Cats/Declawed
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We declawed our first cat because I didn't know any better and would never in a million years do it again. He's long gone, but I still feel the guilt. He might have seemed fine afterward, but you couldn't touch his paws ever again without him pulling back in pain. With the two cats we have now, we just make sure we trim nails weekly. One hates it and it's a pain, but the other one doesn't mind. Probably because he gets to attack and play with the clipper after. We have three scratching posts around the house and douse them in cat nip. The next cat will be clicker trained to tolerate nail clipping since that's worked for our dogs.
Hope you make a good decision.0 -
I think declawing is barbaric. I actually think it's frowned upon even more now. How about you get your finger nails removed and toe nails? You know they don't just remove the nail, they removed the part of the appendage the claw grows out from. What if your animal gets outside and he can't defend himself. Sorry, but you're a sick person for even considering this.0
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How about you move into your own place if you're that worried about instead of moving in with a baby. Babies can do anything. If you cousin is a good mom she should be watching her baby 24/7 thus your cat will not be a problem
I wish people would think.0 -
soft paws stay on until it's time for the cat to shed the claw...you sure must not have any faith in your cat if you think it's gonna fall off and he's going maul your cousin's baby.0
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I personally wouldn't do it. I think it is barbaric as well. Cutting the tips of their toes off to save furniture?! That's just ridiculous! I'm not accusing you of anything at all, so I apologize if it seems that way.
I also would never crop ears & tails or whatever else. I didn't even want to get my dogs fixed but had to because it's the law in Clark County.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to keep them. 0 -
I've probably had 20 cats in my lifetime and have never declawed any of them. I also never had a problem with a cat scratching furniture. If your cat is almost a year old, though, and you never taught it not to claw furniture, you might have a problem.0
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I mean, not to be insensitive, but a cat scratch wouldn't kill the kid. That's life. And a clawless catt? That's not his life.
This.
A cat scratch hurts, but it's not very dangerous. Not a huge risk for infection. A cat BITE can be dangerous, and can turn into a "you need to be on IV antibiotics for a few weeks" kind of situation. And a cat who can't scratch to defend himself is much more likely to bite.
Seven cats currently. All have claws. My furniture is in good shape, but my cat trees and scratchers are in shreds. :laugh:0 -
I would not feel comfortable declawing my cat. If he got out, he'd be practically defenseless and couldn't climb trees to get away from potential dangers. I clip my cats nails every few weeks, so he still has them, but we've trained him not to scratch furniture. As long as the kiddo doesn't harass the cat, they should be fine together.0
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I have six cats, two of which have been declawed. I don't know if it depends on the vets you go to, but I don't see it as a problem. My cats were kept at the vet, two nights after their surgery, watched and bandaged and given medicine to prevent infection. When I brought them home, they were kinda lazy for a day or two and just slept a lot, but after the first two days, they were fully back to themselves. There was barely any care at all afterwords. Two weeks of antibiotics to prevent infection, and 10 days of using shredded paper in their litterbox. I had absolutely no complications with either one of them. And I plan to get my other four declawed.
I don't neccessarily see how it's inhumane whatsoever. They are 100% indoor cats, and they still have their back claws for scratching and hygenic purposes. They don't seem to mind at all.
I got my cats declawed for one because I want to have children and it seems safer. For two, cats are hard to train, and keep them from doing certain things. My cats scratched on anything they could get their hands on. Corners of the walls, the furniture, etc. I tried a spray bottle, I got them their own scratcher (only two would use this, however they used this AND still the furniture), I tried a no scratching spray, and nothing worked whatsoever. To keep my house in good condition, all of my cats are getting declawed.
Just my personal opinon. I don't see it as a problem.
so....10 cats? Are you the neighborhood's crazy cat lady?? lol jk....if i could keep up with it i would have 10 dogs, but my one is just perfect enoug for me
No, I only have 6. Haha. We have a huge house and we have some of them seperated for not getting along, so it doesn't even seem like we have six.0 -
I have six cats, two of which have been declawed. I don't know if it depends on the vets you go to, but I don't see it as a problem. My cats were kept at the vet, two nights after their surgery, watched and bandaged and given medicine to prevent infection. When I brought them home, they were kinda lazy for a day or two and just slept a lot, but after the first two days, they were fully back to themselves. There was barely any care at all afterwords. Two weeks of antibiotics to prevent infection, and 10 days of using shredded paper in their litterbox. I had absolutely no complications with either one of them. And I plan to get my other four declawed.
