Cat Declawing

[spinto]

How many people here are for or against cat declawing?

I am absolutely for it! I have read some websites that are strictly against it and I have to say that I greatly disagree.

I have 3 exclusively indoor cats and they are all spayed, neutered and declawed. They are happy, healthy, and my house and furniture is in good shape with no tatters. Some of these anti-declaw sites say it is wrong to declaw a cat simply for the owner's convienience. Well, I think declawing for such a reason is perfectly justifed. After all, the cat lives in Owner's house, and should fit into the Owner's life. Not the other way around. After all, it is largly to the convienience of the owner that we have our animals spayed and neutured. And furthermore because overpopulation is ultimately "inconvienient for PEOPLE" we have the proceedure done. I mean, our pet cats ARE animals not people (Dispite their many human attributes at times). Sure I love my cats, but I always remember they are still animals. If one of my cats became unruley to the point of no remedy (or very difficult remedy). That cat would have to go. I'm surely not going to turn my home and family upside down to suite the cat. That is a little too "petacentric" for me...

It's funny too... These anti-declaw sites often talk about the pain involved in declawing cats but turn around and shout to the hilt about having your pet spayed or neutured. Makes me think, "okay... Declawing is too painful and inhumane but, cutting an animal open and removing reproductive organs is not??" hmmm something doesn't quite add up there for me.. How bout ya'll?

I don't believe in cruel treatment of animals. I am a softy with my cats and often refer to them as my babies. But, I certainly don't believe in equal treatment either. We are civilized people. They are domesticated animals. Pets are aquired for our enjoyment. As such we should care for them for our continued enjoyment and the animal's continued health and existance in a domestic environment.

Now, I do have to say that if you have a cat that goes out of doors, you shouldn't have it declawed. That would not be fair and indeed cruel to the animal. I think you take away one of it's defense resources. However, I am also of the thought that pet cats should not go out at all. Because the cat is so instinctual by nature, the outside environment brings much of the "wild behaviour" out and can sometimes produce difficult cats. That has been my 15+ years of expirence in cat ownership.

So what do you all think?

 

[chipmunk]

I'm not going to picket about it, because on a list of uselessly stupid things we do to animals that falls rather low. I'd wait and see what kind of cat it is. Not all of them are going to mess up the house. I live with two cats right now and only one of them messes things up. And she's gotten a lot better because we spray her with water when she does. The other is I think related to Garfield (he even looks like him) fat and lazy. I'd definitely try to correct that behavior without the declawing though. I see that as sort of last resort. If I determined that a cat needed to be declawed though I'd be very picky about what vet I'd let do it.

 

[pentecostalgirl0414]

I'm not going to picket about it, because on a list of uselessly stupid things we do to animals that falls rather low. I'd wait and see what kind of cat it is. Not all of them are going to mess up the house. I live with two cats right now and only one of them messes things up. And she's gotten a lot better because we spray her with water when she does. The other is I think related to Garfield (he even looks like him) fat and lazy. I'd definitely try to correct that behavior without the declawing though. I see that as sort of last resort. If I determined that a cat needed to be declawed though I'd be very picky about what vet I'd let do it.

I agree with you.. I have a cat and I couldn't imagine getting her declawed... I mean, that is just surgrey that you volunteraly(spelling?) put your animal through.. My aunt had her cat declawed and her poor cat died.... I know it is rare, but I just don't like the idea.. But hey, that is just me... and my opinion... My cat really doesn't mess up the furniture anyways.. She's a good girl.

 

[spinto]

Cat's are wonderful pets aren't they? But think about it... Anyone who has a cat knows how unpredictable they can be... A cat will hear a loud noise or something will surprise it... Suddently the cat jolts and scrambles away (the fight or flight mechanism is very strong in cats--it is a survival mechanism)... Now.. what if you are holding your cat at that moment of fight or flight? You can count on having some pretty nasty cat scratches as it leaps for it's percieved safety... The back feet will stratch and those front claws will reach for ANYTHING in order to give it footing to get away from whatever scared it... Reaching for your face perhaps... This is something very important to consider when you have kids or even for yourself in handling your cats... That is also a big reason I've had my cats declawed. It makes the cat so much easier to handle. After all, it would be ashame to loose an eye just because your husband accidentally dropped a wine glass in the kitchen and startled the cat while you were holding it... What do you think?

