Cat Declawing

[spinto]

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.

Oh you are right about the claws not being the only thing that could cause pain to the owner. And no, I would never advocate detoothing... Cat needs it's teeth for the health and integrity of the mouth as well as eating.

However in my view, declawing helps to ease the handling of the animal (among other important benefits). Especially in times when the animal is stressed for whatever reason. You know, during health care administration, or trips to the vet... But, by no means is declawing fool proof. You still have to handle the animal with care and awareness.

 

[spinto]

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.

Sure, helps the animal be a better pet for us. Not quite sure about helping the species itself. Making it unable to reproduce looks to me like a hinderance of the species. Now, indeed it helps the species co-exsist with us.

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

Ah but the owners benefit is of great importance. Too many animal rights activists try to place animals on an equal footing with people. Yes, they deserve respect and do share our earth. But, they are not on the same footing. Not all life is created equal. We should be respectful of nature because it is our home. We should care for our pets because they depend on us for survival. But, in this case, claws for the indoor cat means less to me than my benefits of no claws on my indoor cat. So I opt for skilled vet to perform an expert surgury.

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.

I have quite a bit of expirence with cats. It is the animal I know the best. I know the behviors and I know a lot about the health issues that can come up. I also know a lot about the correct handling of a cat. No, I won't see I am the end all be all cat expert. But, I know enough, and have had enough cats in my home to be aware of the standard behaviors of cats. And claws for streching is not one of them.

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.

Yikes.. Well that goes to show you.. An animal is an animal is an animal. That is why it is up to us to care for them. Even more to the unpredictablity of the cat. That is just the nature of this kind of animal.

 

[chipmunk]

Oh you are right about the claws not being the only thing that could cause pain to the owner. And no, I would never advocate detoothing... Cat needs it's teeth for the health and integrity of the mouth as well as eating.

However in my view, declawing helps to ease the handling of the animal (among other important benefits). Especially in times when the animal is stressed for whatever reason. You know, during health care administration, or trips to the vet... But, by no means is declawing fool proof. You still have to handle the animal with care and awareness.

My parents always completely declawed the cats we owned. Something about them trying to play with my eyelashes when I was little. I never had to deal with clawed cats growing up. However, my roommates two cats are both clawed. I haven't honestly had any problems in handling them even during our recent move when they had to go in the car they behaved well. I even had my 6 year old neice over recently and she was able to pick them up and play with them. There are a few times their claws have caught on me, but it's not enough of a problem that I'd suggest her declaw them. Our kitten is probably 6 months old and she's doing great.

You should have gone for other questions tail docking and ear trimming.

 

[spinto]

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

Oh I believe that when you neutured or spayed you cats that you did in fact do it with their best interest in mind. And that is good. I've done the same. But for the sake of argument in support of my stance of declawing, I draw a broader scope in pointing to the idea that altering your cats actually perfects the animal to a better more conducive pet for us. Because otherwise, the animal would live out it's life as an unaltered cat. Yes, surely that life is probably going to be shorter, with many dangers... But THAT IS the natural life of a cat. We extend and perfect the cat for the purpose of having a pet. Just so happends when we do this, the cat's physical body benefits and the animal lives longer.

 

[spinto]

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

Yikes, seems like the vet was not very good.

 

[spinto]

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

This is a wonderful post. Thanks for your input!

 

[spinto]

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

Well we are certainly all entitled to our opinions. Thanks for coming on and giving yours. This is an interesing converstation for me and that's why I started it. Thanks for saying your peice! ;-)

 

[chipmunk]

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 worked at two vet clinics myself (well, one I volunteered at). If there is that much blood then the vet did something wrong (probably with bandaging would be my guess). Most animals are lethargic after waking up from surgery and a little disoriented, but like awashinlove said, I think those who had abdominal surgery were the most effected by things.

Actually, just read awashinlove's post it was excellent and expressed my thoughts very well.

 

[HoosierMommy]

Awashinlove, that WAS a great post!