I don't neccessarily see how it's inhumane whatsoever. They are 100% indoor cats, and they still have their back claws for scratching and hygenic purposes. They don't seem to mind at all.
I got my cats declawed for one because I want to have children and it seems safer. For two, cats are hard to train, and keep them from doing certain things. My cats scratched on anything they could get their hands on. Corners of the walls, the furniture, etc. I tried a spray bottle, I got them their own scratcher (only two would use this, however they used this AND still the furniture), I tried a no scratching spray, and nothing worked whatsoever. To keep my house in good condition, all of my cats are getting declawed.
Just my personal opinon. I don't see it as a problem.
The fact that it is ILLEGAL in other countries because it's considered abuse doesn't hint to you that it's a terrible thing to do? I don't understand you people.
It is selfish for you to declaw your cats for your own household. Those are THINGS and these are living creatures. You are mutilating their natural state of being for the sake of your couch. Cats CAN be trained with consistent behaviour changes and their are numerous other alternatives to declawing but folks are just too lazy to do it, so you put them through an entirely unnecessary surgery, which is certainly not without potentially terrible consequences. Do you understand what the body of an animal goes through during anesthesia and recovery? Do you understand the unbelievable plethora of risks that you put your pet under for the sake of your furniture? It disgusts me, to be honest.
If you don't want your children to get scratched, don't get a pet with claws. If you aren't willing to put the effort into having a balanced, obedient pet, don't have animals. Easy peasy.
Well let's see, I didn't get on this page to start a debate. I saw very few people FOR declawing on this page and wanted to list my actual EXPERIENCE that there were NO complications and NO issues and NO problems or pain for my cats that I got declawed.
The fact that it's illegal in other countries, doesn't change my opinion. It's not illegal here and my cats were not harmed by being declawed. They are happy, lovable, still play and jump on things, and are just the same as before they got declawed.
Also, do you realize cats are put under anesthesia for getting fixed also. Does that mean we shouldn't have them fixed? I don't see it as much different. I got my pets fixed, not for the fact of preventing reproduction, but to prevent them spraying on things. I too am changing their natural state by taking away their private parts, but people see that as a good thing.
I don't have to justify myself to anyone, I just wanted to point out to everyone that there are people who don't look down on declawing and have had VERY successful experiences with declawing their cats, and that they don't always suffer pain or change their personalities or any of that. At least not in every cat.
Are you going to declaw your (future) kids when they make a mess and get into things? Kids are a lot harder to train than cats after all...
Are they going to be making a mess with their fingernails? I think not. That's a stupid question.0 -
I got my pets fixed, not for the fact of preventing reproduction, but to prevent them spraying on things.
Well shannon, I hate to burst your bubble but any cat can spray, male or female, neutered/spayed/intact doesn't matter. I wish I could lay some money down in a bet that one or more of your cats will be brought to a shelter before their lives are over.
This is a wonderful thread. I see a few folks I'd like to friend :flowerforyou:
A few I'd like to block if I could.......
and I see I've already made some excellent friend choices (you know who you are!) :drinker:
If you fix them before they get to the age of spraying, they will not spray, and ours have not ever sprayed, and never will.
I don't see how you think our cats will be taken to a shelter. That doesn't even make any sense. We have one cat who is more than 10 years old, and one who is getting ready to to die soon. We keep them, because we love them. I don't even understand why you said we would take them to a shelter. We BOUGHT one of ours from a shelter.....0 -
I swore that I wouldn't respond to this thread but I have to. I haven't been owned by a cat in 8 years. Prior to that I was momma to anywhere between 3-10 kitties at a time. I fostered, I rescued, and I took in strays. I still work in feral cat rescue for my county. I can not and will not ever condone chopping of the last digit of their finger. Yes...the claw is bone...it is part of their toes...not like a human finger nail that is 'dead'. If the ASPCA and the HSUS are so strongly against it...you should be as well. While we're on the topic...people that crop ears and doc tails of dogs should understand the pain involved for that as well.
We should, as humans, be responsible enough to do some research on the subject...understand the pain and suffering involved. For those of you who say your cats are fine after being declawed...were you there when they woke up from surgery???
I am appalled that anyone could be so cruel to an animal....in my opinion it's nearly the same as dog fights.