I have a female cat named Daisy.. She is so sweet and we love her. However, I am so thankful we got her declawed. She is a very strong little tabby. In the home she is a placid and calm kitty. She is very affectionate and very interactive. However, trips to the vet prove that when she is out of her element she gets very scared easily. She grabs and crys because she does not like being away from her familiar surroundings. Now, I have to be the one to handle her while she is upset. And, if she had claws.... Goodness, I might have a few scars by now. But, at least, since she is declawed, I can hold her firm and manuver her so she can eventually calm down and we can tend to her health and safety at the vet.

There are times you do need to take control of your cat--like in a vet's office or while medicating them for whatever reason deems it necessary. Because these are animals... They are acting out of instinct and they know no better. But, that instinct, as natural as it is, can hurt you or you family. I still say, best to do what is in the best intrest of the family. Exclusively indoor cats should be declawed by a wonderfully skilled vet at kitten age.

 

[HoosierMommy]

Very interesting. We just got a cat from the Humane Society. He's not too bad about scratching furniture (but does occasionally) and he's very good about letting me trim his claws.

My dilemma: My husband is insisting on getting him declawed for his Christmas present I don't really take issue with that, but the problem is that the cat loves to go outside (I've harness trained him). He also has learned how to open our front door and has let himself out (3 times).

I understand why my husband wants him declawed, and if it were guaranteed he would stay inside, I would too, but I'm afraid he might get out again and to be declawed could be very dangerous. Ok, say that he never accidently got out again, but he LOVES to take walks on the harness--would you still declaw him?

HoosierMommy

 

[firestar]

It's absolutely inhumane and a disgusting thing to do to a creature that you profess to "love". How about chopping off your own fingers at the knuckle?? Cats need to scratch. If you give them an acceptable outlet such as a scratching post they will use it. If you can't live with the way they are naturally then don't get one period.

 

[spinto]

It's absolutely inhumane and a disgusting thing to do to a creature that you profess to "love". How about chopping off your own fingers at the knuckle?? Cats need to scratch. If you give them an acceptable outlet such as a scratching post they will use it. If you can't live with the way they are naturally then don't get one period.

Hahaha... Well, different strokes for different folks I guess.

Yes I love my cats. But you know what? They are domesticated "pets". We are talking about animals here. No matter how you dice it. They are not on an equal footing with people. They're just not. So, declawing a cat is NOT the same as choping off my fingers. I need my fingers, an indoor cat does not NEED it's claws for anything except to cause trouble. Declawing is no more (in fact it is less) painful than spaying and neutering. And the "cat animal" itself makes a wonderful pet for people who enjoy the personality and pet qualities of cats. Scratching does not make a cat a cat. Cat scratching makes a mess and can cause pain to it's handlers and care givers. That is just the reality of it. In the end, the animal has to suite the family, not the other way around. And cats are just safer, better pets without dangerous claws (again, claws that an indoor cat does not need anyway).

And this whole thing about cutting off the cats finger at the knucke is not quite as the anti-declaw activists claim. The claw detracts and is suspended above the forward most pad of the paw. It does not make contact with the the floor as the cat walks and serves no purpose in balance. The part that is removed is the very small movable digit that sit and folds back on top of the paw. If the proceedure is done with skill and care, the cat will recover and resume normal behavior. That is why it is "best" to do it while they are kittens. The bone and cartilage is not set yet and the procedure can be done with greater ease and even less pain for the cat.

