Declawing

Please, I need help. First, let me start by telling my situation.  I have two cats, my oldest is 14 months, and my second is 11 months. Both of my cats are males. I am married with two children, plus my furry babies. I found out two years ago that I couldn't have anymore kids, and I was deeply troubled. After I found my cats, I felt complete. I love my cats like I love my own children. After I took in my second baby, a month later, there were problems. My younger cat and older wrestle, but it gets out of hand. The younger cat clawed my older cat through the eye several times, and I have had him back and forth to the vet, with ointment and all the treatments. the vet said if it continues, he could loose his eye, or vision. Neither cat is aggressive toward humans, but I don't want either of them to be hurt. My vet suggested declawing, and before anyone starts in on me, I know. I did not want to do it, that is why I waited so long to do it. I tried various different treatments and things before I went through with it. Finally, I gave in. I do not want either of my cats to be hurt, nor would I EVER give either of my cats up, they are like my children. I just want to say that I would never again, under any circumstances declaw another cat. I guess in the future I will have to remain petless if the situation arises, but I could not give one up for the other. My cats had the procedure done four days ago, and I have cried everyday since. I have to take my oldest back to the vet in the morning, because his right paw is swollen. Please, only kind suggestions and words, I don't need anyone jumping my case, or telling the wrong I have done. I am aware, but I can't go back, and either way, I can't give up one of my babies, I love them SO MUCH. Anyone that reads this that is on the fence thinking about declawing, please; do not go through with it if you can help it. Cats are stoic animals, but I can tell when my babies are hurting. Please, just know that however much they say it is not a big deal, or they will heal up just fine; They might be okay, but getting there is a long, painful process. Or, there could be other complications.

I'm sorry your vet lied to you, and pressured you into this . It's a horrific procedure, illegal in almost all countries other than the U.S. and Canada, and for good reason. If this is any indication of your vet's usual advice, you might want to find a new vet.

My vet has been good to my animals previously, I just would not have chosen this for my little ones. It is heartbreaking. I will NEVER again take someone's advice, what is done is unfortunately, done. Never again will something like this happen to them.

I think the best thing you can do is try to make them as comfortable as possible. Make sure they are getting enough of whatever pain medication the doctor prescribed (or get some from him ASAP if he didn't) and make sure have all their necessities close to where they are recovering so that they don't have to move far. If they have a favorite food I would also give them some of that. I know whenever I am in pain something as simple as a favorite meal can do wonders! 

You could also try a Feliway diffuser. It emits a calming pheromone that helps with stress. It may help them relax some while they recuperate. 

Also, make sure you get them a very soft type of litter that won't hurt their feet. Regular clay litters or those with bigger granules can get stuck in the place where the claw used to be and that is very painful. You may need to set up several boxes with several different types and see what they like the best. It's worth it to do this now- if the granules hurt their feet they may start to associate the box with pain and will stop using it. It's much easier to try and find what works now as opposed to having to re-train them later. 

Finally, be patient with them if they develop a litterbox aversion or any other behavior problems. The loss of their claws can lead to them expressing themselves in other ways. If any problems arise be sure to seek the advice of your vet and post it here for other advice. 

I can't in good conscience say that I agree with your decision but I do respect that you are trying to do whatever you can to make them comfortable while they recover, and it's clear that you do love them very much. I also appreciate you sharing your experience to try and deter others from making the same choice.  I think you could add a lot to this community by continuing to share your story with others in a similar situation.

I'm sorry that you have to watch them suffer. Other than keeping them well medicated I don't know that there is much you can do. Unfortunately their bodies just have to heal and only time is going to help with that. If it seems the pain medicine isn't helping enough talk to the vet about a different type or increasing the dose. 

Sending vibes to your boys for a quick recovery.  Welcome to TCS. 

Thank you EB24, for your post. I wish I hadn't done it. I only did it to try and protect my oldest cat, as I was told it would not be fair to declaw one cat, and not the other,to preserve his eye. I have put shredded newspaper in their litter box, that I change frequently to keep it clean. They each have food and water, Blue Buffalo hard and soft food, easily available to them whenever. I give them treats, and I lay beside them most of the time, as long as they are not uncomfortable with it. My youngest cat is doing very well now, just laying down a little more. He is having no problems walking, and neither cat has any appetite issues. My oldest cat's right paw is swollen, and I am taking him to the vet as soon as they open in the morning. Both my cats stay indoors only. I have everything barricaded where they can't jump off of anything. I have been up most all night the last two night they have been home, trying to make sure they eat, drink, and are as comfortable as possible. Believe me, if there were anything in my power that I could do to undo it, I would. I would never have done it if I would have known that it was like this. I love my cats with all my heart, regardless of what anyone thinks. I just hope that maybe someone will decide not to do it now. I just hope that if anyone is considering it, they reconsider, no matter what you hear or what some professionals may say. 

