New to site and have a decision to make!

I have always had declawed cats since I was a child, including my 19 year old kitty who died of cancer a few months ago. It has always been standard practice with me to get the cats fixed and declawed at the same time, and my vet (who I have been taking cats to since I was about 12 years old--I'm in my thirties now) seems to agree. I have started to change my mind about this practice over the past few years. I have heard so many horrible things about it. I let my vet talk me into getting my four year old cat declawed when she was a kitten (even though I was hesitant about it), and she has no ill effects. I now have a five month old kitten that is scheduled to be neutered in a month. My vet asked if I was going to have him declawed at the same time on his last checkup. I told her that I wasn't sure because I have heard many bad things about it, and I asked her many questions about it, including whether or not she thought that my elderly cat's arthritis and cancerous foot/leg tumor could have been caused by declawing years earlier (she said no). She kept assuring me that it would be fine if she did it while he was still a kitten and that he would never miss his claws. She went on to say that he would be tearing up all of the furniture and that she would never have a cat that was not declawed. I don't really care about the furniture, but I am really worried that as he gets older and bigger, he could hurt my already declawed cat. He is not aggressive and actually very affectionate toward her now, but he's only a kitten. Should I have him declawed to protect my other cat?

I am glad you are reconsidering declawing your kitten.  You are right to question your vet.

I do believe declawed cats are more prone to arthritis and joint pain; declawed cats are walking (in effect) on their knuckles, not their paws.  That's unnatural.  I can't address the aggression aspect, but cats don't usually claw one another unless seriously threatened, and there should be steps to prevent that before it happens (like proper introductions).  And, there are lots of reports of behavioral issues (like litter box avoidance, increased agression) in declawed cats.

Here are several articles about declawing. 

Finally, I'm a little surprised your vet is pro-declawing; it is an inhumane operation, IMO.  It is illegal in many European Countries.

Tabbysia, you'll only get one answer here as we are really against declawing at TCS.

It's really understandable that you have done it before as you have followed the advice of a vet who, to be honest, really should know better.

The arthritis could have very well been caused by the declawing.  You'll have to make your own judgement on the tumour.  I don't believe the vet can discount it completely.

It will have impacted on your cat's lives even if they didn't overtly show it.  Some, however, do have very obvious and irreversible discomfort for the rest of their lives.

I come from a country where it's illegal, which gives you some idea of what it truly does to cats.

Here are some articles to read.. there are lots of links and much information:

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/declawing-and-alternatives

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/why-cats-should-not-be-declawed

I'm so pleased that you're rethinking this.. I shows you truly care about the welfare of your cats..

I do hope your little boy will keep his claws.  Since he is younger and they get on fine now, it's most unlikely that there will be future problems with your declawed girl.

EDIT:  I've just seen where Ritz has posted before me.  The links I've given you are direct ones to the link she has provided.

Hi Tabbysia, I'm also so, so glad you are thinking through this.  It is illegal here in Australia too.  There has to be something in the fact that many countries have made it illegal...and it is well recognised that the declawing of cats, including big cats, causes terrible physical and psychological problems.  I understand that in countries where it IS legal, it can be pushed by vets not on a wellbeing basis (there is too much literature to prove - not suggest - otherwise), but on a commercial basis.  Basically, it gets in the bucks.  And of course they use all sorts of 'reasons' to 'scare' you into it.

Let me reassure you, I have 2 young energetic cats.  REALLY energetic.  They are 2.5yrs and 5months.  They were properly introduced and love each other.  Of course they have their sibling 'spats', especially when my big boy tells off my little girl from an area/type of attention he wants to keep all to himself - he boxes her or bats at her.  And the claws ARE NOT IN SIGHT.  I really wouldn't worry on this front.  

We have also never had a real issue with clawing furniture.  This is because they have so many things for them to scratch - upright, lying down, inclined.  There was one top of one couch that got a few pinpricks - we fixed it by putting a scratch mat on that exact position, as both cats seemed to like the 'lying on a tree branch' scenario of that couch top.  Oh, and one underside of a bed got scratched to make openings into an awesome 'hidey' place...but they used teeth on that one too!  And like you, I'm not terribly fussed by small things - it is the nature of my breed of cat that they are terribly curious and active and clever.  I fixed this one with duct tape and a couple fitted sheets on the underside of the bed (holes cut for bed legs). 

Lastly, on the human/claw front, we have never had a problem in terms of aggression.  Yes, some accidents because they both like to ride on our shoulders like parrots, and sometimes mis-balance/don't make a quite accurate leap up there.  But we regularly trim their nails, and this mitigates any oopsies; my husband has leukemia, and so you could say we'd want to be extra careful about scratches.  But with these measures, it's fine.

And on a final thought...if you are still fearful, I understand that gel nail covers (yes, they come for cats!) will render their claws nice and safe (and their physiology and psychology just as safe.)

I hope you get all the info and support you need with this decision.

