options other than declawing

My cats have several things they are allowed to scratch - a nice tall scratching post (they need enough room to really stretch up and if it's not tall enough they will try to find something that is), a small kitty condo, and a horizontal scratcher. One of these days i'm going to get them a nice cat tree with perches and such. Like all trainable behavior issues, it really helps when you give them positive reinforcement when they use the post (play with them at the post, rub some catnip on it, tell them they are good and pretty when they use it, etc.) and when you redirect them to it when you catch them scratching elsewhere. If you do this consistently, most cats catch on pretty quick.

I clip my cats' claws whenever i see them get stuck to a scratching post... or to my shirt, heh. I've been clipping them since they were kittens and they are pretty good about it although they do squirm around a bit. I got some soft paws to try on Rajah when her allergies were making her scratch herself bald, but i didn't think i could get them applied properly - and they were pretty expensive for a set, so i stuck with clipping. Most of the time only their front paws need clipping - the backs only get done about twice a year because they are generally relatively dull. I would absolutely never declaw a cat unless it was medically necessary due to an infected paw or something like that - it's unecessary and can create other behavior issues that are much more difficult to control than scratching is.

Ahhh I'm so confused! I'm being pushed by my mother to de-claw my kitten, because I bring the cat home from school for the summers. I don't particularly agree with declawing, but I do want to keep my cat. I've tried explaining to my mum what you've all said declawing is like...but she really isn't fazed. I suppose after growing up on a farm and seeing dozens of stray barn cats get hit by cars and such...she really isn't sympathetic to a "little" surgery.

I also spoke with my vet and she seems to think that declawing isn't such a problem and that the younger the cat the better if I'm going to do it. I asked her about soft claws and she didn't give me much reassurance about them.

I know several people, including my sister, that have declawed their cats without any problems.

I feel like I'm 50/50 on the issue right now ...but I do think I should exhaust all alternative options before I decide on surgery.

-Kristen

To those that choose to declaw I say this to them:

"If you have tried everything else and have to resort to declawing your cat, then YOU should be keeping him/her the rest of their life no matter WHAT happens. If the cat starts biting in fear, or hiding a lot because of no defense, or has trouble balancing or jumping or climbing, OR starts peeing in other places in the house or on your clothes instead of the litter pan - they YOU are to blame because the cat did none of this before."

"Don't try to dump the cat on someone else for something you chose to do to the cat - their feet were fine before." You declaw, you accept the consequences of what happens.

Cats hide pain exceptionally well. Just because we don't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. If they step on a piece of glass and their paw bleeds we immediately think "Oh no, poor baby!" Yet the act of actually cutting off toes doesn't seem to bother some people. I just do not get it.

I grew up dirt poor, sometimes on a farm, sometimes in small towns and sometimes in a city - no one I knew would have ever thought to pay to have toes amputated or to ever amputate.

Of course vets aren't going to say it is a bad thing. It is a large part of their practice and profit. Some have been brainwashed. Yet, many of these vets will treat paws that have been damaged in other ways as though there was something medically wrong.

So, I suppose my point is: if a cut paw hurts and needs medical treatment, why not a paw that has had its toes cut off? What more serious damage is there?

I wish the US and Canada would get out of the Dark Ages as far as this is concerned. We have members here from countries other than US and Canada who are absolutely shocked when they hear this practice is not only legal but socially acceptede and expected.

I would advise to fight for your cat's claws. You won't always be with this mother-in-law but the cat will always miss his claws.

*puts away soap box until the next post*

DO NOT DECLAW YOUR CAT!!!! Not only is it cruel to them it can cause problems for you.

I clip my cats nails whenever they show signs of getting pointy. Just clip the very tips because going too deep can cause pain and bleeding. As with most things regarding cats, patience and gentle determination should reveal good results.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/12374/product.web

X

Yes, I've already decided that I'm going to fight for my kittens claws. I just ordered a pack of soft claws and I'm going to buy an extra scratching post. I'm trying to get him used to me handling his paws, so he hopefully won't put up too much of fight when I use the soft claws.

And for the record, I don't believe I would ever abandon my cat if he underwent behavioral changes. I didn't give up on my first cat when she went blind. When she got sick, I woke up in puddles of urine on my bed but I still loved her and tried everything I could to help her. Anyway, I just hate the idea that some people might think I'm heartless I'm just looking for all the facts. Perhaps someone could please direct me to another thread or website that they feel best explains declawing (from a medical standpoint)?

-Kristen

Originally Posted by Nimbus

Yes, I've already decided that I'm going to fight for my kittens claws. I just ordered a pack of soft claws and I'm going to buy an extra scratching post. I'm trying to get him used to me handling his paws, so he hopefully won't put up too much of fight when I use the soft claws.

And for the record, I don't believe I would ever abandon my cat if he underwent behavioral changes. I didn't give up on my first cat when she went blind. When she got sick, I woke up in puddles of urine on my bed but I still loved her and tried everything I could to help her. Anyway, I just hate the idea that some people might think I'm heartless

I'm just looking for all the facts. Perhaps someone could please direct me to another thread or website that they feel best explains declawing (from a medical standpoint)?