I should also state....I have a child and she was raised around all types of animals...she learned to respect them and they her. Cats avoid children in general and will only claw when threatened...you take away their claws and they will use their teeth. Should you also have their teeth taken out? Personally, if you feel the need to declaw a cat...you shouldn't own one.0 -
We all have our own opinions......that's what makes the world go around....0
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I swore that I wouldn't respond to this thread but I have to. I haven't been owned by a cat in 8 years. Prior to that I was momma to anywhere between 3-10 kitties at a time. I fostered, I rescued, and I took in strays. I still work in feral cat rescue for my county. I can not and will not ever condone chopping of the last digit of their finger. Yes...the claw is bone...it is part of their toes...not like a human finger nail that is 'dead'. If the ASPCA and the HSUS are so strongly against it...you should be as well. While we're on the topic...people that crop ears and doc tails of dogs should understand the pain involved for that as well.
We should, as humans, be responsible enough to do some research on the subject...understand the pain and suffering involved. For those of you who say your cats are fine after being declawed...were you there when they woke up from surgery???
I am appalled that anyone could be so cruel to an animal....in my opinion it's nearly the same as dog fights.
I should also state....I have a child and she was raised around all types of animals...she learned to respect them and they her. Cats avoid children in general and will only claw when threatened...you take away their claws and they will use their teeth. Should you also have their teeth taken out? Personally, if you feel the need to declaw a cat...you shouldn't own one.
Good Post!0 -
If you fix them before they get to the age of spraying, they will not spray, and ours have not ever sprayed, and never will.
Please find me a vet that will back this up. Cats will sure as balls still spray when they're neutered. Spraying can be a sign of illness or simply age and if you're telling me your cats will never get sick and never get old, I'd like to employ a line of haughty HA HA HAs.0 -
We should, as humans, be responsible enough to do some research on the subject...understand the pain and suffering involved. For those of you who say your cats are fine after being declawed...were you there when they woke up from surgery???
I am appalled that anyone could be so cruel to an animal....in my opinion it's nearly the same as dog fights.
I should also state....I have a child and she was raised around all types of animals...she learned to respect them and they her. Cats avoid children in general and will only claw when threatened...you take away their claws and they will use their teeth. Should you also have their teeth taken out? Personally, if you feel the need to declaw a cat...you shouldn't own one.
Also: this is beautiful. Kids need to learn how to behave around animals and a swift swipe, a natural response from a cat, will quickly teach 'em. Cats that can't swipe at kids often resort to biting them. Essentially, they'll get all the germies in their wound from the mouth of a cat instead of the ones on their claws. AWESOME.
For all the ~MY CAT WAS JUST FINE AND DANDY~ folks, even vets and vet nurses sometimes have trouble picking up the subtle signs of a cat in pain. I have no faith in your ability to.0 -
If you fix them before they get to the age of spraying, they will not spray, and ours have not ever sprayed, and never will.
Please find me a vet that will back this up. Cats will sure as balls still spray when they're neutered. Spraying can be a sign of illness or simply age and if you're telling me your cats will never get sick and never get old, I'd like to employ a line of haughty HA HA HAs.
I have one cat, my baby, my youngest, who has BEEN deathly ill, on iv fluids, pooping all over the place, throwing up every few minutes, having to be force fed. I know what it's like to have a sick cat and take care of one day and night.
I also have one cat that is very old, hip problems, problems going to the bathroom, loss of teeth, yet she is still taken care of very well. I'm not ignorant and do realize cats have health issues and get old.
This will be my last reply on the subject. I posted to state my opinion, and I did so. I do not have to justify my decisions to anyone but myself.