Tabbysia said:

I have always had declawed cats since I was a child, including my 19 year old kitty who died of cancer a few months ago. It has always been standard practice with me to get the cats fixed and declawed at the same time, and my vet (who I have been taking cats to since I was about 12 years old--I'm in my thirties now) seems to agree. I have started to change my mind about this practice over the past few years. I have heard so many horrible things about it. I let my vet talk me into getting my four year old cat declawed when she was a kitten (even though I was hesitant about it), and she has no ill effects. I now have a five month old kitten that is scheduled to be neutered in a month. My vet asked if I was going to have him declawed at the same time on his last checkup. I told her that I wasn't sure because I have heard many bad things about it, and I asked her many questions about it, including whether or not she thought that my elderly cat's arthritis and cancerous foot/leg tumor could have been caused by declawing years earlier (she said no). She kept assuring me that it would be fine if she did it while he was still a kitten and that he would never miss his claws. She went on to say that he would be tearing up all of the furniture and that she would never have a cat that was not declawed. I don't really care about the furniture, but I am really worried that as he gets older and bigger, he could hurt my already declawed cat. He is not aggressive and actually very affectionate toward her now, but he's only a kitten. Should I have him declawed to protect my other cat?

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Hey, Tabbysia. First, I want to congratulate you on being thoughtful about your choices as you grow and learn. It's so easy for us to simply repeat old habits, because we always have in the past. It shows how much you care about your kitties that you're willing to change.

Second, it is well-established that declawing is associated with arthritis, in addition to other musculoskeletal problems. Declawing is also associated with litter box avoidance and biting. As far as the cancer, I am not sure, but given its unusual location, I would not be surprised if it was associated with tissue trauma from declawing.

Your vet is wrong. As important as vets are, they are people like everyone else. Some vets will deny that an all-kibble diet causes urinary issues, even though this has been established for years (and many other vets are aware of it). Some vets still believe that neutering under 6 months will stunt the cat, even though this has been debunked and some places now neuter as young as 8 weeks with no ill effects.

Vets aren't always right. Some vets don't keep up with their training. And some vets have a moneyed interest in ignoring the facts. Your vet gets extra money from declawing, don't they?

You can train a clawed cat to scratch appropriately. They're fast learners. And actually, it's a good idea for you to ALSO get your declawed cat "scratching" because it will help keep the front of the body strong, and help fight off the arthritis.

If they are introduced to each other appropriately, there is absolutely NO reason why you should be worried about having a declawed and clawed cat in the same home. The level of fighting that it would take for this to be an issue is not something you should ever see in cats who are properly introduced.

In fact, if they were to fight, I think the declawed one is actually more dangerous. Cat bites are extremely nasty and often become infected, and a declawed cat is more likely to bite. But again, with properly introduced cats, there's no reason to worry about this level of fighting.

Please don't declaw this cat. What's done is done, and you obviously didn't know then the things you know now. But there is no better time to change than the present.

Tabbysia-

I have no experience with declawed cats, but I do have experience with clawed ones! (My boyfriend and co-cat parent grew up w/declawed cats and insists they were fine, but was happy/willing to yield to me on this issue.) Our clawed cats are a joy. They love scratching on their scratching posts and horizontal scratchers, catching interactive toys in their claws, etc. and I love watching them! They stay away from our furniture for the most part, except for a few pieces with scratch-post like material we acquired before the kitties; we could easily train them not to using double-sided tape, but we have plenty other training things on our plate right now and are too lazy to bother.

The other weekend, I also trimmed their nails for the first time. It's made a huge difference in how much damage they do when they scratch their scratchers.

I've read that keeping nails trimmed can help reduce any swatting injuries. This will be easier to get your kitty used to since he's a kitten! Cats also know how to make their point without doing damage- they know how hard to swat to send a clear message without starting a cat fight. Unless there are major aggression problems in your home, I don't think you need to worry about your clawed kitty hurting your declawed kitty. Soft paws is also an option if you're really concerned.

I was apprehensive about having clawed cats- as was the bf- but it has been just fine.

With all due respect, your vet doesn't know what he's talking about with this issue.

Here is a very good visual about what declawing can do to large cats... it is the exact same for small cats.

Also, check out their FAQ page

Thanks for all of the advice. I have decided not to have my kitten declawed, even though I am a little nervous having never had a cat with claws. I think it will be the best thing for him though, and I don't want to risk changing his sweet personality. My mother thinks that I am crazy and said that a cat in the house "has to" be declawed. I plan to stick to my decision, even though I am sure that my vet will try to talk me in to it again when I see her in a month to have him neutered.

Congratulations on your decision.

On this issue at least, ignore what your vet says.  And I'd love to know what his reasoning/logic is.  (If my vet was pro-declaw, I'd change vets immediately.)

Tabbysia said:

Thanks for all of the advice. I have decided not to have my kitten declawed, even though I am a little nervous having never had a cat with claws. I think it will be the best thing for him though, and I don't want to risk changing his sweet personality. My mother thinks that I am crazy and said that a cat in the house "has to" be declawed. I plan to stick to my decision, even though I am sure that my vet will try to talk me in to it again when I see her in a month to have him neutered.