Wanna talk about nature? Well, cats naturally need to breed constantly. But we fix them (which many animal activists promote as "responsible pet ownership"). Cats get sick and spead disease naturally. But we get them vaccinated. Guard dogs are naturally agreesive and can attack a person. But we are encouraged to put a rope with choke chain around its neck so the animal doesn't accidentally hurt anyone. So, you see there are many things we do to avoid what happens "naturally". So, this whole business about cats needing to scratch. Well, my cats don't need to scratch me, my children, or my furniture. And thanks to a very good vet, they don't. Seems a little more inhumane to let a pet animal be so free to run it's nature all over the house. Because afterall, "nature" is not known for it's disease control or it's sanitation either. So, I would be careful of how "natural" you are willing to let your pets get.

 

[spinto]

Very interesting. We just got a cat from the Humane Society. He's not too bad about scratching furniture (but does occasionally) and he's very good about letting me trim his claws.

My dilemma: My husband is insisting on getting him declawed for his Christmas present I don't really take issue with that, but the problem is that the cat loves to go outside (I've harness trained him). He also has learned how to open our front door and has let himself out (3 times).

I understand why my husband wants him declawed, and if it were guaranteed he would stay inside, I would too, but I'm afraid he might get out again and to be declawed could be very dangerous. Ok, say that he never accidently got out again, but he LOVES to take walks on the harness--would you still declaw him?

HoosierMommy

I would consider having him declawed only after careful observation of his natural tendencies. I would take care in walking the cat on the harness outside. It depends of the cat really... But, even the neutered males tend to become over stimulated by the scent of "outside". It can really get their natural instincts going. The smells and outdoor activity can stimulate your cat to spay and mark in the house! I won't say it is the "norm" but it actually does happen with some frequency. Especially if the male is a "big cat". We had this expirence with one of our big males. He was neutered and occasionally got out. Well he loved it so much and was just so hot and bothered by the sights and smells out of doors that he would start marking and spraying in the house and demanded to be out. So he became an indoor/outdoor cat (at that time we did not have him declawed). Our vet told us that this was unfortunately the case with "some" male cats. He said that sometimes their male hormomes can be stimulated even though they are neutured. And this does make for a frustrating pet. He wound getting bit by a snake and died before we could help him. That is why I say that outside is not really the best for pet cats.

That is why I prefer females. Their territory needs are much smaller and after they are fixed, their residual hormones are far less potent. However, we do have one big neutered male. We've had no problem with him but we've NEVER let him step a paw outside. He's been a good boy.

But wait and see... If your male can handle the excitment of leashed outside time, and still be a good boy inside... Then having him declawed would not be a problem. It would only be a bad idea if we was to be an indoor/outdoor cat.

 

[chipmunk]

Very interesting. We just got a cat from the Humane Society. He's not too bad about scratching furniture (but does occasionally) and he's very good about letting me trim his claws.

My dilemma: My husband is insisting on getting him declawed for his Christmas present I don't really take issue with that, but the problem is that the cat loves to go outside (I've harness trained him). He also has learned how to open our front door and has let himself out (3 times).

I understand why my husband wants him declawed, and if it were guaranteed he would stay inside, I would too, but I'm afraid he might get out again and to be declawed could be very dangerous. Ok, say that he never accidently got out again, but he LOVES to take walks on the harness--would you still declaw him?

HoosierMommy

I wouldn't declaw him if he goes outside, period. NOT cool. You can train them not to scratch stuff up. And like Firestar said you can get them a scratching post (we have one for our cats). Is he causing a problem? Spraying water on our kitten when we catch her seems to have drastically reduced the problem. She actually climbed up my back while I was brushing my teeth once. In my struggles to get her off she ended up in the bathroom sink with the water running. She never climbed up me again.

 

[awashinlove]

I don't declaw my cats out of respect for their nature, but have nothing against those who do. Truth is, clawed cats are much, much harder to rehome. If you get a cat declawed in kittenhood, they grow up not even realizing what they don't have (their memory isn't all that wonderful and even humans do fine physically growing up without limbs). We've already forced these animals into our homes, there's no need to risk having them shuffled around; if declawing keeps one in his or her home or puts them in one faster, then I'm for it. The idea that these cats have litter box problems is simply a myth based off of a badly performed study where stray cats were not omitted.

