that was declawed, so I thought it was okay. As soon as the animal counselor explained what the procedure was, my husband and I immediately nixed that idea.

Now I have Nigel and a new cat and we give them "pedicures" about twice a month. The younger cat, who just turned 1, gets hers clipped more often, as they grow quicker. When stretching or just waking up, they both go to the nearest post to scratch and stretch. The little one tried to use my couch, so I bought the "Sticky Paws", and she hasn't tried since.

Declawing is just a quick fix for owners who do not want to spend the time to provide or teach their babies what to do. It's just as cruel as de-barking a dog.

I trim Jake's nails everytime I see them long. I am still learning and sometimes I accidentally go to far. I bought some powder to stop the bleeding. I will not declaw the cat. just get scratching posts and trim the nails.

Thanks for the input. I have never clipped a cats nails but I will give it a try. I will not be declawing for sure. My hubby agrees with that .That website made him sick too.I do have a scratch post but I am going to get more. Also I have not ever seen this thing called sticky paws. What is it?

Elinor:

You can buy a pet nail trimmer for about $5 at Wal-Mart or somewhere similar. If you start when the cat is young, it will be no problem to trim his nails regularly. When you hold him and extend the nail, you can see the little vein that runs inside it. Just don't trim so low that you cut the vein. It's easy!

Deb thanks I will get one and try it. :)

Sticky Paws is double-sided tape! Just put double-sided tape wherever you see your cat scratching and the cat will avoid that spot from that time on! At the same time make sure that there are plenty of scratching posts available. It won't take long for the cat to learn to use the post rather than the furniture! Also, I have found that the sisal-rope scratching posts are better than the carpeted posts (especially since the carpeted posts teach the cat that it is okay to scratch carpet!). Once the cat is regularly using the scratching posts then remove the double-sided tape from your furniture a little at a time -- don't remove it all at once because that might make it too tempting to scratch again!

Bravo to you for decising not to declaw!:)

Originally posted by Elinor
Thanks for the input. I have never clipped a cats nails but I will give it a try. I will not be declawing for sure. My hubby agrees with that .That website made him sick too.I do have a scratch post but I am going to get more. Also I have not ever seen this thing called sticky paws. What is it?

Sticky paws are like covers for the claws; you glue them on and they last several weeks. I have seen them in the cat magazines but don't know if they are available at places like PetSmart or not. For clipping nails, we have used regular nail clippers like we would use. Take the cats paw, press on one of the pads and a nail should extend. The vein area is obvious as you will see; the nail is opaque up to a point and then you will see a pink area closer to the cat's pad. Don't get overambitious in your clipping; taking a 1/4 inch off and eliminating the point will do for a start. As you become more comfortable you will see how relatively easy it is. If by mistake you clip too close and nip the vein you can use a styptic pencil or baking soda to stop the blood. Of course, the next time you go to clip nails you will probably find your cat to not be too receptive to the process!!!
A word of advice: have your husband hold the cat but not too tight. You don't want the cat to feel confined or restricted. Talk to it, reassure it and don't be nervous. If possible, for a couple of weeks prior to clipping nails rub the pads of your cat's feet when you can to get it used to the sensation. You know, one or two pads today, another later. Don't be pushy about it or try to MAKE them stay still for it or you will defeat the purpose of the exercise. This is a good idea to do on a regular basis for just this reason. Cats are not overly fond of having their feet played with so you need to teach them so they don't go ballistic when clipping time arrives. We have cats whose nails I can clip while they lay on my lap with no other assistance because we have worked with them to get them accustomed to the process. Of course, there are others we need Divine Intervention to clip their nails but they are the first cats we had that weren't taught from the start. Hope this helps.

Pete

I think the things you put on the cat's claws are called soft paws...sticky paws is double-sided tape you put directly on the furniture. You can see their web site here

http://www.stickypaws.com/html/home/index.html

(Plain old double sided tape is cheaper and you can get it at your neighborhood discount store rather than making a trip to a pet supply store.)

Originally posted by lotsocats
I think the things you put on the cat's claws are called soft paws...sticky paws is double-sided tape you put directly on the furniture. You can see their web site here

http://www.stickypaws.com/html/home/index.html

(Plain old double sided tape is cheaper and you can get it at your neighborhood discount store rather than making a trip to a pet supply store.)