-Kristen

Click to expand...

I understand that you aren't heartless. It takes a lot of courage and love to care for a disabled kitty I have this soapbox that magically appears when the declaw issue arises.

I will look up some links for you. I am sure others here will have some good links as well.

Thank you

Try these
http://www.declawing.com/htmls/declawing.htm
http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/
http://community-2.webtv.net/zuzu22/STOPDECLAWCOM/

Here are some more:


http://www.catsinternational.org/art...declawing.html

http://www.declaw.com/
(list of vets who do not declaw ... there is one in my area!)

http://www.declawing.com/htmls/outlawed.htm
(countries where declawing is illegal or considered inhumane)

http://www.declawing.com/
(by a vet. There is a link at the bottom with more about the surgery)

http://www.catsinfo.com/declaw.html

http://cats.about.com/cs/declawing/a/disclose_wait.htm

http://maxshouse.com/facts_about_declawing.htm

Hope these help!

Cat scratchers:

My cats like this one:
http://www.thecatconnection.com/page...TGY/PLAY-SRTCH

Sebastian uses this type all the time: (I get something similar at Walmart for $10US)
http://www.terrificpets.com/pet_supp...hers/14654.asp

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...1&N=2002&Nty=1

Some cats like to scratch vertically, others horizontally. If you have both options, they should catch on quickly. Seb uses his all the time It doesn't have to be an expensive thing.

Originally Posted by Nimbus

Yes, I've already decided that I'm going to fight for my kittens claws. I just ordered a pack of soft claws and I'm going to buy an extra scratching post. I'm trying to get him used to me handling his paws, so he hopefully won't put up too much of fight when I use the soft claws.

And for the record, I don't believe I would ever abandon my cat if he underwent behavioral changes. I didn't give up on my first cat when she went blind. When she got sick, I woke up in puddles of urine on my bed but I still loved her and tried everything I could to help her. Anyway, I just hate the idea that some people might think I'm heartless

I'm just looking for all the facts. Perhaps someone could please direct me to another thread or website that they feel best explains declawing (from a medical standpoint)?

-Kristen

Click to expand...

Kristen..here is an article that I understand is very good to explain the procedure from a medical perspective:

http://www.thepetcenter.com/sur/catdc.html

I would definately suggest you try other options first before deciding to declaw. Declawing a cat is non-reversible and just as with any optional surgery...you can have 99 cats come out of the procedure fine, but if your cat is the one that develops a biting issue, litterbox avoidance, arthritis or other issues, how would you deal with it? It's easy to say you wouldn't abandon a cat...but a cat in pain can be very different than a cat who is blind.

Katie

I just checked ebay. you can get a 5ft cat house with built in scratching posts for 40.00 including shipping. What a deal you should check it out. Also you can check craigs list in your area maybe someone is selling a used one. Good luck and don't declaw.
J

Thanks, I appreciate all the websites everyone provided. I went to most of them. I looked at a lot of surgery images and I read many of the stories people posted. I think I'm pretty much determined to avoid declawing at all costs now.

I'm still having some trouble convincing my mum that declawing is the wrong option. It's just a bit difficult when we live with my sisters cat, Jerry, who was declawed and is as active, well-behaved, and lovable as ever (though, I'm not saying he was never in pain or won't have future complications). Anyway, every time I bring up the issue with her, she brushes me off. I'll keep trying, of course. Thanks again everyone.

-Kristen

can i chime in? im the mother of five cats ranging in age from 12 months to 8 years.
all my cats are declawed. they run and play, bounce and pounce, they act exactly the same as when they had their claws.
i got my first cat, a dsh, declawed when she was three years old, all four paws. the reason was it was either this or i give her away, and not too many people jump at a chance to own a three year old cat. you see, she had this problem that when she was on my lap and would spook she would maul my face. the last time she did it she came extremely close to my eye. i had blood running down my face and on the top of my head i had a large gash. it had to be done, not to mention all the destruction of my furniture. yes she had scratching posts and i did try those soft paws that stayed on for about 20 minutes, she pulled them off and wouldnt walk with them on. she would hang out on the window sill looking at the birds, normal kitty stuff, but she would always get stuck on the curtain, there were pulls and tears all over my custom made curtains (not cheap!)
i made the appointment and it was done. she was sore for a few days, no different than when she was spayed.
since then everything has been great. shes eight now and doesnt act any different. she walks and jumps fine. she still jumps 7 feet high on top of my dining room hutch.
four cats later and i had them all declawed at the time of their neuter.
reason, yes they will use the scratching post, but it doesnt stop them from pulling down curtains accidently, and scratching the sofa.
after their declaw i felt the freedom to finally buy new furniture without worry.
i dont regret it at all, believe me if they showed any signs of discomfort or not being able to run and play i wouldnt do it, but they are fine.
they are indoor cats only, four are pedigree persians so they shouldnt be outdoor kitties anyway.
just my input and my experience with five declawed cats, i wish not to offend anyone

IMO I don't think 99% come out ok on declawing - make it about 50/50 chance of coming out ok and not having any behavior/psychological/physical problems within a few years!