Blessings,
awashinlove

 

[Dagna]

I would NEVER declaw my cats. My 3 cats have their claws and my furniture has not been clawed either. It took less than a week for my cats to realize that they have a scratching post and the rest is not to be used for it. My opinion is that if I have to fundamentally change the make up of my cat in order for it to "fit into my life", I have no business owning a cat, and if I don't have the time to train a cat, then I don't have time to own a cat. And yes, my pets are spayed and neutered as it's for the benefit of their health, not for my benefit alone. I won't condemn anyone that has already declawed their cat, but I would certainly try to convince someone to not do it if they were considering it. And in my rescue, we don't allow anyone to adopt a cat if they intend to declaw it. If they want a declawed cat, we have plenty that have already been declawed. If they don't want one of those, we direct them to the nearest animal control facility to adopt. Better declawed than dead in my opinion, but I don't agree with declawing one bit. Cats use their claws for many things, other than defense. Ever see a cat stretch and dig their claws into the ground? They do that for a full stretch, without the claws for resistance, their shoulder muscles don't stay as "toned" if you will, as they would if they had claws. but hey, this is one arguement that will continue on forever if it's allowed. No one will ever agree so now that I've said my piece, I'm done.

 

[spinto]

I would NEVER declaw my cats. My 3 cats have their claws and my furniture has not been clawed either. It took less than a week for my cats to realize that they have a scratching post and the rest is not to be used for it. My opinion is that if I have to fundamentally change the make up of my cat in order for it to "fit into my life", I have no business owning a cat, and if I don't have the time to train a cat, then I don't have time to own a cat.

But, these are "domestic" animals living in a household. By spaying and neutering you ARE drastically altering the animals nature. And, IT IS to ultimately suit the needs of the human owners. So again, what is the problem with declawing (removing claws that indoor cats do not use anyway) so the animal will be softer on the furniture and a safer pet to handle?

And yes, my pets are spayed and neutered as it's for the benefit of their health, not for my benefit alone. I won't condemn anyone that has already declawed their cat, but I would certainly try to convince someone to not do it if they were considering it. And in my rescue, we don't allow anyone to adopt a cat if they intend to declaw it.

Again, the advatanges of a healthy spayed or nuetured cat as a pet are served mainly to the pet owner, not the cat. Yes, there are great advantages to having a pet spayed or neutered. I totally agree with that and consider it a must. But, in reality the proceedure lessens to a great degree the animal's more volitile "natural" instincts. And because they are then placed in a domestic environment, this makes the animal much more conducive as a pet. Especally an indoor pet. So many things in a cat's nature are dramatically effected by the spaying or neutereing proceedure. The lessened risk of certain kinds or cancers and longer life is actually a kind of "side-effect" of having the cat altered. And, it is a good "side-effect". Moreover, because unaltered cats are so instinctual and otherwise "driven" by their need to breed, claim and mark territory; they usually don't make the best and longest living pets for "people'. However, if we fix them, we "kill" their "driven" nature and the cat then becomes content to being a pet. Then, they make a GREAT long living pet. We are inconvinenced by cat overpopulation, we want our cat to be calm, content, and tame. We want the animal's drive to be directed towards bonding with us--not demanding to go out and roam around for a mate, peeing and marking up the house in the process. So you see, WE are already altering the animal. Declawing is just a little (less invasive) proceedure that helps the cat be exta adapted to a life in a domestic home. A home with kids, a home with pretty furniture and a home where the cat will be handled.

If they want a declawed cat, we have plenty that have already been declawed. If they don't want one of those, we direct them to the nearest animal control facility to adopt. Better declawed than dead in my opinion, but I don't agree with declawing one bit. Cats use their claws for many things, other than defense. Ever see a cat stretch and dig their claws into the ground? They do that for a full stretch, without the claws for resistance, their shoulder muscles don't stay as "toned" if you will, as they would if they had claws. but hey, this is one arguement that will continue on forever if it's allowed. No one will ever agree so now that I've said my piece, I'm done.