I stand corrected. LOL Pete

You guys are so great. Thanks for all your help and advice. There are so many new products out there now its incredible. Thanks for letting me know about them. Its been some time since I had cats. Thanks

Another kind of scratching post (pad, really) that cats like is made out of cardboard. We saw them at my aunt's house; she has 4 cats and about 3 of these and 3 sisal covered scratching posts in her living room. The cats don't use the furniture when they have all of these available! We bought a cardboard one for Kitty and she loves it! It is the only kind we have been able to get her to use, and is pretty cheap. You can find them in pet stores or even at Walmart.

I have seen those cardboard ones and didnt get one because I thought i would not last anytime. How long do yours last.:)

Elinor:

Those cardboard things are great! I recommend them to everyone. I have 16 cats and they all love it and like Judy said they are cheap. With all of my cats they last months but if you don't have as many cats as I do I sure it will last you a good long time. Keep putting a little catnip on it. Hope it works for you!

Michele

Michele thanks. I only have the two kittens so i will get some .They sure last a long time. They didnt seem like they would last anytime when i looked at them. They are so reasonable in price to.:)

We bought Kitty's in March, and it's still got a couple of spots she hasn't touched yet. (she only scratches in one spot, and I turn it about once a month; does she have me trained, or what??:soldier: :lovegrin: ).

I had a smaller cardboard scratching "pad" and it lasted a long time (with one cat). It's cool because the cardboard is really thick and it's tougher than your standard cardboard.

OMG!! I'm telling my fiance when she wakes up that we are not getting our kittens declawed! Those pictures about made me sick. I'm glad I found this stuff out before I took them to the vet. Thanks everyone. You just saved two kitties from being butchered.

Dan

I am glad you had a chance to read this before it was too late. A lot of people think it is routine because the vets don't explain the procedure and what may happen with the behavior once done. With dedication and some know how, you can train them not to shred the house.

Originally posted by Dan3:16
OMG!! I'm telling my fiance when she wakes up that we are not getting our kittens declawed! Those pictures about made me sick. I'm glad I found this stuff out before I took them to the vet. Thanks everyone. You just saved two kitties from being butchered.

Dan

I did the same thing, Dan. We have three or four cats that were declawed and we never gave it a thought until one day when I was in the Vet's office and there on the wall was a poster depicting the procedure. I never felt so nauseated in my life and that was when we stopped declawing our strays. The procedure is the same as if we were to cut off our fingers at the first joint to clip our nails! Never again!

Pete

Just to add a couple of links.

Claws: How to Best Take Care of Them (and Your Furniture...) (http://www.thecatsite.com/grooming/claw.html) - an article in this site's grooming section.

Clawing Solutions (http://www.thecatsite.com/shop/claws.html) - The page on this site's shop with all the solutions to cats clawing furniture, including sticky paws and soft paws and equipment for nail clipping. And of course, a whole page of scratching posts. It's all by PetsMart.com and I'm pretty sure they ship to Canada.

:kitty2: we heard all kinds of horrible things about de clawing when we got our kitty declawed. Don't believe any of it. The only thing that was suggested was that we add newspaper to her litter to make it softer in the beginning. Clarise didn't mind the litter the way it was so we didn't do it. Enjoy and love your kitty. when she comes home give her an extra amount of TLC mostly Love

I never knew what was involved in declawing until several years after I had my cat declawed. I was reluctant to do it, but unfortuneatly decided to do it eventually. I will definitely never have another cat declawed. I didn't notice any personality changes in my cat, she is still as sweet, although she is less social with people she doesn't know. She will use her litterbox, but also pees on the carpet sometimes. I always thought this was because we tried to add another cat to the family--this behavior only started at that point. Now I am not so sure. Isn't there any way we can work to get this outlawed here in the US? Does the ASPCA have any petitions or anything we can start or continue via email or other ways?

Originally posted by kathy70005
:kitty2: we heard all kinds of horrible things about de clawing when we got our kitty declawed. Don't believe any of it. The only thing that was suggested was that we add newspaper to her litter to make it softer in the beginning. Clarise didn't mind the litter the way it was so we didn't do it. Enjoy and love your kitty. when she comes home give her an extra amount of TLC mostly Love

DON'T BELIEVE ANY OF IT? Dear Lady, facts are facts; this is not some hypothetical situation we are discussing. While I respect your opinion whether I agree or not is one thing; to tell some one not to believe what they hear which is true is ignorant at best and asinine to take it a step farther. If surgically removing bones in guillotine fashion is your answer to clipping nails, what is your method of bathing; drowning? My apologies to the group for this outburst; ignorance I can tolerate, stupidity I cannot.