I know my cats are healthy and well and taken care of. They are happy and lovable and will be with me and my husband until the day they die. They are my family and are taken care of as real children. So for anyone to doubt the way my animals are taken care of, is no ones business but mine. I know they are fine, and that's all that matters. I just simply stated declawing is not always a bad thing and that's my opinion. Everyone has an opinion, but to judge or bash someone because of their opinion is stupid. My opinion is posted and anyone can think what they want of me, but if they want to waste their time arguing over MY decisions, then argue with yourself. I've made up my mind. I'm here for weight loss, not to have everyone approve my decisions in pet care. Good bye and have a wonderful day and good luck to all on their weight loss!0 -
My four cats live in my home where they get lots of love. 3 of the cats are five years old the other cat is 3 years old. In order for them to be strictly inside without being yelled at all the time I chose to declaw them. I simply cannot let them tear my furniture up and replace it every year. They will shaprpen their nail son anythign in the house rather you have scratching posts or not. My cats are declawed and they did nto go through bad pain. They were themselves when they got home and all we had to do was shred nespapers for a few days so they didn't have to use cat litter that was rough for a few days. It is not inhumane to declaw an all inside cat where they live a healthier life. My cats have never been sick, they have never had fleas and they are happy. The spaying and nueturing was harder on them, so is that inhumane too? They has. had way more discomfort in that, and when they came home they were loopy. If you don't want to declaw your cats fine but please do not call it inhumane for us who have it done. My cats are from hungry stray I brought in. My cats have a nice cool and warm place with fresh water, fresh food and all the other comforts of a loving home.0
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I have declawed cats and wish I didn't. I had no idea it was so bad for them. It's like cutting off human fingers at the knuckle. Why not just trim your cat's claws? My sister does that and has no problem.0
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I've been around declawed cats. Most of them are mean and don't want you touching them. They also are more prone to hissing and biting. My grandmothers cats would nearly attack me whenever I got close to them. My cat isn't declawed and on the adoption papers we signed, we had to promise to never have him declawed or we would run the risk of him being taken away from us if the agency found out/we would not be allowed to adopt another cat from them. It changes them. They don't trust you. My cat is so loving and trusting, I would never want to do something that betrayed that. It's like removing their fingers. We use soft paws with him, but we almost don't have to anymore, because he is so use to not scratching anything but his post. We also keep his nails trimmed.0
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When a cat is decalwed, it's like a person having their fingers cut off at the first knuckle. Then they have to walk around on their paws, missing the tips of their 'toes.'
disgusting0 -
Spraying, furballs, claws, litterboxes...
People wonder why I refuse to have a pet.0 -
I've always heard that when a cat was neutered, he would no longer spray. I don't the technicalities of it, I only know that after having mine "fixed" they have NEVER sprayed once..............0
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Geting a cat declawed causes the cat a lifetime of suffering and pain. If you feel the cat would be a danger to the baby, find the cat another home.0
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LOL.....no way...my babies are declawed and there is no pain and suffering........they lived healthy, happy long lives (16 and 17 years).......
And, my cats are the most loving, affectionate babies around......they don't hiss or growl or bite any more than any other cat.....
Many cats.....many declawed.....happy lives........I've seen no proof yet...0 -
Even when we had 8 cats (we have 4 now) they didn't scratch our furniture. Nor have they ever used scratch posts. I think they must scratch stuff outside. It just isn't something we have ever had a problem with, not with any of the 15 cats I have lived with throughout my life.0
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This will probably be against the rules and this thread will get shut down or I'll be banned. But if you really think that declawing is okay...watch this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W7F_XNmzXg&feature=BFa&list=PL09BD101220BF5325&lf=results_main 0 -
To the pro-declaw population of MFP:
Just stop. There is not an excuse you can fabricate in your over-defensive brain boxes that can't be debunked with basic common-sense and/or isn't directly due to your own callous selfishness and laziness.
Just because it isn't constantly screaming and is capable of moving doesn't mean it isn't routinely in pain. Cats are subtle about these things. Just because it didn't absolutely destroy your cats entire life, doesn't mean it's a green light to unnecessarily amputate a part of your cat for your own convenience.
You have done terribly, terribly wrong by your pets and I hope to everything a girl can hope to that they all poop in your pillowcases tonight.0 -
I also feel complelled to remark how idiotic declawing is. I hate using the word hate .. but I think I can use it here.
I hate to see people bring a small defenseless kitten into a home for their precious kiddies only to have them mauled by the little gaffers. Small children often don't know that you can't carry a kittie around by it's neck. Then, guess what .. surprise surprise... the child gets scratched because the kittie is fighting to get away from this torturous grasp. Scratching and biting is the cats ONLY natural defence. The child has no idea this kittie is NOT A TOY!
If you teach a child about respect for another life form like a puppy or a small kitten .. you won't have a problem.0 -
One of of our cats we declawed when he was like 3 months old. Our other cat we got from the umane society and he was already declawed. I really had no idea what it entailed until I saw a vet on tv explain what really happened(of course it was well after the fact). I like the fact that both our cats are declawed, they would have destroyed our home if we deceided not to. Our cats are strictly house cats they can not go outside ever. They can not defend themselves, don't get me wrong they would find a way. We deceided that once they had that done they were ours until they die. They will be with us longer than our sons. So, should you have it done well I feel that it is truly a commitment then not to be taken lightly.0
This discussion has been closed.
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