Looking for the advice from your experiences - kitten declawing - yay or nay?

[NRaleighLiberal]

We've got a kitten who is now a few months old, been neutered. We are about to get some new carpeting - thus far, the kitten is a very avid claw sharpener, and doesn't seem to want to use the various scratching post options we have around the house. We do trim the nails ourselves...but he has already made quite the mess out of our existing carpets (esp. when we have to close him in a room due to having workmen around) - also, he is an indoor cat.

We've done reading on the various options (the tendon thing, declawing, etc) - and would prefer not to...wondering if we go ahead with it, does it lead to a personality change/behavior change?

So, cat owners, what are your views/experiences on this? thanks!

[HopeHoops]

1. I say "Nay" - and I've owned cats almost all of my life (47 now).

Yes, they do some damage. I'd rather have things clawed than pissed on, but you don't go taking out the urethra now do you? For an outdoor cat (indoor/outdoor as well), it is a definite no. That's their primary defense system. For an indoor cat it is still dangerous. They expect those claws to be there when they jump and if they aren't, they can fall. That's just basic instinct.

The only declawed cat I ever had was a stray who showed up at my door when he was about a year old, neutered and declawed. He was a large cat with long legs and could clear the top of the refrigerator from the floor - straight jump. He knew he didn't have the claws but that never stopped him from chasing dogs off of the property. The dogs didn't know he was declawed.

Still, I say Nay. It takes some experimentation and rewarding appropriate scratching behavior. The two most effective things I've found are those cardboard scratching pads and the twine-weave pads of about the same size. When you find them scratching in the wrong place, firmly say "NO!" and then immediately relocate them to the appropriate scratching device and HEAVILY praise them (with treats) if they use it for scratching at that moment. It doesn't take long for them to get the idea.

[Ikonoklast]

2. Don't do it.

Try these:http://www.softclaws.com/index.php?pet=cat.

[Stardust]

47. Just keep a watchfull eye on the SoftClaws. I let them grow out too much on my

kittie and they ended up growing back into her paws. They had to be cut out. I felt terrible -- I was trying to do the right thing and ended up with an equally cruel solution. I've known many de-clawed cats that seemed to adjust just fine but it's something I just felt was wrong and will not do it.

[superduperfarleft]

3. A resounding NO. Do not declaw your cats.

And it can lead to a behavior and personality change. My one rescued cat that had been declawed is now a wire chewer, so I'm on my third laptop adapter. The other one evidently had the procedure botched, so he has an issue now where he doesn't like to use his right paw. He also pees inappropriately and will not pee in the litter box (we had to set him up with a litter box that is lined with toilet paper).

Regardless, it's cruel, painful, and completely unnecessary. And I can't imagine doing it to a kitten, much less an older cat.

[LaurenG]

4. Don't do it

I have 14 year old cats and we had them declawed when they were babies. Their paws are still sensitive, I was ignorant, all the cats in my family growing up were declawed. I wouldn't do it again, poor kitties.

[Lyric]

5. Losing the front claws can lead to refusal of the litter box.

Since they can't properly "scratch" in the litter, and since their paws hurt while the surgical sites heal, they can develop an aversion to even TRYING to use the box. Cat pee in the carpet is a lot worse than a few scratches. Scratching can damage the carpet, but cat pee damages the carpet AND the floor underneath it.

Also, it's just cruel.

Try SoftPaws. They're caps for claws. You have to re-apply them regularly, but they're not terribly expensive and saving your cat's claws are well worth the hassle. :)

http://www.softpaws.com/

[CrownPrinceBandar]

6. Nay.

[BarenakedLady]

7. nay

For all the reasons already mentioned.

