I've read that someone that adopted a kitten had to sign a contract saying they will not declaw the kitten. Is this something that's done everywhere??

I've never adopted a kitty from a shelter, so excuse the naiveness...lol.

I'm not for declawing...just curious. It's something I haven't heard before. :)

I've read that someone that adopted a kitten had to sign a contract saying they will not declaw the kitten. Is this something that's done everywhere??

I've never adopted a kitty from a shelter, so excuse the naiveness...lol.

I'm not for declawing...just curious. It's something I haven't heard before. :)
Hmm, I have never heard that before, at least around here. They just make you get the animal spayed/neutered before you take it home.

yep, I had to sign it for both my cats.
I think its pretty cool that they're doing that. Not only does it protect the cats, but it keeps people from adopting them that aren't prepared to handle the difficulties of having a cat.

Several shelters around here do that.

And Many breeders do as well. I know with my persian babies I had to sign one. I dont declaw anyways. Against it. And against the way its offered as a side dish type thing at alot of places.

My kittens will be sold with the same contract.

Breeders have been doing this for years. It is very good to know that shelters are catching on.

I've heard of it at a few places

I've heard of this too. Unfortunatly, my mom is going to want me to get the stray declawed if we keep her. This is only because my mom is moving into a house and has bought all new furniture and such. Is there an alternative to declawing?

I've heard of this too. Unfortunatly, my mom is going to want me to get the stray declawed if we keep her. This is only because my mom is moving into a house and has bought all new furniture and such. Is there an alternative to declawing?



Yes. There is nail clipping and teaching how to use a scratching post, and there are Softpaws: www.softpaws.com

I got my two from different places [JJ from the Humane Society and Jack from a private rescue] and they both had 'no declawing' in the contract. i wouldn't dream of declawing. I know how much it hurts when I trim my own nails down too far, or when the cuticle rips [oooowwwiiiieeeeeee!!!!], so I can only imagine what it would feel like for a cat to have their claws taken from them... much more pain... In both of my cases, there's also the 'claws' (me writing a pun w/o coffee... man) of 'keeping the cat indoors' which i'm also fine with... I grew up with outdoor kitties [my dad's fault], and so many perished by car or other outdoor things... I have no problems keeping mine indoors... though I'm tempted to harness train them once we're in Portland. I dunno. It's a thought.

Amanda

I like the SoftPaws. I might look into that. The only question is, won't the cat chew them off?

Honestly, Soka
They try, but more often then not, the kitty will only be able to remove them when they shed the outer layer of their claw (which happens naturally)At which point, the claw has grown from when you cut them back and it's time to retrim and recap anyway.

We do that at the rescue I work for.

Leo didn't have one, though. He came from a very traditional shelter.

Its illegal here, and i feel it is wrong to de-claw in any event :)

I wish the U.S. or even some states would make it illegal to declaw. We don't do it to dogs..well maybe some, but still, it's not common to do it for dogs and theirs HURT! Cats, you get scratched and you go on with life.

I've heard of this too. Unfortunatly, my mom is going to want me to get the stray declawed if we keep her. This is only because my mom is moving into a house and has bought all new furniture and such. Is there an alternative to declawing?if this is really an issue, look for one that's already declawed. i adopted Chip a month ago, & he was declawed & neutered. just check with the shelter to see if the declawed animal has any litterbox issues - sometimes this is why they're up for adoption. trust me - that is worse than any damage they might do to the furniture with their claws :nausea:

I had to sign such a contract when I purchased Sadie from her breeder. Throughout my life, I have always had a declawed cat and I was reluctant not to declaw Sadie. However, I've given her a good scratching post and she's taken quite a liking to it, and is leaving all else (ie curtains, couch, etc.) alone. After giving the whole declawing thing much thought, I think it's much better to take the time to train your cat so that they understand the house rules. Also, don't forget to trims your cat's nails on a regular basis. Isn't it better that you should feel the pain of training your cat, rather than your cat feel the pain of declawing??????
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g198/SadiesMom/Sadie3months.jpg

Well I really want to keep the stray. She's stolen my heart. So I will definatly look into the caps for her.