I would also like to add,  I don't care if they have any litter box problems, I will gladly clean up after them. I just hope they heal up well and are not in pain soon. I tried different kinds of litter, dust free, corn based, etc, and it seemed to make their paws more uncomfortable, so I used shredded newspaper. They seem to be more comfortable with that. The vet used glue and said that I didn't need to change the litter, but anything other than newspaper seemed to make them more uncomfortable

My heart hurts for you, it really does.
I know you can't go back now, but it does speak volumes that you realize it's not something you would ever do again. We'll be here to give as much advice and support as we can.

Stories like this make me wish so much more that they would ban it like they did in Europe so many years ago. People get it done not knowing full well what it is because their vet says it's fine and so does everyone else. But then when you see your babies in pain, you want to take it all back.

For as much as it's worth, in the future the best options would be to do very slow introductions of your kitties, and if there are severe problems like this, you can put soft claws (nail caps) on the cat who is the fighter, but if things go too far, you do not have to feel bad about returning the newer kitty. Some cats just do better in a different home or as a single cat. :nod:


All my vibes and prayers for you.

Thank you Minka..

For what it is worth, I did introduce them slowly, but it was so weird... It was like the more they got to know each other, the more they "played".  Their playing got carried away, and I felt guilty about keeping them shut off in different rooms away from everyone, especially when they didn't go at it all the time. I did try Soft Paws on both cats, and clipping their nails, but they both chewed them off! It wasn't like one cat was intentionally mean, my youngest cat, a Mainecoon, got mad in playing after awhile, and kept clawing my other cat in the face. I love them both, and I just couldn't give one up. They are like my kids, I could never pick one that I could live without. With all this being said, I still regret getting them declawed. I love them so much, and I CANNOT stand seeing my babies uncomfortable. I HATE it! 

Myfurrbabies said:

Thank you EB24, for your post. I wish I hadn't done it. I only did it to try and protect my oldest cat, as I was told it would not be fair to declaw one cat, and not the other,to preserve his eye. I have put shredded newspaper in their litter box, that I change frequently to keep it clean. They each have food and water, Blue Buffalo hard and soft food, easily available to them whenever. I give them treats, and I lay beside them most of the time, as long as they are not uncomfortable with it. My youngest cat is doing very well now, just laying down a little more. He is having no problems walking, and neither cat has any appetite issues. My oldest cat's right paw is swollen, and I am taking him to the vet as soon as they open in the morning. Both my cats stay indoors only. I have everything barricaded where they can't jump off of anything. I have been up most all night the last two night they have been home, trying to make sure they eat, drink, and are as comfortable as possible. Believe me, if there were anything in my power that I could do to undo it, I would. I would never have done it if I would have known that it was like this. I love my cats with all my heart, regardless of what anyone thinks. I just hope that maybe someone will decide not to do it now. I just hope that if anyone is considering it, they reconsider, no matter what you hear or what some professionals may say. 

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It does sound like you are doing everything right then. I'm glad you have given them options and made everything accessible to them. I believe they make a litter that is simply shredded newspaper (I'm pretty sure it's called yesterday's news) so if you get tired of shredding your own you may just buy a bag of that. 

This may sound super inconsiderate and I don't mean it that way at all, but maybe you take some photos and videos of them? It's so clear that you regret having done this, especially now that you are seeing them suffer. Perhaps your "silver lining" in all of this is that you can not only tell the story firsthand, but have pics and video to back it up. Some vets make it sound like it's no big deal and that it's just like cutting their nails, which you no doubt know it's not. Hopefully you can use your experience as a cautionary tale to others!

Minka said:

My heart hurts for you, it really does. 

I know you can't go back now, but it does speak volumes that you realize it's not something you would ever do again. We'll be here to give as much advice and support as we can. 

 

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I just wanted to highlight and reiterate Minka's point because she said it so well. I can also feel your pain through your writing and my heart hurts for all of you. Just backing it up that we are here for any advice and support that you may need. 