[Betty88]

8. Honestly I'm on the fence about it

Sometimes it has to be done, and I'm sure I will get flamed for it but what the hell. It is possible to train a cat not to scratch, it takes time and you really have to keep at it. When you see the kitten scratching something take him off it and to the post or whatever, move his paws along the post and keep saying goodboy/girl lots of pets and love. This worked like a charm on our cat Sam. Now we also have Emily a starving stray we picked up off the street one day. At the time we had a very old and frail cat that could not defend herself against the claw machine that Emily was. Also we live in a rented apartment and she would not stop clawing on the wooden trim of the doorways. As she was an older cat and we could not take to much time to train her because of poor old Alice we decided to have her declawed when she was fixed. It has not slowed her down one bit, she has no issue with the catbox. Also we have a very good vet. She has a home, love and good care for the rest of her life minus her claws, as apposed to starving to death on the streets of Brooklyn.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. NO!

It's cruel. You're lopping off the last joints on their paws. It's a terrible thing to do to a cat.

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Nay. Imagine having _your_ nails removed. Ouch!

[EnviroBat]

52. From a anatomical comparitive standpoint, it's actually

the equivalent of having your fingers cut off at the first knuckle. I was a vet tech for a few years, and I can tell you that this procedure sucks for the animal.

My recommendation has always been a solid NO on this.

[NV Whino]

11. Absolutely not

There are gentle ways to keep cats from clawing things. Declawing is mutilation.

[Angry Dragon]

12. Nay

[VioletLake]

13. No to declawing.

1. Invest a little money and get a piece of furniture for it to scratch. Something sturdy and strong that will be able to support the roughest play for years. Something like this, or better:

2. Rub catnip on the "posts".
3. Every time your kitten scratches inappropriately, take him to his furniture, and allow him to "hook" himself on the post with his claws.
4. Be religious about it and you will break the bad habit. You may end up with a few boo boos on furniture, etc, but it's worth it.

Best wishes.

[Chan790]

14. Not only do I say "Nay"

I'm going to point out exactly how bad it is.

The shelter I occasionally consult to on marketing has a survey for prospective adopters, the 4th question on which is "Have you ever had a cat de-clawed?" "Yes" is an automatic disqualifier for any adoption. With cause too, they also do not adopt to people who have tails cropped or any other cosmetic animal alteration.

Several major national veterinary professional societies forbid their members from performing the procedure under threat of expulsion. Most vets will not perform declawing any longer whether any professional organization they are a member of forbids it or not as it has become increasingly obvious the amount of psychological disruption it causes in "altered" cats. Further, several (I think we're up to seven) state veterinary licensing boards have banned the practice as abusive with penalties ranging from fines to license revocation to criminal sanction for repeat offenses.

The procedure is the disarticulation of the terminal metacarpal and metatarsal bones at the joints. It's functionally the same as amputating fingertips at the knuckles would be in a human.

[BarbaRosa]

15. No.

[GoCubsGo]

16. So, save some hunks of the old carpet

When cats scratch, they're not only sharpening their claws, they're marking the spot as their territory, by secreting pheremones from sebaceous glands in their front paws. The old carpet, where he's scratched, already has his scent on it, and odds are, he'd keep scratching in the same spots if given the chance. Staple or glue some pieces of the old rug onto pieces of plywood, and sprinkle some catnip onto them to make them more attractive to him. Correct him if he scratches where he's not supposed to. (Throw a wad of paper at him, blast him with canned air, distract him with loud noises...)

Also, it sounds like your kitten likes to scratch horizontal things, rather than vertical posts. Have you tried any of the flat cardboard scratchers? My cats love 'em. They also like my door mat, which is woven sisal/jute with a cloth border. And, I confess that I purposely bought that mat for the cats to scratch. Ten bucks at TJ Maxx, while the kitty versions at PetSmart are twice that price and half the size.

Like this:

[grasswire]

17. I rescued a stray once that was cornered by a dog.

This was a Rag Doll cat that was emaciated and filthy and had obviously been hiding from everything because she could not defend herself -- declawed. She was literally starving and weak, and probably would have died or been killed within days.