You know I was just thinking the other day how used to cats with claws I've become. My Smokey was a 4 paw declaw (I was 12 when we got her so I had no say in what happend) and now I've got 4 with claws & alot of the cats at the shelter have claws. For the most part if the cat is friendly you don't get scratched all that often. It really hellps to keep the claws clipped. My cats are all very good about scratching on what they should. I've got 3 differnt scratchers with the sisal rope (they love that) and 3 of those boxes with the cardboard. The only room in my appartment that doesn't have something for them to scratch on is the bathroom.

I have.... I had to promise the girl I adopted Limerick from that I wouldn't declaw him. I told her that I can't make a promise like that. Limerick scratches where he should so he never did get declawed. I really don't like the idea of those contracts. If you have an animal that needs a home and you have found a good home for that cat, let the family or person make that choice on their own. Of course you can express your opinion that kitty should not be declawed if that is your position.... But that's just me.

I have.... I had to promise the girl I adopted Limerick from that I wouldn't declaw him. I told her that I can't make a promise like that. Limerick scratches where he should so he never did get declawed. I really don't like the idea of those contracts. If you have an animal that needs a home and you have found a good home for that cat, let the family or person make that choice on their own. Of course you can express your opinion that kitty should not be declawed if that is your position.... But that's just me.
Not to start an argument... But is it ok to debark a dog, or defang a dog or cat? Just because it fits better to the humans life? To allow declawing can cause serious health effects, if not immediatley then later in life. Are you against spay/neuter contracts too? It is for the better good of the health of the animal. I would only want an animal to go to a home where the health is #1 priority and declawing is not healthy, that is not an opinion, that is a fact.

Not to start an argument... But is it ok to debark a dog, or defang a dog or cat? Just because it fits better to the humans life? To allow declawing can cause serious health effects, if not immediatley then later in life. Are you against spay/neuter contracts too? It is for the better good of the health of the animal. I would only want an animal to go to a home where the health is #1 priority and declawing is not healthy, that is not an opinion, that is a fact.

I completely agree with you! Isn't it better that the human should feel the pain of training their cat, rather than their cat feel the pain of declawing??????

I have.... I had to promise the girl I adopted Limerick from that I wouldn't declaw him. I told her that I can't make a promise like that. Limerick scratches where he should so he never did get declawed. I really don't like the idea of those contracts. If you have an animal that needs a home and you have found a good home for that cat, let the family or person make that choice on their own. Of course you can express your opinion that kitty should not be declawed if that is your position.... But that's just me.
I've heard that declawing an older cat (over 1-1/2 to 2 years) is harder on the animal than declawing a younger cat. So often adoptions are of older animals, which makes the declawing process even worse.

I can't really offer a fair opinion, though. My couches have been filleted by various kitties, and I feel it is mainly my fault for not spending more time training them. Now that I know the downside of declawing, I won't do that to an animal. (Did it once, years ago, not knowing the potential downsides.)

Not to start an argument... But is it ok to debark a dog, or defang a dog or cat? Just because it fits better to the humans life? To allow declawing can cause serious health effects, if not immediatley then later in life. Are you against spay/neuter contracts too? It is for the better good of the health of the animal. I would only want an animal to go to a home where the health is #1 priority and declawing is not healthy, that is not an opinion, that is a fact.
Exactly! I couldn't have said it better.

For me it was a choice, have nice things or have cats. It may sound bad, but in my mind there is not competition the cats win hands down. The problem with declawing is that it often leads to other behavioral issues (such as peeing outside the box) that will cause a cat to be rehomed anyway. So I say let the poor thing keep it's claws & find it a home who will allow it to keep it's claws.

I got my two from different places [JJ from the Humane Society and Jack from a private rescue] and they both had 'no declawing' in the contract. i wouldn't dream of declawing. I know how much it hurts when I trim my own nails down too far, or when the cuticle rips [oooowwwiiiieeeeeee!!!!], so I can only imagine what it would feel like for a cat to have their claws taken from them... much more pain... In both of my cases, there's also the 'claws' (me writing a pun w/o coffee... man) of 'keeping the cat indoors' which i'm also fine with... I grew up with outdoor kitties [my dad's fault], and so many perished by car or other outdoor things... I have no problems keeping mine indoors... though I'm tempted to harness train them once we're in Portland. I dunno. It's a thought.

