declawing your cat - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

MexicanOnABike · 08-14-2006, 07:55 AM

I have a new baby cat and he's acting like one right now. going crazy all the time so when we finaly left him alone for a few hrs, he ripped the new leather couch in a few places. so before my dad kills him, i'd like to see if it's possible to get him declawed.

i'd like your opinion on if you did it to your animal, if it changed him somehow and if it was worth it.

ps: he's about 5months old.

Cynthetiq · 08-14-2006, 07:59 AM

I always wanted a declawed cat, then I saw how they declawed them and it just didn't sit right with me.

Really, it's about being vigilant about keeping discipline via squirt gun, tacky tap, and the smell stuff I forget the name.

ShaniFaye · 08-14-2006, 08:06 AM

Mograna is the first cat I've had that wanst declawed, LOTS of people are going to tell you how cruel it is and that you're abusing the animal if you do...they have their right to their opinion.When you've had 3 VERY bad infections due soley to be scratched by a cat its something you do (especially when one of them was in your eye and still affects you 25 years later). If you dont want to declaw a cat fine...dont, if you'd rather see cats in shelters put to sleep because people want to adopt a declawed cat over one thats still clawed...fine thats your right too. (can you tell I get pissed at people that preach to me Im too lazy to teach my cat not to claw?)

I have had cats my entire life, almost all of them declawed, (front feet only) even cats we picked up as strays and not one single one of them was any different after than it was before. They still played and did things the same exact way.

I dont think its good to declaw a cat thats allowed to be an indoor/outdoor cat...they need that defense if you let them out in the neighboorhood, but I have no problem with doing it to an indoor cat.

I will give you a word of advice as told to me by several vets....those soft paw things are a waste of time and money and not worth the money and the aggravation it takes to get them ON the cat.

Halx · 08-14-2006, 08:23 AM

If you declaw your cat, you're removing a very powerful security device from your home. I mean, launching your cat at an intruder's face is a very effective form of self defense.

shoegirl · 08-14-2006, 08:25 AM

I've got a cat (indoors only) and I had her declawed - just her front paws. I got her declawed as soon as the vet said she was old enough. When she came home from the vet, she walked carefully for a day or two, but she was completely fine after that. She never seemed pissed off at me, like some cats get - and she's been a great cat so far. For indoor cats, I think it's a great idea. And I left the back claws just incase she gets out or something happens, that way she can still defend herself.

shakran · 08-14-2006, 08:31 AM

there's a relatively new method of declawing that supposedly causes much less (some say no) pain. It uses a laser. If you're going to have it done, I'd recommend making sure they use that method.

As others have mentioned - if you declaw a cat, it stays inside all the time.

MexicanOnABike · 08-14-2006, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halx

If you declaw your cat, you're removing a very powerful security device from your home. I mean, launching your cat at an intruder's face is a very effective form of self defense.

haha! nice.
ya our cat is an indoor cat. the previous one was a stray cat that liked to be out more than in and he eventualy got killed by a car. so this new cat will stay in or go out only when we go out. just like a dog really.

and even with a scratch post, the stupid cat will attack anything that moves and i did try to control him but it wasnt working.

So the cats don't change attitudes then? thats all i really cared about.
what age can i get it done at and when is too old if thats even an issue?

also, what was the cost of declawing the animal? (just to get an idea.)

thanks to anyone who's replying!

Gatorade Frost · 08-14-2006, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halx

If you declaw your cat, you're removing a very powerful security device from your home. I mean, launching your cat at an intruder's face is a very effective form of self defense.

I would really enjoy seeing a video of this.

kutulu · 08-14-2006, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthetiq

Really, it's about being vigilant about keeping discipline via squirt gun, tacky tap, and the smell stuff I forget the name.

I don't know how adhesive things work but squirt guns just don't seem to work. Between work and sleep people spend less than 8 waking hours at home. They have all that time to do whatever they want.

ShaniFaye · 08-14-2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexicanonabike

haha! nice.
ya our cat is an indoor cat. the previous one was a stray cat that liked to be out more than in and he eventualy got killed by a car. so this new cat will stay in or go out only when we go out. just like a dog really.

and even with a scratch post, the stupid cat will attack anything that moves and i did try to control him but it wasnt working.

So the cats don't change attitudes then? thats all i really cared about.
what age can i get it done at and when is too old if thats even an issue?

also, what was the cost of declawing the animal? (just to get an idea.)

thanks to anyone who's replying!

My MIL just had their cat done, it was 180 dollars for non laser (Laser is WAY more expensive). The vet has always told me around 6 months is the best time (I've usually had the spaying/neutering and declawing done in the same visit. People will surely tell you different, but the only thing I ever noticed was that for about a week they tiptoed around and didnt "play" as much but after that they went back to full kitten form like nothing had happened. I've been told if you wait until after a year old, it does affect their attitude somewhat, but Im sure thats dependant on the cat, I've had two done after the one year mark and there was no difference after the recovery period

squirt guns work great for some things, but I've never had it work for clawing at stuff

highthief · 08-14-2006, 08:55 AM

I agree with the squirt gun philosophy. Put me in the "that's cruel" camp when it comes to declawing. I have pets so as to take care of them not to cut off their bodyparts.