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

IMO I don't think 99% come out ok on declawing - make it about 50/50 chance of coming out ok and not having any behavior/psychological/physical problems within a few years!

Click to expand...

99% dont come out ok? i have five and they are all perfect.
behavior/psyhological/physical problems? no, not one of mine.

not sure how declawing can cause behavior problems

its been five years since my girl was done, theres nothing wrong with her.
another male persian its been five years since his declaw also, again hes fine.
two brothers its been four years, they are fine also.
the last is a 12 month old, he was done 6 months ago, and he is very active no different than any other 12 months old kitten.
ive known several declawed cats in the past 20 years or so, and ive never heard of a problem or witnessed any handicap due to declawing.

im sure theres some botched jobs out there, just like any surgery there is a risk. my dog nearly died from being neutered

Declawing runs the risk of behavior issues and bad declaw surgeries and enduring pain for the cat. Why would anyone ever want to chance it?

As I said before, it is ALL for the human's convenience - as several of these posts have pointed out. No couch will ever keep me as warm and as loved as my cat friends. However, if a person ever touches me or something I own in a way I don't like, I suppose I should have the right to amputate their fingers, eh?

Again, this is only my opinion. I suppose my home will never be in Home & Garden magazine, but my cats will always have their claws.

Not once have I seen a good enough excuse to advocate amputation.

I have decided to call declawing what it really is: amputation. No more dressing it up pretty

Originally Posted by beemo

i got my first cat, a dsh, declawed when she was three years old, all four paws. the reason was it was either this or i give her away, and not too many people jump at a chance to own a three year old cat. you see, she had this problem that when she was on my lap and would spook she would maul my face. the last time she did it she came extremely close to my eye.

Click to expand...

This one I can understand a little. My former roommate had a cat who attacked my roommate's mother and the attack resulted in several stitches. My roommate had to have her cat declawed or she would have to get rid of her--and I believe her cat was much older at the time. I don't think the cat was ever the same after the declawing. I don't know what she was like before, but she was a very aggressive cat afterwards--probably because she felt threatened by everything around her.

Originally Posted by beemo

she would hang out on the window sill looking at the birds, normal kitty stuff, but she would always get stuck on the curtain, there were pulls and tears all over my custom made curtains (not cheap!)
i made the appointment and it was done. she was sore for a few days, no different than when she was spayed.
since then everything has been great. shes eight now and doesnt act any different. she walks and jumps fine. she still jumps 7 feet high on top of my dining room hutch.
four cats later and i had them all declawed at the time of their neuter.
reason, yes they will use the scratching post, but it doesnt stop them from pulling down curtains accidently, and scratching the sofa.
after their declaw i felt the freedom to finally buy new furniture without worry.

Click to expand...

This part I definitely don't agree with. My cats don't mess with the furniture--I assume their previous owners trained them, and I kept up their training by encouraging them to scratch on the many scratching posts I provide for them and discouraging them from clawing at the furniture. My couch shows no sign of claw marks, so apparently this method works. I also keep their nails trimmed. The only time their nails ever accidentally snag something is when I haven't trimmed them in quite a while. I don't think there is ever any reason to declaw a cat as a kitten, especially if their concern is protecting their furniture--if someone wants a declawed cat there are lots of them at the shelters.

Originally Posted by beemo

i dont regret it at all, believe me if they showed any signs of discomfort or not being able to run and play i wouldnt do it, but they are fine.
they are indoor cats only, four are pedigree persians so they shouldnt be outdoor kitties anyway.
just my input and my experience with five declawed cats, i wish not to offend anyone

Click to expand...

Perhaps you were lucky with your cats? You had a vet who didn't botch the procedure (there's no way to know about a vet's success rate unless they have some report of gross negligence that shows up with the vet board). Your cats apparently haven't resorted to biting to express themselves (as my roommate's cat did) and are still using the litter box appropriately. Hopefully you live someplace where there are always at least two doors between the cats and the outside, or there is always a risk of one escaping--mine are indoor only but that doesn't stop them from trying very hard to get outside.

I just switched to all FUTONS!

To beemo I just have to say this:

What to you have to compare your cats to?
Do you have cats in your home that still have their claws?

I have 4 declawed cats, one of which is a 4 paw declaw.
Ages from 2-9 yrs
They came to me that way.
They run and play and act like normal kitties too for the most part.

The oldest though, spends most of his time perched in high places away from precieved dangers.

When they play on the cat tree, the declaws to not come down with the same wreckless abandon as the clawed cats.
The declaws do not want their feet touched, ever (can you blame them?)

The differences in behavior may not seem much to you, but it really speaks volumes to me.
Cat with claws behaves 100% like a cat
Cat without claws may behave 60% to 99% like a cat.

I'd prefer 100%

Your cats aren't really old enough to have developed some of the long term problems associated with a declaw.

Cats, by nature, put their weight on the tips of their toes when they walk.
When declawed, they are forced to alter the way they walk.
In the long run, this causes arthritis earlier, and the pain to be worse, and possibility of lameness due to it is higher.

The way a cat's entire leg, shoulder and spine is designed is for them to walk on the tips of their toes.