I wouldn't say that my cat had a problem with tearing stuff up. The problem is when my husband sees him stretching up on the furniture (and yes, he always stretches with his claws out). The cat is always gentle (he rarely unsheaths his claws when he's wrestling with my boys) and he consistently uses his scratching post. My husband simply wants to have it done because we're going to be building a house next spring and he thinks the cat might tear something up. He's the one who suggested I get myself a cat in the first place, so I'm pretty sure this won't turn into a "declaw or be abandoned" issue.

 

[Sabina41]

Awashinlove, that WAS a great post!

I wouldn't say that my cat had a problem with tearing stuff up. The problem is when my husband sees him stretching up on the furniture (and yes, he always stretches with his claws out). The cat is always gentle (he rarely unsheaths his claws when he's wrestling with my boys) and he consistently uses his scratching post. My husband simply wants to have it done because we're going to be building a house next spring and he thinks the cat might tear something up. He's the one who suggested I get myself a cat in the first place, so I'm pretty sure this won't turn into a "declaw or be abandoned" issue.

Don't know if you've already had it done, but have to mentioned just giving the cat a chance? To me it's horribly unfair to just assume that the cat will do something bad and suddenly turn into a monster that shreads furniture. At the animal shelter where I used to work people would adopt kittens, pick them up, and take them straight to the hospital to be declawed. They wouldn't give them the opportunity to be good. I agree with Awash that if the cat does start causing problems you should probably declaw, but at least give him a chance.

-Ashley

 

[sk8Joyful]

Oh I believe that when you neutured or spayed you cats that you did in fact do it with their best interest in mind. And that is good.
I've done the same.
But for the sake of argument in support of my stance of declawing, I draw a broader scope in pointing to the idea that altering your cats actually perfects the animal to a better more conducive pet for us. Because otherwise, the animal would live out it's life as an unaltered cat. Yes, surely that life is probably going to be shorter, with many dangers... But THAT IS the natural life of a cat. We extend and perfect the cat for the purpose of having a pet. Just so happends when we do this, the cat's physical body benefits and the animal lives longer.

Does your 'attempts at perfecting your cat/pets mean
you also believe that God (in the 1st. place *created* your cat) is not, in fact, *perfect* Himself? -

Or does this mean, that perhaps God intended
we accept animals, in all their pre-designed natural perfection? -

Or something else?

 

[spinto]

Does your 'attempts at perfecting your cat/pets mean
you also believe that God (in the 1st. place *created* your cat) is not, in fact, *perfect* Himself? -

Or does this mean, that perhaps God intended
we accept animals, in all their pre-designed natural perfection? -

Or something else?

Hmmm Interesting... Well basically, as someone more in line with pegan beliefs, I believe God is everywhere and in everything. Perfection is a limiting association to place on the concept of God. So I don't think of God in terms of perfection. Why? Because there is often one perception of perfection for each one of us, and there are many individuals in this world with differing perceptions. I believe in balance and expiriencing God as you work your way through your life. God reveals devine knowlege to each one of us as we become ready (that is my take of spirituality anway). Nature to me, is the manifestation of God in a form I connect with most. And, not just the nature found in the woods, forest and sky--although I do take great joy in this kind of nature. I mean all of nature. The nature of people, the nature of emotions. The nature of day to day life as an individual person. God, or like I like to say "Divinity", is found and dwells in all this.

The truth is, in regards to my opinions in this instance is this: Cats when dwelling in the undomesticated nature in which they were originally equiped to live should have all resources available to them to exist... The ability to breed and have their claws. However when that cat is placed to live in OUR nature--the nature of our cities and homes... I find it perfectly natural, and exceptable to alter the animal so they can be better adapted to life in the nature in which they are to exist. In this instance, spaying, neutering, and declawing (for indoor cats only). This in my opinion in finding a balance between you and the animal. Futhermore I believe it is in our nature to take and have pets. It fulfills a very human need and I think that is important as well.

And furthermore, I am not the kind of pet owner that thinks anyone is an irrisponsible pet owner for not having their cats declawed. I just state here that I disagree with those who wish to have declawing outlawed as an option to pet owners like me.