Pete

Pete:

No apology necessary. Everything you said is more than true. People have to realize how bad declawing is. Maybe some cats do not have behavioral issues but that does not mean that the cat has not been mutilated! It should be out-lawed but unfortunately too many doctors do it for the money:onfire:


Michele

Originally posted by michelerad
Pete:

No apology necessary. Everything you said is more than true. People have to realize how bad declawing is. Maybe some cats do not have behavioral issues but that does not mean that the cat has not been mutilated! It should be out-lawed but unfortunately too many doctors do it for the money:onfire:


Michele

Michele,
Thanks. There are countries where it IS illegal; perhaps someday we will catch up with them.

Pete

Pete:

What we need to do is keep educating people. Most people will not declaw once they know what is really happening. The problem is doctors don't let people know, they make people think it is routine. Maybe someday.......

Michele

Originally posted by michelerad
Pete:

What we need to do is keep educating people. Most people will not declaw once they know what is really happening. The problem is doctors don't let people know, they make people think it is routine. Maybe someday.......

Michele

Yeah, routine for the Vet and a nice bill to pay for short work; problem is the cat lives with the results for the rest of it's life. The only way I can explain it to people is to tell them to imagine cutting off your fingers at the first joint behind the nail; it's the same thing. I know cat's can do some serious damage with their nails but there are so many other solutions! The problem is that this solution is a one time effort on the part of the owner and that's it; everything else takes some effort and most are too damn lazy or cheap to extend themselves. I could go off on a rant about those who own pets but don't care for them properly and run half the group off or get bounced myself as I am not kind when it comes to people who get a pet and then won't Vet it because "Vet's are too expensive and it's only a cat/dog!!!" Sorry, getting wound up and I know I'm preaching to the choir.

Pete

To questions about de-clawing in Ontario.....I personaly would never ever declaw again.....Its been described to me to be the equivalent of cutting off our fingers at the lower last joint!!!!!
Go to Softclaws.com or softpaws.com.
They worked for me when nothing else would...they are plastic sheaths to glue on to Kitty's nail...and they are so cute in pink, purple....

I can't believe that anyone after understanding what is involved in declawing would go ahead with it. I personally cannot endure the idea of mutilating ANY animal in ANY way. It should be outlawed as inhumane. I also have to agree with some of the other replies to the person who said to ignore proven facts. There IS a difference between ignorance and stupidity. Ignorance is not knowing. Stupidity is knowing and disregarding it. I am sorry to be harsh but I am very opinionated when it comes to mistreatment of animals who can't defend themselves from us.

Originally posted by buttercup429
I can't believe that anyone after understanding what is involved in declawing would go ahead with it. I personally cannot endure the idea of mutilating ANY animal in ANY way. It should be outlawed as inhumane. I also have to agree with some of the other replies to the person who said to ignore proven facts. There IS a difference between ignorance and stupidity. Ignorance is not knowing. Stupidity is knowing and disregarding it. I am sorry to be harsh but I am very opinionated when it comes to mistreatment of animals who can't defend themselves from us.

Buttercup,
Take a deep breath and calm down. You need to understand there are those you can educate and they will see the light while there are others who are blind and will NEVER see the light. They are the ones who feel "they are just cats", don't spend anymore than absolutely necessary to keep them alive, euthanize rather than treat and feel they are great pet owners. You can educate the intelligent ones; unfortunately there are a good number of the "others" who own "pets" and are probably responsible for 90% of the abandoned, abused and neglected animals in the shelters. While this is pathetic I feel it to be true and while we may have the best intentions we can't possibly save them all. Knowing that makes it a little easier to sleep at night (until we see the next cat/dog alongside the road).

Pete

:kitty: It seems to me that I have alienated quite a few of youin my remarks regarding declawing. I am sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings.I love my kitty just as much as any of you who love theirs and wouldn't hurt her for anything.This little memo is just to say I'm sorry

Kathy70005,

Cut your finger off at the first nuckle, try and use those fingers immediately after the procedure and then tell me again not to believe anything we read about declawing. Oh, and by the way, it isn't us you should be apologizing to, it should be your cat.