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That's great to hear.

Don't be nervous. You will find cats can be very conscientious creatures when it comes to their claws. They know their claws can hurt, and they know intuitively how to touch gently. And like I said, it really doesn't take long to get them mostly scratching designated objects.

Maybe bring some material for your vet to read. Perhaps she will change her mind. Although, if declawing is a cash cow for her, perhaps not.

Awesome news Tabbysia!!

You guys will be fine...just remember the millions of happy cats with claws who live happily in houses with their human companions.

I'm glad you are aware that your vet may try to talk you around - personally, I'd be finding a vet who shares a similar philosophy about cat care.  I have gone through 3 vets - the first tattooed my pedigree cat without my consent, plus did all sorts of unncessary treatments for earmites (that resulted in skin rashes - stop treatment, EVERYTHING resolves).  The next had some pretty outdated views on urinary tract issues and had wooden bench tops (not so sanitary).  The third made my cat scream with completely unnecessary handling and a wrong jab, plus tried to sell me their food, although she at least admitted she couldn't answer my nutrition questions.  So now we go to a feline specialist; my cat PURRED when he met her, there are no dogs, the feliway and heating is on in the practice, and she is able to talk and listen when we have appointments.  Of course, if you have a good relationship with your vet, then don't feel you need to move - just be aware that it is perfectly reasonable to find a vet with whom you can jointly be carers for your cats.

Good luck!  And happy days with your kitties!!

UPDATE--I just had my kitten neutered a couple of days ago and did not do the declawing--even though I was asked about it again when I dropped him off. I think I made the right decision. I don't have to worry about him being in pain or having to be on pain meds, so that is good. The vet did clip his nails while he was asleep, so they don't hurt as much when he accidentally scratches me while playing. Every time his nails have been clipped, it has been done by the vet. I know I have to start doing it myself. I just seem to have a phobia about it (imagine gushing blood and kitty yelping in pain)! Anyway, I think he will be happy keeping his claws when I get my act together. He loves using his scratching post!

Thank you for with sticking with the decision not to declaw your cat! I commend you for thinking it through and making the right choice. Hugs!
 

Tabbysia said:

UPDATE--I just had my kitten neutered a couple of days ago and did not do the declawing--even though I was asked about it again when I dropped him off. I think I made the right decision. I don't have to worry about him being in pain or having to be on pain meds, so that is good. The vet did clip his nails while he was asleep, so they don't hurt as much when he accidentally scratches me while playing. Every time his nails have been clipped, it has been done by the vet. I know I have to start doing it myself. I just seem to have a phobia about it (imagine gushing blood and kitty yelping in pain)! Anyway, I think he will be happy keeping his claws when I get my act together. He loves using his scratching post!

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Awesome! Glad to hear everything went ok and you stuck to your guns.

As far as clipping claws, it's really not that bad, especially if you start young, which you have the opportunity to do.

Start by just touching his paws when he's nice and relaxed and sleepy. Sometimes, if a cat isn't so good about that, I've had luck holding their paw with my forefinger and thumb (thumb against their pad) and rubbing, kinda like I was giving them a foot massage. Apparently kitties like having their feet rubbed too! My kitty (who I'm trying to acclimate as an adult) will let me rub her paws for quite a while, even though she doesn't like me touching them so much otherwise.

Don't focus on "the goal." If you don't finish all the claws, or even one paw, whatever. If you stress him out too much, he'll just be even more nervous next time. It's better to stop without finishing when he's not too worked up, than to finish with him totally freaked out. He'll let you do more over time.

Also, don't worry about about him murdering you! He'll probably just try to get away before he tries to swipe at you. And if he does, ya know, cat scratches aren't really that big a deal.

To avoid hurting him, just clip the very tip. The quick is lower down on the nail. It's the part of the nail that looks faintly pink. Never go anywhere near that. If you trim into it, he'll bleed, and it will hurt! But if you just stick to the very tip, he'll be fine. I also generally leave the back claws alone, since the quick seems to go higher up. They aren't as sharp anyway, so I figure there's no sense in risking it.

And ya know... trimming claws isn't absolutely necessary as long as he's scratching plenty. That'll keep his nails from getting really overgrown or harmful to him. So it's ok for them to grow out while you're trying to acclimate him. They'll be pointy, but he'll keep them filed down enough that they don't overgrow.

Congrats on deciding to not declaw!!! I play with all my cats paws so they are so easy to trim now. I just clip the very top with the cat nail trimmers so they are never too short and I am afraid of getting the quick. I get them mostly when they sleep and then they wake up and look at me all funny, "what the heck are you doing?"

Also, I have multiple scratchers. They tried to get the couches, but I sprayed some natures miracle anti-scratcher and that stopped. 

Enjoy your new kitty!