I'm talking about my local vet clinic. I chose them, because they are 10 mins. from my home. Overall, I did like the care that I got for my cat Rascal. I have some issues concerning the Wellness Plan they offer, but I can talk about that later.
My main issue is that while I was in the exam room waiting for the vet to get back, I started perusing some of their pamphlets. One of the pamphlets I picked up is titled "Your Cat's Health". So I start reading it and come upon a section tilted "Spaying, Neutering, and Declawing". Here's what the vet has to say about declawing:
"Cat owners also must decide whether to declaw their Pets. This surgical procedure involves permanently removing your pet's front claws to protect furniture, other cats, and yourself from scratches"
When I read this I was livid!!! This is encouraging the amputation of cats feet so that one's furniture can be protected?!?!?!!! Oh and let's not forget to make sur your cat will not "injure" another cat, or even worse, accidentally "scratch you!"
When I questioned the vet about this, she agreed that the wording did indeed "sugarcoat" what the actual surgery represented. She said she was with me on the issue, that she had two cats herself. However, she *did not* tell me at any point that she discouraged this procedure from being performed. In fact, she told me that there were certain cases where it was a necessity. Huh??? When can it *ever* be a necessity???
She told me that she performed the surgery only on cats six months or less. That way, she explained, their tendons are much softer and it makes it easier. Also, she explained, she sends the cats home with enough medication in them so that "they won't feel their feet for at least 10 hours". To make matters worse, she seemed particularly proud of that.
I was practically in tears and completely flabbergasted.
However, I did *explain* to her what "declawing" did to a cat, etc. But her answer was still the same, "Well I would rather do it myself, than have someone else do it." How hyprocritical! She should have said, "I'd rather do it myself so that I don't risk losing the person's business if they go somewhere else".
Even the remainder of the staff that was there seemed to think that there was nothing wrong with having a cat declawed and thought that I was some fanatical maniac.
Do you think I'm overreacting? Why are there not vets in this country willing to stand up for the defence of cats?
I am *really very very upset and sick* over this. And, as I said earlier, I really did like the care my cat got, but I honestly don't know if I can continue to go there in good conscience.
My main issue is that while I was in the exam room waiting for the vet to get back, I started perusing some of their pamphlets. One of the pamphlets I picked up is titled "Your Cat's Health". So I start reading it and come upon a section tilted "Spaying, Neutering, and Declawing". Here's what the vet has to say about declawing:
"Cat owners also must decide whether to declaw their Pets. This surgical procedure involves permanently removing your pet's front claws to protect furniture, other cats, and yourself from scratches"
When I read this I was livid!!! This is encouraging the amputation of cats feet so that one's furniture can be protected?!?!?!!! Oh and let's not forget to make sur your cat will not "injure" another cat, or even worse, accidentally "scratch you!"
When I questioned the vet about this, she agreed that the wording did indeed "sugarcoat" what the actual surgery represented. She said she was with me on the issue, that she had two cats herself. However, she *did not* tell me at any point that she discouraged this procedure from being performed. In fact, she told me that there were certain cases where it was a necessity. Huh??? When can it *ever* be a necessity???
She told me that she performed the surgery only on cats six months or less. That way, she explained, their tendons are much softer and it makes it easier. Also, she explained, she sends the cats home with enough medication in them so that "they won't feel their feet for at least 10 hours". To make matters worse, she seemed particularly proud of that.
I was practically in tears and completely flabbergasted.
However, I did *explain* to her what "declawing" did to a cat, etc. But her answer was still the same, "Well I would rather do it myself, than have someone else do it." How hyprocritical! She should have said, "I'd rather do it myself so that I don't risk losing the person's business if they go somewhere else".
Even the remainder of the staff that was there seemed to think that there was nothing wrong with having a cat declawed and thought that I was some fanatical maniac.
Do you think I'm overreacting? Why are there not vets in this country willing to stand up for the defence of cats?
I am *really very very upset and sick* over this. And, as I said earlier, I really did like the care my cat got, but I honestly don't know if I can continue to go there in good conscience.