When nourished, she turned into a beautiful, gorgeous big girly. But she had to stay inside forever.

[stray cat]

18. If possible keep the nails clipped

[NRaleighLiberal]

19. Thanks to everyone for this - it is deeply appreciated and ol Kip is going to keep his claws.

Kip sends his kitty love to all of you, by the way!:toast: :hi: :thumbsup:

[Withywindle]

28. I'm glad to hear this.

Declawing really is bad, as you know now. It's not benign at all.

My girl LOVES those corrugated cardboard scratch pads. She's a big-time shredder. I have to vacuum up cardboard shards constantly.

She also loves to climb things, and to rip little stuffed cat toys apart, and also occasionally, me. I was told that she was an outdoor cat at one point, and by the way she plays, I know she must have been one hell of a hunter. She couldn't do any of those things if she was declawed. I think claws are a pretty important part of cat-hood.

Here she is flashing for Mardi Gras beads




BTW, wtf is up with you posting a thread about a kitten with no PICS? I'm pretty sure the Lounge frowns on that. :hi:

[NRaleighLiberal]

30. Good idea! Here is the still (and to continue to be) clawed Kip

[Withywindle]

32. SQUEE! KITTY IN BABY SLING!

Kip is a darling. Wishing you many happy years together. (Carpets come and go, but kitteh love is forever.)

[emilyg]

35. I'm in love. Kissee.

[Rhythm]

40. Oh my goodness, what a beautiful baby..

He's going to grow up gorgeous...

[dmr]

41. Oh, he's ADORABLE!

What a face! And such a tiger!

I wanna hold him.

:hi:

[ceile]

56. Precious!

He looks just like my Apple.

[Faygo Kid]

20. I say nay, but I adopted 9 year old Sonny from the shelter last year and he is declawed.

After Purrcilla died of old age in May 2009, I looked to make a rescue. I have to admit, I wanted a declawed old cat because I know what claws can do. Sonny is now 11 (approximation). He's a happy dude. He was almost a goner, as he was dropped off by people who said he "didn't use his litter box" and wasn't a "lap cat." Then I read his entry form: The people had multiple cats, and changed the litter box "once a week." (Ick) The good folks at the shelter assured me that he was a sweetheart, had run out of time, and I took him home.

Where he remains today, using his litter, happy as a clam, and I can't keep the damned cat off my lap.

[Grey]

21. NAY !

[Arugula Latte]

22. NO!!!! DON'T DO IT!!!!

It's mutilation and very painful for them!

[suninvited]

23. I havent read all the responses yet

but I am sure they are all NO !!

It hurts.

[NoGOPZone]

24. No, no, no

It's a cruel procedure. I've heard it compared to cutting off you fingers up to the knuckle.

[tigereye]

25. no, they kinda need em, I think...

older cats you can kinda see, but the little ones problem learn with em...

[Curmudgeoness]

26. It depends. I asked a vet about this problem once.

He said that if you would consider getting rid of the cat if it destroys things with scratching, declaw it. And I agree. A wonderful home for life opposed to the shelter or the street, and the solution is declawing the cat, makes it a no-brainer. So, if you would possibly dump the cat if there is constant damage, and this can make that cat a treasured pet, do it.

[Flaxbee]

27. No! No no no, please no, don't do it.

Really, it is not fair to have their claws removed. Please don't. Don't make carpet more important than a living creature.

My sister has two cats, and uses Soft Paws: http://www.softpaws.com/?gclid=CKeZkbv7-6QCFctw5Qod0zNfjQ
Her carpet and couches and other furniture are just fine.

We have six cats, have hardwood floors, and slipcovers over everything else. There are many, many other options.

[amerikat]

29. Nay. They can jump fine using just the hind legs when

they are young. As they age they need a combination of jump and pull
up with the front legs. Claws are essential for this.

[NRaleighLiberal]

31. Check out post 30 - pics of Kip, the kitten in question!

My wife in a baby sling she made for a friend, and having a nap in his bed.