In my 15 years of cat ownership expirence, I have never seen a cat dig it's claws into the ground to get a good stretch. Maybe on the Lion King, but that's it. I've seen a cat stretch and get it's claws caught in the carpet... My 3 cats are all declawed indoors and stretch just fine. They are in great shape and go about "paw marking" as they please. Cats don't use their claws for marking behavior. If they have them they will scratch while marking. But this is mainly because they are there. Cats do use the pads of their feet to mark objects. The pads contain very specialized pharamone glads. I have one female who is an avid "paw maker". And since she is declawed she goes around "paw marking" everywhere to her hearts content. She looks so content and I don't have to get mad at her cause she is ruining something. Then she comes over to me and "needs" on my chest so she can take a nap. I'm glad she doesn't have claws, cause it would hurt every now and again. She gets carried away sometimes!

 

[chipmunk]

Declawing cats is very different from having them spayed/neutered.

Spaying/Neutering helps the animal AND the species. Overpopulation leads to thousands of cats being put to sleep each year. Having your pet spayed/neutered will prevent possible unwanted cats from arising thus saving them from being killed.

Declawing is ONLY for the owners benefit. It serves NO purpose for the cat.

If you haven't seen them dig their claws in for a deep stretch it may be because yours don't have any claws. My roommates two clawed cats do this quite frequently.

And if a cat is startled or upset it's not just claws you should worry about your kids being attacked by. A cat our family used to have (one of my good friends has her now, a place we moved to wouldn't allow cats) almost ripped my sisters neck out during a flea bath. She was typically a very mild mannered cat and before then had never bitten, snapped at, or otherwise shown signs of aggression. She was also completely declawed in both front and back.

 

[Tsarina]

I couldn't imagine getting my cat declawed, it wasn't right, as what i thought. A cat is a cat, she loves her nails. If someone cut my nails i'd chase them with a hammer, lols.

I built a valcroe wall in the basment for my cat, she would climb that everday, it was her favorite activity. Haha, weird isnt it?

 

[Sabina41]

the advatanges of a healthy spayed or nuetured cat as a pet are served mainly to the pet owner, not the cat.

Ummm...I got my cat spayed for her...not for me. Certainly the avoidance of the problems listed below makes my life easier but that's not what I'm thinking of when making the surgery appointment. It's because the avoidance of these problems makes HER life BETTER.

Why spay/neuter:
-lower incidence of cancer (testicular, mammary, uterine, etc.)
-elimination of pyometra (deadly bacterial infection very common in older unaltered animals)
-less territorial: fewer fights, injuries, less incidence of HBC (hit by car)
-in dogs, somewhere around 75% of bites are caused by intact animals
-decreased population: lower euthanasia rates
-obviously, no pregnancy complications

I spay and neuter my animals because it allows them to live longer, healthier, more fulfilled lives...not because it would make them fit better in my life. I want to do what is best for my animal in the view of their health and happiness.

As for declawing, I have 4 cats and have never had a problem with scratching. The claim was made that if you declaw early they'll never know the difference. If you train properly and well early you'll never have a problem. I will make a consession for the fact that there are cats out there who are habitual clawers and no amount of water bottles or scratch posts will save your furniture. In such a case I support laser declaw versus dumping the animal at a shelter (happens quite frequently). However, just declawing your cat because you're afraid it might get scared and scratch you? That's just incomprehensible to me. I don't understand that fear at all. I can't see how that justifies the amputation of the final bone of every finger of the cat. And yes, they don't use those bones to balance, but I'm sure it's still got to hurt if they're using the next one in to balance.

As I said, when the choice is abandonment or declawing I will side with declawing (by laser only!!!)....but if it's "I don't want to get scratched" or declaw...I'll take the scratches. I love my babies and I bear my cat scratch scars with pride.