Amanda

Amanda, they don't pull the claws out - they cut off the toes up to the first joint. Imagine having your fingers all cut off to the first joint!

We have two cats with intact claws - they have a scratching post and were trained to use it. I have nice furniture and they do not scratch or claw our furniture. I believe it is our duty as responsible pet owners to teach our animals rather than opt for the easy/lazy way out of declawing, de-barking, or whatever the heck else is going on these days. It also takes only seconds to clip kitty's claws once a week.

If cutting off the cats toes so they won't scratch where they shouldn't is acceptable, then perhaps removing someone's tongue if we don't happen to like what you say should also be acceptable. Seems extreme to me but hey - same thing IMO.

For me it was a choice, have nice things or have cats. It may sound bad, but in my mind there is not competition the cats win hands down. The problem with declawing is that it often leads to other behavioral issues (such as peeing outside the box) that will cause a cat to be rehomed anyway. So I say let the poor thing keep it's claws & find it a home who will allow it to keep it's claws.
Yup! I wouldn't ever declaw a cat because I love cats, but I also believe that many times (there are exceptions) it does cause behavior problems. For instance I only personally know 3 declawed cats. ALL of them bite. I have had many cats - all with claws. NONE of them ever bit anyone. I see a correlation here.

Refusing to sign the no-declaw contract would definately be a deal breaker.

Amanda, they don't pull the claws out - they cut off the toes up to the first joint. Imagine having your fingers all cut off to the first joint!


I knew that... I just wasn't 100% awake when I wrote it... I would never do that to my cats... and I strongly discourage anyone I know from doing it. I shudder to think what it feels like. The only times my two dig their claws into my cheap furniture is when they lose their balance [goofs] and try to hold on... I'd rather have happy cats and cheap furniture than expensive furniture and cats in extreme pain.

Hmm I've noticed something. A cat with claws will opt to use its claws in defence, a lot less painful for a human if they happened to get scratched. A declawed cat will use the only thing it has left, its teeth, which hurts a lot more than a scratch. Hmmm. No declawing for me.

Yup! I wouldn't ever declaw a cat because I love cats, but I also believe that many times (there are exceptions) it does cause behavior problems. For instance I only personally know 3 declawed cats. ALL of them bite. I have had many cats - all with claws. NONE of them ever bit anyone. I see a correlation here.

Refusing to sign the no-declaw contract would definately be a deal breaker.while i certainly don't endorse declawing, i have not seen this - & i've known 5 declawed cats. one would bite, but the others - it had to be pretty bad before they would - & even then it would be a gentle, warning bite first. Pixel & Mouse didn't bite at all, but i never gave them real reason to. Pixel doesn't even bite when i'm medicating her & holding her mouth with my hand.

while i certainly don't endorse declawing, i have not seen this - & i've known 5 declawed cats. one would bite, but the others - it had to be pretty bad before they would - & even then it would be a gentle, warning bite first. Pixel & Mouse didn't bite at all, but i never gave them real reason to. Pixel doesn't even bite when i'm medicating her & holding her mouth with my hand.
My niece's cat bit my mom while my mom was watching the house. She was sitting on the toilet at the time not even bothering the cat. :shocker:

My DF tried to pet a friend's cat. She took a swipe at him and tried to bite his hand. Fortunately he pulled away quickly.

Another woman I know constantly jokes about how mean her cat is and how often she bites. When I met the cat, she walked right up to me and hissed. I didn't SEE her bite, but there is no doubt in my mind that she would have bit me if I didn't back off. I've been told she bites on a regular basis.

Just my personal experience. It is only 3 cats, but I do believe their behavior has a LOT to do with them being declawed. It could be a coincidence, but compared to the cats I know who don't bite, I have to believe declawing is at least part of the cause. (just my opinion) If someone declawed me, I bet I would bite too.

My old cats used to shred the couch to pieces and beds (if you see my parents bed the sides are all torn.

Kaylee and teufel will claw into the couch and bed, but nothing is ruined except for the first cat tree!