By the way, Kip loves to play with one of our chocolate labs, Buddy (working on a video clip of their antics!)

[UndertheOcean]

33. NEVER !!!! HOW CRUEL

[emilyg]

34. No. No. No. Never.

Learn to clip your cat's nails.

[petronius]

36. Yes, absolutely! Cats are happier, they can't hurt you or damage things, everybody wins!

OK, no, not really. Definitely don't do it. Ignore the subject line entirely. Declawing is a 100% bad idea.

Now, let's see who hits reply without reading the post... :)

[zen_bohemian]

37. We are divided in our family about this with our 6 month old baby

I say absolutely not, and DH says we need to do so. We have one cat that we had declawed years ago, and watched her in pain trying to move litter in her box afterwards, walking hurt, she would try and jump on furniture and would fall over.

I took the kitten in last week and had her claws clipped. She is having trouble getting on the furniture, but she is adapting, and it is much more enjoyable to play with her, she isn't leaving gashes on my arms. Have your kittens claws clipped at the vet or groomer or learn to do it yourself. I am gonna win this issue, ours will not be declawed, DH is going to lose this argument :)

[Withywindle]

38. I am with you. Don't value inanimate objects over living creatures.

Declawing definitely causes cats physical pain and emotional adjustment issues. It's illegal in a lot of (progressive) countries.

Here's a Yahoo post from a user in the UK who thought that the fact that it was still legal in the US was an urban legend; she was having trouble believing it.

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090620094907AA31fQl

More stuff from another appalled UK person:

http://cats.about.com/od/declawing/f/uslaws.htm


Here's a very informative post about what the procedure really is (again, from a UK person, but the owner of this web site really is a cat expert, been involved in rescue for many years):

http://www.moggies.co.uk/stories/declaw.html


It's not benign or purely cosmetic. Please show your husband these sites. If the US weren't so backward (relative to some places) declawing would be illegal here too.

Trimming the claws regularly is fine. It's analogous to trimming your fingernails. Declawing is analogous to cutting your fingers off at the first knuckle. If you wouldn't do that to yourself or your child, then don't do it to your cat.

[zen_bohemian]

39. thanks for the links

There will be no way the baby will be declawed, I will never allow it to occur.

[Skip Intro]

42. DO NOT DO IT! IT IS TORTURE FOR THE CAT! DO NOT DO IT!

[TreasonousBastard]

43. Just adding a list of countries where declawing is illegal or highly discouraged...

http://www.declawing.com/list.html

England
Scotland
Wales
Italy
France
Germany
Austria
Switzerland
Norway
Sweden
Netherlands
Northern Ireland
Ireland
Denmark
Finland
Slovenia
Portugal
Belgium
Spain
Brazil
Australia
New Zealand

[Lindsey]

45. It's the absolute worse thing you could do. The pain the poor

kitty goes through is torture. Plus, they are completely defenseless. Obviously, I have really, really strong feelings about this - I haven't been w/o a kitty for over 10 years.

[AsahinaKimi]

44. no no and no.

I would never submit my kitty to this and he's an indoor kitty.

[kath]

46. No, a thousand times no. In many civilized countries, the procedure is illegal.

(on edit - obviously I posted before reading the whole thread, something I generally frown upon. But I do feel strongly about this issue.)

[orleans]

48. i say NO

even tho i don't have a cat.

we used to have cats when i was a kid. they always had claws.

[Rochester]

49. Only as a very last resort, and then, only after he's grown....

Your kitty might become less destructive after he grows up. I got one of my cats when she was a kitten and she was pretty destructive, but she's learned what's acceptable to tear up and what isn't for the most part.
If you do declaw your cat, his paws will hurt for several days, but he'll most likely get over it. Still, I don't recommend it except as a last resort. Most cats go on with life like nothing happened, but some cats become more aggressive and bite a lot, if they feel defenseless, and some cats might start avoiding the litter box if they come to associate it with the pain of their healing paws digging in the litter. A small risk but why chance it if you don't have to. If he gets so destructive that you feel your only option is to drop him off at the shelter, then that is the time to declaw him, and not before.
Pet him for me, and my cats send him a "mew".