-Ashley

 

[alwayz_remember_Calvery]

I'm against declawing. I've worked in a vet clinic to long to even think about declawing a cat. Have you ever watched a cat wake up from surgery freaking out because they've been declawed? have you ever had to clean a cage covered in blood because the cat was declawed and it flipped out when it was waking up and was thrashing all about? It's not pretty

 

[Snoofles]

if the cats stay inside, then i guess i could do it, but if they are outdoor cats, absolutely not. they need their claws to defend themselves. if they claw inside, go after them with a spray bottle. it works. my cat Tux likes to claw this one chair, and the spray bottle is nowhis enemy. he hates being sprayed. i miss him haven't seen him or my Patches since June (when i was home visiting for a week). i get to see them over christmas break though. cats are awesome pets.

 

[awashinlove]

I'm against declawing. I've worked in a vet clinic to long to even think about declawing a cat. Have you ever watched a cat wake up from surgery freaking out because they've been declawed? have you ever had to clean a cage covered in blood because the cat was declawed and it flipped out when it was waking up and was thrashing all about? It's not pretty

I've seen loads of cats wake up from surgery, and I've never seen one completely flip out, especially in a manner that makes it clear it's saying, "Where the blast are my fingers?" Cats who have any surgery will potentially have a violent reaction upon coming to, and I noticed in my experience those who have an abdominal surgery are more likely to have such a reaction. But even kitties who were put under simply for bug removal from the ear canal have panicked before their senses completely return. If there was a lot of blood from declawing, you were working for a butcher, not a DVM, and I'd recommend documenting your findings and reporting him or her to the board.


Yes, declawing is more for people. Yes, it would be great if no one had their cats declawed. And certainly I'd be thrilled if people at least stopped declawing cats over 8 months of age, or only declawed the front. However, cats who've been declawed have a much higher chance of adoption in my experience, and it's a myth that these animals go through excessive pain if the doc is competent (ask any human amputee), and it's also a myth that declawed cats can't climb trees or defend themselves. Declawed cats still climb, play, stretch, and enjoy life (they're not people, people). I've got several running around my house both clawed and declawed, and I'd bet my life savings no one could come in, observe their behavior for a full day, and guess who had claws and who didn't.

I don't get my cats declawed, but I'm in full support of the many who do as a last resort if the house is being destroyed. I'm also okay with those who have young kittens declawed with the foreknowledge they'd find destructive behaviors unacceptable. Not all cats like a post, and quite a few clawed cats don't enjoy litter in their claws (cat nails peel, making little crevices for sand to get stuck, and when they retract sand gets deep in between the toes). So if someone has a scratching, peeing cat, why not get him or her declawed if the alternative is dispensing?

This is an emotional issue because too many word of mouth lies are out there, but if you really spend time with a vet and document your findings, you'll see that declawing beats out euthanasia by far. If you truly have a heart for animal welfare, I'd stop worrying about this simple surgery (one I'd gladly elect to if it kept me in my home), and start worrying about actual abuse going on out there, such as what's being done to your supermarket meat. Your chicken comes from birds whose first moments of life involve a deadly manner of sexing and debeaking before they're piled one on top of the next. Your steaks, burgers, and roast beef grows up unable to move and injected with steroids. Your cheese is made with the help of a calf's aspirated stomach fluids. Or if you prefer to lend your hearts to pets, there's a holocaust of factory bred parrots and small animals each and every day. Pet stores and breeders have sold so many parrots to inexeperienced, unexpecting owners these exotic animals have lost their protection from euthanasia.

Somehow, persecuting owners who decide to declaw seems diminutive in the grand scheme of things.

Blessings,
awashinlove

 

[Sabina41]

awashinlove, now it's my turn to say "Hear, hear!" That was a great post and exactly what I think on the subject. Sure avoid declawing if you can, but if you must it's better than abandoning the animal and find a competant vet.

-Ashley

 

[alwayz_remember_Calvery]

if the choice is the cat gets put to sleep or declawed, then i'd do it.
The vets that i worked for are all very good vets. Because declawing isn't a sterile surgery they couldn't close it off, they put something (cant think of what it's called) on the feet, wrapped them with stuff and let them wake up.
Not all of them bled a lot, a few here and there, but they always flipped out more than the spays and neuters.
That's my personal experience with it and my opinion. If someone doesn't agree with me, it doesn't hurt my feelings any