Chiming in as a breeder:

Everyone that buys a kitten from us, must sign a "no de-claw" clause in our contract. In my opinion, de-clawing cats results in behavior problems down the road. It's an amputation....a cruel way to be lazy about training a cat to scratch in appropriate spots.
I can see only one reason, this should ever be acceptable, and that is, if a current cat owner developes a disease such as diabetes and can't afford to be wounded by an accidental scratch. With the alternative being giving up the cat, I can see a de-claw as a better solution in such cases.

I also have a contract for kitten buyers that says they will not declaw or allow the kitten/cat outside. I have turned away families who were willing to see their kitten's health guarantee voided, just to have the kitten declawed.
When we made our website, we noticed that there is a lack of education on declawing, so my husband and I, researched and compiled a page on what declawing is, why not to declaw, and safe alternatives. It has been helpful to some.
http://www.familytimerags.com/declaw.html

i agre with the comment, nice furniture or cats..

I just tossed my two couches. but thats ok i like sitting on the floor.

Not to start an argument... But is it ok to debark a dog, or defang a dog or cat? Just because it fits better to the humans life? To allow declawing can cause serious health effects, if not immediatley then later in life. Are you against spay/neuter contracts too? It is for the better good of the health of the animal. I would only want an animal to go to a home where the health is #1 priority and declawing is not healthy, that is not an opinion, that is a fact.

1) I never said I was for declawing, just do your homework and know what is going to happen (that should be true with anything and everything)

2)When you say things like "I don't want to start and arguement" you are starting an arguement.

All I am saying is anyone who is giving away or selling animals number one priority is to find a home where that animal will be loved and taken care of. If you feel strongly that cat you are giving away or selling should not be declawed then provided that family with other options like soft paws, or if you don't want your cat declawed then keep them, make your home happier with a few more kittens. (They are like potato chips, you can't have just one)
My fiance's cats are both declawed. Kiki is 13, her mother Sara is 15, and both are happy and healthy. Limerick and Able, my and my sister's cats, are not declawed and are happy and healthy, both are closing in on 2 already!!!
As for the saying/neutering comment.... Many shelters give you 30 days to find a vet, get a qoute, and get it done.. I don't know about anyone else but I am very busy... giving me 30 days to do anything is a bit much. Those types of choices should be left up to the owners. Of course you should always spay/neuter your pets for many reasons (do we really want the house to smell like kitty's litter box?).
As for your "defanging" comment, is that even possible? I have seen "debarkers" for dogs who bark all the time. From what I have seen it mutes the bark and does not hurt the dog. I have only heard them being used on dogs in apartments.

I haven't seen or heard of shelters doing it, but it's in my contract! If you want to de-toe your kitten, that's your business, but you aren't going to do that to a kitten from me! I have a photocopies from a web site with pretty graphic pictures in it and info on how the procedure is really done in my kitten kits, so new owners can see WHY I do not allow it for them selves, if that doesn't convince them, then they can go get another cat some where else.

i agre with the comment, nice furniture or cats..

I just tossed my two couches. but thats ok i like sitting on the floor.


:lol3: We have secondhand furniture that was beat up when we got it. (our house flooded). We've never trained pudge not to scratch it, but she completely ignores it in favor of the one wall in the house that cannot be damaged by cat claws, and her cat tree. We jokingly say that she ignores them because she thinks they look crappy enough already, but in reality she was never much of a furniture scratcher.

As for your "defanging" comment, is that even possible? I have seen "debarkers" for dogs who bark all the time. From what I have seen it mutes the bark and does not hurt the dog. I have only heard them being used on dogs in apartments.

Debarking is a sergical procedure that eliminates a dogs ability to bark, i'm not sure of the acual procedure, some one else will have to clear that up, or you can do a search on it if you are interested in how it is done, they either cut into the vocal cord or remove some thing, but they can not bark after having this done it most certainly hurts the dog. I don't know if it has any long term affect on the dog mentally wise, i'm not real farmiliar with it. People have done it because they (or complaint happy neighbors) don't want to hear them bark.

I would be more than happy to give a link to the site on declawing, a lot of people don't realize how inhumane and cruel it is, it is banned in several countries, and it's not hard to understand why people think it's ok. When you go to the vets office (a lot are changing this and won't even do declaws) and they ask if you are having a declaw with your spay today, or discount on a spay/declaw package. They made money and didn't inform owners of how the declawing is done or what it can do to the cat. I think if some one saw or know what really was happening to their cat, they would never do it again, I couldn't imaging some one intentioningly, knowingly doing this to their cat.