[chemenger]

50. How would you like to have your fingers amputated at the third knuckles?

That's what our vet told us declawing amounted to when we asked him about declawing our (Animal Friends adopted) cat. We had to sign a paper promising that we would not have our cat declawed as part of the adoption process.

[Bucky]

51. I think it's too soon in this thread to start looking for a consensus.

But overall the Lounge seems to be about evenly divided.

[Haole Girl]

53. Would you like your fingers cut off at the knuckles?

That's what they do to cats when they declaw them.

And, if your cat is already aggressive, it can lead to spraying and more biting.

So, nay.

[davsand]

54. I de-clawed a cat many years ago and I still feel guilty about it.

Tillie(YouBitch) was a rescue and she was the most vile tempered cat I have ever known. Literally, the first six months I lived with her my arms and legs looked like hamburger because she'd attack without provocation. Finally, after a particularly awful and bloody sneak attack, I called the vet and talked to him about how seriously aggressive the cat was.

He was on the board of the local animal shelter, and he knew that cat from attempting to treat her for the better part of a year. He told me directly that if I took that cat to the shelter she'd never pass the screening for temperament and would be euthanized in very short order. She was not "adoptable" (in his terminology) because she was so mean. My only option was have her killed by the shelter or try and have her de-clawed.

She lived with me for 17 years and for large part of it was a hateful evil cat that would attack without provocation. At least after she was de-clawed she was limited to making me bleed with her teeth. Had I not had her de-clawed she would not have survived that first year. I did what I thought was right at the time, but in retrospect, I have always questioned that decision.



Laura

[Bertha Venation]

55. NO

Imagine your fingers being removed at the second knuckle.

[sofa king]

57. I used to think it was bad, but....

...I watched this particular de-clawed indoor cat turn into an outdoor cat with little to no problem. To get off of his balcony, he would begin with a twelve-foot leap to a canvas awning, across which he would slide until he could make a ten-foot drop to the ground. To get back, he would climb around twenty feet up a tree (without front claws) and leap about four feet back to the deck. Sometimes he would miss and fall, and be back within a few seconds, trying again. He had become an outdoor cat of his own volition and largely without the notice of his inattentive owner.

That same year I saw the same cat catch and kill a bat that had got into the house, still without his claws. He also fought the other local cats to an uneasy peace and maintained control of his balcony and the yard below. Having claws (or for that matter, testicles) didn't matter nearly as much as having the instinct to succeed.

Of course, what that cat succeeded in doing was killing off a good proportion of the local bird population, but that's another story.

[KamaAina]

58. Not just Nay but HELL NAY!!!

:grr: :banghead:

What we coyly refer to as "declawing" is actually the AMPUTATION of the tips of kitty's claws (think of "denailing" a human by amputating her fingertips!).

On the other hand, two of our all-time favorite kittehs had been "declawed" by their previous human.

[kimi]

59. Glad that you made the decision against the declawing

When I was a young and stupid and novice cat owner I had a cat declawed. (Yes, I hang my head in shame.) Her personality did change, although when she did accidentally get out of the house once, she brought back a dead mouse. But she was a life-long biter, and terrorized other cats. She passed earlier this year, but even the last day of her life she bit me. I have no doubt that my decision to mutilate her led to her issues.

Your kitteh is adorable, and you are a responsible and loving cat owner. Kudos!!

[Misooks_cat]

60. Declawing is totally uneccessary

If you get them as kittens and train them to put up with their claws being judiciously trimmed from time to time, there's no need to declaw them. I have 2 indoor cats and have never regretted keeping their little paws intact.