I thank you very much, as I am just about to go and see about my babies again. I feel like I am aggravating them by being around so much, but I can't help it. I do not have a video camera to take video, but I would be willing to make any testimony or whatever I could do to help. Believe me, if I were extremely gifted with words and had access to video, I would not only tell you, but show you how horrible it really is. I let my cats stay an extra day than normal at the vet's office, pain medicine, the whole nine yards. They are at home, in a familiar environment since they were kittens. Let me take you back to the time they came home. Both of my furry babies I got before their original owners had them putdown,because they were unwanted kittens. When I first looked at their tiny little faces, I knew I had to have them. I got them 3 months apart, and it just so happened that my youngest kitty played too rough. Reading the previous post above, you will read why I had them declawed, under recommendation. Let me now tell you the best way I can, what they are going through. (Even though I can't tell the half of it). I went to visit them everyday they were in the Vet's office, to make sure they were being taken care of, etc.  Looking in my poor babies eyes, I could tell they were hurting, even with medicine. I asked, " Are they going to be okay? Should I change their litter? Is there any risk for infection with proper aseptic technique? Here is my experience, and I warn you, it is not pretty. When I first brought them home, I released them from their carriers, and petted and kissed them as much as they would allow, as well as the rest of my family. Traditionally, we have let the cats wander where they want, as long as they are not in harm's way; the house, bedrooms, kitchen, counter tops, etc, everywhere. I previously blockaded counter tops, and turned over all of their scratching post and blocked anything they could climb on and jump down from and hurt their paws. I will tell you that it it is not enough just to have food and water readily available in their proximity. Even though they may not vocally complain, a suffering cat will not walk willingly on injured paws to food and water, unless it is dire. Even then, if the pain is too much, they will hesitate.  I have hand-fed my cats, and put the best soft food under their noses, as well as treats, to get them to eat enough. I have to move their water dish to right under their nose to make sure they drink enough. My youngest cat is doing well, but my 14 month old cat is the one with the swollen paw. They told me when my cats were younger, to have them declawed, but I waited, hoping that the issue would resolve itself with toys, scratching post, etc. Then, after my cats were already declawed and I was crying, did they tell me, " Younger cats usually do better after this procedure". NEVER had I heard any of this before. My oldest cat, when I pet him and lay next to him as well as my youngest, will reach their little paws out to me, and still purr. I pet them, cry my eyes out, and tell them I love them and will get care for them. As I will do whatever I have to. As well as I tell them I am sorry, but it is too late and they don't understand. Bottom line, I am not telling this story to have people condemn me, or tell me what I have done wrong, as I already regret it. I am hoping that someone will read this and change their mind, because they will really understand what it is like for their animals. If you just want to insult or condemn me, you are too late. I regretted my decision the moment I was able to visit my cats at the hospital.

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry for all that you and your kitties are going through. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and lessening of the pain.

Just a reminder to our members, although we are an anti-declaw site, what's done is done and any harsh words will not to tolerated here. If you cant offer advice or be supportive, please do not post. I thank those of you that have posted here so far for being kind. :nod:

I am so sorry you are dealing with this. I hope the vet can help and make your boys comfortable. :cross:

  I'm sorry your vet said to declaw your cats.  Honestly, I'm surprised at the number of vets who are even willing to do it.  As for cat litter, many people use Yesterday's News cat litter, which is newspaper but in pelleted form and is more absorbent than just plain ole newspaper because it's been compressed and is more dense.  

I agree, though, if you share your story more people will be informed.  A lot of people just have no idea what declawing actually entails.  

I would switch to a vet who does not feel the need to pressure you into declawing a cat before telling you to work on the main issue. Now it may turn to a biting/abcess issue.  A vet practice is a business without money it will close its doors.  A good one does not need to rely on costly electives to stay afloat.  

Ask about more pain meds.  I would REALLY get another opinion by another vet-maybe xrays too.  Better to fix a smaller issue now then later.

By the way I have way more then 2 cats and do understand fights happen at times.  Younger cats are lighter and in terms of declawing it is the "easiest" on them done at 4 months vs 14(I do NOT accept declawing done at any age for the books but done is done and facts are if it is going to happen the best for cat would be lighter vs full grown.