What has impressed me with this thread is the way the subject has been discussed in a civil manner :nod:. After all de-clawing is an emotive subject and many have very strong views on it.

This subject has been brought up on other forums and it can get quite nasty, so well done.

What has impressed me with this thread is the way the subject has been discussed in a civil manner :nod:. After all de-clawing is an emotive subject and many have very strong views on it.

This subject has been brought up on other forums and it can get quite nasty, so well done.

:yeah: I couldn't agree more! :clap: :bigthumb:

We also have a no declaw law in our kitten contracts. In my last litter I had a family interested in a kitten & when I sent them the contract to look over it, They got very upset & told me when it was their kitten they could do wahtever they wanted with it.......Needless to say they would never own one of my babies. When there are soo many other options instead of De-clawing available I don't understand why people still insist so strongly upon it? It seems ignorant to me. I think there needs to be more education about it so then maybe people will get it.Just my :2cts:

I decided to put the link up any ways. It is a web site to help inform people against declawing. It has pictures, facts/problems with declaw, understanding scratching behavior, how to use/train to use a srcathing post, alternative options, horror storries, vets that do/don't declaw, countries where declawing is illegal, and more. It has facts options, and education, that is way I am posting the web site. When I had a web site I had a link to it. I think it is very useful and informative.


http://community-2.webtv.net/zuzu22/STOPDECLAWCOM/

i wont even go into debarking. I think its senseless. If you live in an apartment and dont want your neighbors bothered. dont have a dog.

Declawing is illegal where I live (as is debarking), but it's standard for shelters and rescue groups to require that kittens be spayed/neutered by the age of six months (older cats are speutered before adoption), tattooed and/or microchipped and entered in a nationwide registry, and vaccinated regularly. And yes, many groups do check up on this, and will demand return of the pet if the requirements aren't met.
I got Jamie from a rescue group I'm a member of at the age of ten weeks, and even though he'll be 7 at the end of the month, I still have to give yearly reports of veterinary care/inoculations. My contract also requires that he be kept as an indoor kitty. I take him outside on a leash, but he's not allowed to roam at will.
I'm therefore not at all surprised that there are contracts requiring that cats not be declawed, and find that very much in order.

I've read that someone that adopted a kitten had to sign a contract saying they will not declaw the kitten. Is this something that's done everywhere??

I've never adopted a kitty from a shelter, so excuse the naiveness...lol.

I'm not for declawing...just curious. It's something I haven't heard before. :)

I just adopted Jackson for a shelter here, And yes they did make me sign something stating I was aware that declawing was against there policies and that I WOULD NOT do this. And if the shelter found out I had, they would take baby Jackson away from me. This is not something I would do anyways. If you trim a kitty's nails often enough it does not hurt, and if they're using s sratching post properly, IMO: there is no reason for declawing...Just patients :clap: :) ;)

What's so hard about clipping a cat's claws every few weeks, anyway? Unless you're living in the middle of silk and velvet, clipped claws will keep cats from doing any great amount of damage.

I guess it's that "animals-are-just-property" mentality again.

IMO, if you're not willing to put up with a few inconveniences, then cats simply aren't for you...

What's so hard about clipping a cat's claws every few weeks, anyway? Unless you're living in the middle of silk and velvet, clipped claws will keep cats from doing any great amount of damage.

I guess it's that "animals-are-just-property" mentality again.

IMO, if you're not willing to put up with a few inconveniences, then cats simply aren't for you...

I could not agree moree. Truley Jackson is the LOVE OF MY LIFE!!! I would never ever in a million years even let declawing cross my mind. I pray that new cat owners would take the time to researc cats and understand the responsabilities that come along with having such a great companion. Declawing is inhumane, and like it was said pefore in a posting...How would you like to have just nubs for fingers? Please,Please,Please, do not declaw...again many people have already said...there RE tons OF ALTERNATIVES...and if those don't suite your needs, that baby doesn't suite you either...Give that kitty everything it deserves...