:(

Donna

Originally posted by kathy70005
:kitty: It seems to me that I have alienated quite a few of youin my remarks regarding declawing. I am sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings.I love my kitty just as much as any of you who love theirs and wouldn't hurt her for anything.This little memo is just to say I'm sorry

I don't think you have alienated people as much as you have hit on a topic of strong passions both for and against. While some are plain rude in their expression of beliefs most here are not and I suggest you refrain from replying to those who choose to be rude as nothing will be accomplished. As for the issue at hand, facts are facts; the procedure used is amputation. If knowing what is done and how there are those who continue to have it performed well, what can I say? Diversity of life and beliefs is what makes the world go around and all I can do is hope this particular procedure will some day be illegal here as it is in other countries.

Pete

I want to apologize for my harsh words. Especially to Kathy 70005. I'm sure you are a very loving kitty mother and I had no right to say what I did. It was more about people in general than Kathy 70005. I didn't mean to be rude but I guess the more I read the other posts the more worked up I got. It seems declawing is a very volatile subject.

Originally posted by buttercup429
I want to apologize for my harsh words. Especially to Kathy 70005. I'm sure you are a very loving kitty mother and I had no right to say what I did. It was more about people in general than Kathy 70005. I didn't mean to be rude but I guess the more I read the other posts the more worked up I got. It seems declawing is a very volatile subject.

That it is and there are strong emotions on both sides of the issue. There is nothing wrong with being passionate in your beliefs; I would be more inclined to question them if you weren't! I tend to be less than kind myself when, in the face of facts, people still disagree with what I am saying. Oh well, another day is coming.

Pete

Hi Elinor,

I'm glad that you changed your mind about declawing and wanted to cast another vote for "Soft Paws." I use them on two of my cats and they're wonderful. The cat can still "scratch" but doesn't do any damage. They come in clear and colored forms and last between 6 - 8 weeks.

For your information HattKatts, I wasn't being rude. I was simply making a suggestion and stating a fact. Everyone here is entitled to their opinion, including me.

Originally posted by donna
For your information HattCat, I wasn't being rude. I was simply making a suggestion and stating a fact. Everyone here is entitled to their opinion, including me.

I don't believe I mentioned any names or specific posts and that was for a reason. Sorry if my post hit a nerve. Yes, we are all entitled to our opinions, even those with whom we disagree.
BTW My screen name is HattKatts, not HattCat but I prefer my name, which is Pete.

Pete

Okay PETE. I stand corrected.

you're right i love my kitty. If
I didn't want her rom the beginning. We adopted her from a groomer who takes in abused and abanded kitty's as well as dogs. She was abanded and it has taken several monrhs for her to half way warm up. She's getting there but thru a lot more TLC she and Iwill make it. :heart4: So you see i do love her

Originally posted by HattKatts
...what is your method of bathing; drowning?
Pete

Colorful, Pete. There's no mistaking your opinion on this issue. You have a well-appreciated way with words.

Originally posted by Deb25


Colorful, Pete. There's no mistaking your opinion on this issue. You have a well-appreciated way with words.

Thanks, Deb; some issues strike a nerve and this was one of them.

Pete

:confused: my kitty Clarise seems to love water. How would I go about bathing her and what should Iuse? I know you violently disagree Mr. Pete on declawing but how about bathing. Is it really neccessaty?

Originally posted by kathy70005
:confused: My kitty Clarise seems to love water. How would I go about bathing her and what should I use? I know you violently disagree Mr. Pete on declawing but how about bathing. Is it really necessary?


My God, I'm getting a reputation I don't feel I deserve! Oh well. BTW, it's just Pete. As for bathing a cat I would be interested to know WHY you want to bathe it. If it is a show cat, has fleas, ringworm or some other reason then I understand; if not, then bathing is often not necessary. Once in a while to rid the fur of dander or dirt is fine but unless there is a need most cats keep themselves pretty clean and bathing is not a necessity. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with bathing a cat but if you have never tried it you are in for a unique experience, to say the least. As for what you should use, much of that depends upon the breed of cat (if you don't know, then is it long hair or short?), it's color and why you are bathing it. Answer those questions and I can more intelligently answer your question. I don't mean to be flippant but for me those questions determine what to use for bathing your cat.

Pete

There's a whole big long thread around here somewhere about bathing cats. It will probably answer all the questions you ever wanted to know and then some.

:( I'm just asking. this is the first orange and ehite kitty(clarise) I've had. I just noticed how much she enjoys the water and wats ro get in the bath tub with me,
thank you Mr. Pete

Kayju:

Here's link to the bathing thread. Plenty of suggestions there.

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=527

There is also an article about it in the grooming section:
http://www.thecatsite.com/grooming/bath.html

Thank you, Ladies, for posting the links on bathing. With everything available at those sites I'm sure all the questions will be answered.

Pete