I haven't read through the rest of the replies because I'm at school, but I just wanted to backtrack and say that soft paws do work, they are just tricky to do correctly. The claws need to be clipped first, pushed on enough and glued on enough to stay and you have to keep replacing each one they take off until they give up and then you will be able to use them successfully. :nod:

(this is mostly now for the benefit of anyone considering declawing because we get a lot of people who pass through the threads just to make their decision :nod

Myfurrbabies said:

Please, I need help. First, let me start by telling my situation.  I have two cats, my oldest is 14 months, and my second is 11 months. Both of my cats are males. I am married with two children, plus my furry babies. I found out two years ago that I couldn't have anymore kids, and I was deeply troubled. After I found my cats, I felt complete. I love my cats like I love my own children. After I took in my second baby, a month later, there were problems. My younger cat and older wrestle, but it gets out of hand. The younger cat clawed my older cat through the eye several times, and I have had him back and forth to the vet, with ointment and all the treatments. the vet said if it continues, he could loose his eye, or vision. Neither cat is aggressive toward humans, but I don't want either of them to be hurt. My vet suggested declawing, and before anyone starts in on me, I know. I did not want to do it, that is why I waited so long to do it. I tried various different treatments and things before I went through with it. Finally, I gave in. I do not want either of my cats to be hurt, nor would I EVER give either of my cats up, they are like my children. I just want to say that I would never again, under any circumstances declaw another cat. I guess in the future I will have to remain petless if the situation arises, but I could not give one up for the other. My cats had the procedure done four days ago, and I have cried everyday since. I have to take my oldest back to the vet in the morning, because his right paw is swollen. Please, only kind suggestions and words, I don't need anyone jumping my case, or telling the wrong I have done. I am aware, but I can't go back, and either way, I can't give up one of my babies, I love them SO MUCH. Anyone that reads this that is on the fence thinking about declawing, please; do not go through with it if you can help it. Cats are stoic animals, but I can tell when my babies are hurting. Please, just know that however much they say it is not a big deal, or they will heal up just fine; They might be okay, but getting there is a long, painful process. Or, there could be other complications.

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hay is both of your males fixed? did you tried seperating them for a while? and did you know after declawing your cat you will have most likly have 2 issues 1 he might turn into a bitter <i know i had a declawed cat 2 he will most likly stop using the litter box because of the pain in his feet there is a speciel cat litter for declawed cats it helps reducing the pain in the feet

i'm sorry that your vet kept pursing the declawing keep a extra eye on him to make sure the swelling dont gett any worse if it gets worse or stays the same for longer then sopost to call your vet or a different vet

Minka said:

I haven't read through the rest of the replies because I'm at school, but I just wanted to backtrack and say that soft paws do work, they are just tricky to do correctly. The claws need to be clipped first, pushed on enough and glued on enough to stay and you have to keep replacing each one they take off until they give up and then you will be able to use them successfully.

(this is mostly now for the benefit of anyone considering declawing because we get a lot of people who pass through the threads just to make their decision

)

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Yeah, they really do work.  We used them on the kittens because they kept climbing the curtains.  The claw caps made it so they couldn't get a grip to climb up there, so they gave up.  By the time the caps fell off, they were out of the habit and simply chose to climb other things instead.  I might put them on Zapp because he's constantly jumping into my arms or onto my shoulders and using his claws to grip me.  Not pleasant.  

I didn't find them hard to use, although I have read that a few people didn't get the hang of it at first and they fell off quickly.  

FYI - you can get the claw caps for really cheap on eBay.  Same things, just way less money!  

It's terrible your vet talked you into this. But we can all see how regretful you are. Fact of the matter is, you did it with good intentions. You didn't want them hurting each other. You didn't know it would be this painful and you shouldn't beat yourself up anymore about it. It taught you something and I'm sure as time passes your babies will feel better. People need to hear stories like yours to keep them away from declawing.

Just a little update, my babies are doing better.  I had to get different antibiotics for my cat with the swollen paw.  Thank you everyone for all of your support!  An answer to a previous question, both of my cats are neutered.  I did separate them, and I just didn't want to keep them locked up in different parts of the house all the time.  It is not like they hate each other, it is just that my younger cat got too rough with his playing, like he didn't know what was too much.  I hope that they do not have a biting issue... I just want my babies to be okay.  I love my little ones so much!  I just hope that anyone reading this will NOT declaw.  I fully regret it, and for anyone considering it, please do not do it.  I will never let anyone, including the vet talk me into anything again, EVER.  My kitties prefer actually shredded paper right now, as the pellets hurt their feet, it seems, so I will just keep shredding paper until they recover.  Everyone on here has been so welcoming and supportive, I am so very glad that I found this site.  It is nice to have people to talk to that understand and help.  Once again, thank you all!

Glad your furbabies are doing better. Sending healing vibes their way.