This is such a touchy subject, my heart breaks when I hear of people considering or wanting to do something like this...and the people on this site are absolutley amazing, you all have given such great advice,website,informatio, and facts, that there should be no reason at all that ANYONE should have to declaw there cat(s).

Thanks,
Jayme & Baby Jackson!;)

I decided to put the link up any ways. It is a web site to help inform people against declawing. It has pictures, facts/problems with declaw, understanding scratching behavior, how to use/train to use a srcathing post, alternative options, horror storries, vets that do/don't declaw, countries where declawing is illegal, and more. It has facts options, and education, that is way I am posting the web site. When I had a web site I had a link to it. I think it is very useful and informative.


http://community-2.webtv.net/zuzu22/STOPDECLAWCOM/

I wanted to look at the site to have somewhat of an understand as to how they do this horrid declawing process, I neraly threw-up. Like I have said would never do something like this, but to see those pictures makes me so angry...Thank-you for posting this site...I hope it will ope some eyes.
J&J:bawling:

Maybe some people just see a kitten and they think its really cute and then buy it to have a cute kitten. They don't really think about the kitten, but only think of themselves and how this cat will affect their lives..Perhaps thats why they think they can just alter the kitty to fit their lifestyle. I don't know..its weird. I'm sure the same kind of people don't think about maybe having vet bills someday when your cat gets really sick..and then when they do get sick, they are expendable to just get rid of.

This is off topic but: when I was younger we got a cat from a family, and I loved the cat soooo much, we had him for about a year, then he died because of that urine crystallization they can get. Well, it turned out the family got rid of him because he had that..instead of treating him. Grrrr, I loved him very much and this was awful for me to realize that they would give him up. Anyways, those people had declawed him before we got him.

When I was selling my rex kittens I did have a clause in there about no declawing. I'd rather the person bring me the kitten/cat back then to declaw it. I never had a problem with anyone regarding it.

I taught my kittens from the time they could walk where they could scratch and also trimmed nails from a month old. I'd take the time to explain my reasons against declawing and show them how to trim nails if necessary.

In most associations you cannot show cats that are declawed. A few allow it, but its not encouraged at all.

All I am saying is anyone who is giving away or selling animals number one priority is to find a home where that animal will be loved and taken care of.
As for the saying/neutering comment.... Many shelters give you 30 days to find a vet, get a qoute, and get it done.. I don't know about anyone else but I am very busy... giving me 30 days to do anything is a bit much. Those types of choices should be left up to the owners.

eburgess...have you ever found a LACK of already declawed cats available in shelters/rescues?? I sure haven't...and a lot of these cats are given up because their owner moves or develops an allergy (same as the reasons they give up a cat with claws). Our rescue is more than willing to adopt an already declawed cat into a home that has concerns about claws...but as far as letting the "owner" make up their mind regarding one of our cats that has it's claws...No Way! As I tell people...you can have 99 cats that come out of the elective surgery ok...but if you have the 1 cat that comes out with biting issues, litterbox issues or other health, behavior issues...are you willing to take that chance??? With a cat that has already had the procedure performed..you can see how that surgery affected the cat...and we do adopt out several declawed cats a year. Since we have made a commitment to our cats to find them the very best home....the very best home for one of our cats that has it's claws will be a home that will not declaw that cat (yes, we do have the adoptor sign a contract that they will not declaw).

As far as your comment about spaying/neutering..many states REQUIRE the procedure be done within 30 days or else the shelter runs the risk of being non-compliant. Some things are not the owners choice...but a state LAW. Our rescue spays/neuters all our kittens/cats/puppies/dogs prior to adoption..that way we don't run into the "my life is busy and I had no time to take the animal to be spayed/neutered" argument.

So a recap:

1. Declawing isn't the magic "fix all"..if it were, we wouldn't have any declawed cats in shelters/rescues looking for good homes (but a quick look at Petfinder reveals there are thousands looking for new homes right now)
2. Already declawed cats deserve homes too and when you adopt an already declawed cat you can see whether the procedure had a negative impact or not.
3. If someone doesn't agree with a shelter's/rescue's policies..they can walk away (talk about the ultimate in "choice")
4. Shelters/Rescues also have the right to determine the rules and policies by which they will adopt out a cat/kitten (including whether they will have a "no declaw" aspect to their contract)

Katie

I wanted to look at the site to have somewhat of an understand as to how they do this horrid declawing process, I neraly threw-up. Like I have said would never do something like this, but to see those pictures makes me so angry...Thank-you for posting this site...I hope it will ope some eyes.
J&J:bawling:
(sorry to have such graphic pics, and they made you sick, you aren't the one I want to make sick by them, you already dissagree with it, it's the people who do it and think nothing more then trimming their claws that I want to feel sickend by it, but on the same token, seeing those, you will be more apt to speak out for cats then just say I don't do it, instead you might say "you shouldn't do it to" some one else)
If it opens one persons eyes then I am glad I put the link up. It is such an unnecisary torture (yes it is torturious, to de-toe a cat) I hope that I have saved one cats toes at least. I really hope it becomes out lawed like many other countries, if some one is that worried about a cat ruining their "stuff" get a hampster, not a cat. I'm not going to amputate my daughters fingers because she will probley color on my new wall paper, so i'm not going to amputate my cats toes because it may scratch the furniture.

Wow...last time I checked this thread (I think yesterday morning) there was only one response!! Now I come on and there's FIVE PAGES!! Lol!!!

Anyway, I thought I should post a reply stating the following:

I'm very sorry to have brought up such a contraversial subject. I didn't realize just asking that question would bring on an argument...I'm so sorry! I was just curious.

I do, however, have a second question...how do they enforce these contracts?

I would like to restate the fact that I am completely against declawing. Both of my kitties have Soft Claws on their front paws, and are doing great. I realize I posted something before asking about it, but I am NOT for declawing AT ALL!! I hope no one got that impression from my other post.

Anyway, I hope things don't get too horrible just from my simple question...:(

Wow...last time I checked this thread (I think yesterday morning) there was only one response!! Now I come on and there's FIVE PAGES!! Lol!!!

Anyway, I thought I should post a reply stating the following:

I'm very sorry to have brought up such a contraversial subject. I didn't realize just asking that question would bring on an argument...I'm so sorry! I was just curious.

I do, however, have a second question...how do they enforce these contracts?

I would like to restate the fact that I am completely against declawing. Both of my kitties have Soft Claws on their front paws, and are doing great. I realize I posted something before asking about it, but I am NOT for declawing AT ALL!! I hope no one got that impression from my other post.

Anyway, I hope things don't get too horrible just from my simple question...:(

More than anything, I would like to thank-you for asking a question like this, As I have said before, if anything I hope this will be a "eye opener" to someone contimplating declawing. So thank-you for asking!!!

IMO, I felt that everyone handled this very well, and do not think it got out of hand or developed into an "argurment", just some very strong opinions. Iam very lucky yo have found this forum and be able to talk to so many knowledgable people. Thank-you everyone.

YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

Jayme and Jackson

:clap: :) :clap: :) :clap:

I've heard of this too. Unfortunatly, my mom is going to want me to get the stray declawed if we keep her. This is only because my mom is moving into a house and has bought all new furniture and such. Is there an alternative to declawing?


there is a prcedure called a tendonectomy. where teh tendon that retracts the claws are severed. the cats can't scatch, but the claws are still there. and you have to make sure you clip them. it is an alternative to declawing and some younger vets know how to do. talk to your vet first

there is a prcedure called a tendonectomy. where teh tendon that retracts the claws are severed. the cats can't scatch, but the claws are still there. and you have to make sure you clip them. it is an alternative to declawing and some younger vets know how to do. talk to your vet first

and that is just as horrible. I would never want anyone to slice one of my tendons for the heck of it

Wow...last time I checked this thread (I think yesterday morning) there was only one response!! Now I come on and there's FIVE PAGES!! Lol!!!

Anyway, I thought I should post a reply stating the following:

I'm very sorry to have brought up such a contraversial subject. I didn't realize just asking that question would bring on an argument...I'm so sorry! I was just curious.

I do, however, have a second question...how do they enforce these contracts?

I would like to restate the fact that I am completely against declawing. Both of my kitties have Soft Claws on their front paws, and are doing great. I realize I posted something before asking about it, but I am NOT for declawing AT ALL!! I hope no one got that impression from my other post.

Anyway, I hope things don't get too horrible just from my simple question...:(

To answer your second question. As best as I can...diffent shelters do it diffrent, many require vet info and they keep in touch with the vet. as well as home visits.

I, as a breeder require vet info, and of course the ocassional call or email ect. If someone wants to be seeding and underhanded about it. I suppose they could. But most people wont. especially when your checking in everyonce in a while.

there are valid reasons for declawing cats. those who are diabetic, or have clotting disorders can become very sick or die from getting scratched by thier cat. its for the person's own health. as for health problems with the cat, i have worked in the veterinary field for almost 5 years now and have only seen one declaw case that had problems. i have seen more problems from spays then i have from declaws.

some apartments require declawing, but think about it, you don't own the place (in most cases) and its not your floors and walls that will need replacing if the cat ruins them. landlords are just cutting thier losses, and could very well not allow pets in thier biuldings at all.

if you do get you cat declawed do it when the cat is small (in weight) if the cat is a larger one, i suggest keeping the cat at you vet a few days post op to ensure the paws don't bleed. (if there is an option for that) and if a cat is hissing spitting screaming and trying to kill you, you have ten less weapons to worry about.

i used the "wait and see" technique when i broght Able home. if he didn't destroy anything, he would be fine, if he did. a declaw would have been added on to his jaw wire removal. he didn't used the carpeting covered post. but the cardboard scratchers were a hit. so his paws remain intact.

there is a prcedure called a tendonectomy. where teh tendon that retracts the claws are severed. the cats can't scatch, but the claws are still there. and you have to make sure you clip them. it is an alternative to declawing and some younger vets know how to do. talk to your vet first

It is still an unneccecary procedure, that is still painful. If, after the procedure you still have to trim the nails, why not do that in the first place.

It is still an unneccecary procedure, that is still painful. If, after the procedure you still have to trim the nails, why not do that in the first place.


i'm just giving options. i didn't say i prefered it. its just an alternitive that some vets offer. i suggest talking to your vet about all the options avalible

My husband and I compiled a lot of information and wrote an page on reasons not to declaw as well as the safe alternatives.
I do not include tendenectomy as a safe alternative, nor would I approve of any of my kittens having the procedure done.

I do, however, have a second question...how do they enforce these contracts?



I keep in close contact with the families who adopt our kittens. I make sure the family understands the declawing procedures, and understands our contract. For the most part, I have been lucky to meet people who are already educated to the reasons why declawing is wrong.
We begin teaching our kittens appropriate scratching places at an early age, as well as regular nail trims, and so far we haven't had any one have a problem. Now, I have to hope we have no future problems.:)

I've re-read this thread again, looked at the new posts and feel the need to comment once again on this subject.

For anyone who is thinking of getting a cat.......cats come with claws. This is how mother nature has designed these animals. If you have concerns about your furniture being ruined, your kids or yourself being scratched, accidently or otherwise and you don't want to be bothered with trimming the cats nails and training the cat.........why not just get a non-feline pet?

Any form of "de-claw", is a mutilation in my opinion. It is a procedure demanded by the cat owning public, otherwise I don't think many vets would want to do it. They went to school to learn to help animals, not harm them.

De-claw should be the last option for someone who can't afford to be scratched by their cat due to health risks, but can't bear to give up their beloved cat. Beyond that scenario, I can't think of any other good reason to amputate or disable this important part of a cats anatomy.

i'm just giving options. i didn't say i prefered it. its just an alternitive that some vets offer. i suggest talking to your vet about all the options avalible

I suggest that when you are considering getting a cat or kitten...you take all of these concerns under consideration. Again...there is no lack of already declawed cats that are looking for homes.

Katie

When we got Jackson (As you know) he had to sign a contract, the shelter keeps in contact with our vet, no only for that reason but as well for an illness the cat may have contracted, or injury. The shlter wants to be sure the cat is doing well, and also that he isn't being DECLAWED. I think it's great. They have also asked that I send in pictures of Jackson as he grows!!!
J&J:wave2:

The original poster's questions has been answered by many. Further discussion would not be beneficial, and I am now closing this thread.