Crack · 08-14-2006, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highthief

I agree with the squirt gun philosophy. Put me in the "that's cruel" camp when it comes to declawing. I have pets so as to take care of them not to cut off their bodyparts.

So you don't have them spayed or neutered? I am *so* calling Bob Barker on you!

randygurl · 08-14-2006, 11:07 AM

I'm just going to say straight up that I don't agree with declawing at all! I think you should look at all your options before your resort to that. Do you really know what declawing involves? Do you know what your kitty will be going through with this process (not just the aftermath but the actual process itself)? Have you looked into alternatives?

This is what declawing actually does to your cat:

Quote:

Look down at your hands, imagine having your fingertips, up to the first knuckle, being cut off. THAT is what happens when a cat is declawed. It is subjecting your cat to 10 amputations! In many European countries, declawing is banned as it is considered torture.

Declawing is not just simply removing what you see - the claw. Declawing is multiple amputations. Motor and sensory nerves are cut, damaged, destroyed. While cats can go home safely the same day from most surgical procedures, vets usually recommend that a declawed cat remain overnight at their facility because of the possibility of bleeding to death.

Recovery from the surgery is typically slow and always painful (how could it NOT be painful??). Since cats walk on their toes, this procedure can hinder the sensations and enjoyment involved in walking, running, springing, climbing, and stretching in the future. Declawing can traumatize your cat and change his temperament forever - he may become untrusting, fearful, a biter or a hider. He can no longer defend himself as he was intended to be able to do ("but he's an inside cat so he doesn't need to defend himself" is a rationalization, not a reason!). If the surgery isn't done correctly, your cat may literally be crippled for the rest of his life, or you may have to pay a second fee to have the problems corrected.

Scratching is a natural behaviour for a cat. You cannot extinguish it, in fact it is esential to your cats well being. They need to mark their territory, remove dead bits of nail, and stretch for exercise. The trick is to channel this activity to where you want it rather than where kitty feels it is appropriate.

For more information about declawing, please check out these sites!

http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/declawvettch.html

http://community-2.webtv.net/zuzu22/STOPDECLAWCOM/

http://www.catscratching.com/

Check these out before you book that surgery!
http://cats.about.com/cs/declawing/fr/softclaws.htm"]http://cats.about.com/cs/declawing/fr/softclaws.htm"]http://cats.about.com/cs/declawing/fr/softclaws.htm

The possibility of a little frustration (if that!) on your part is worth saving your kitty from all that pain and suffering! Any vet who recommends declawing over alternatives, shouldn't be practicing at all!

aberkok · 08-14-2006, 11:41 AM

I agree with the above post. Don't declaw your cat. If you want a cat without claws, that's like having a baby without fingers. It's selfish. I don't judge other people until they inflict this sort of nonsense on others. A cat should be admired and cared for for what it is, not what you want it to be.

This subject makes me really angry.

My step-sister-in-law bought a dog which was genetically modified not to bark. Ridiculous.

MexicanOnABike · 08-14-2006, 11:59 AM

eh. thanks for the replies randygurl. the reason we would get this is because he scratches the couch and nothing stops him from this. so he has 4 options: stop completely, get declawed, return to the spca, or killed by my dad.
so i figured, since he's not stopping even after many diffrent tries(yelling, hitting, putting him on his scratch post, the water technique, and putting him away in his cage for a few min). but i will show this to my dad since he's the one dealing with the damage/paying for repairs or paying for the declawing.

lurkette · 08-14-2006, 12:19 PM

Have you tried providing attractive alternatives, like

http://www.catclaws.com/scratchingpads.html#4

Our cats LOVE these - they're catnip-filled, and they freak for them. And as long as we keep them fresh, they don't take a second look at our furniture. Put it right next to the furniture item they like scratching. Gradually move it away as they transfer their preference to the scratching pad.

Other options include keep-away spray, double-stick tape, and motion-sensitive alarms.

It's your cat, and I suppose a maimed cat with a home is better than a dead cat or a homeless cat, but really it would be more humane to find it a home that doesn't mind some clawing and get yourself a cat that doesn't scratch.

raeanna74 · 08-14-2006, 12:31 PM

My family has have numerous cats. Our neighbor at one point was a vet and convinced us to not declaw one of our cats. She was a bitch. She was spayed at the same time as the rest of them but she would not sheath her claws when it came to Dad's chair, our couch, our arms and legs, and my stuffed animals. I had to shut my bedroom door all the time. Spraying water, using a fly swatter on her, noise, smelly stuff (more than one kind or brand but enough to make us hate the smell of some of them too), sticky tape, covering the couch and chair, EVERYTHING recommended, we did. Maybe we were unlucky to get a cat with a bad attitude. But ever since we've gotten them declawed at the same time as spaying or neutering.

Our 3 yr old cat is fine with no front claws. We did not remove her rear claws. We had it done at the same time as she was spayed and she layed around for 2 days after being spayed. They do not (or at least at her vets) bandage them all up thoroughly. I do not know if they did the lasor method but she had almost no visible sign of being declawed. We picked her up the day after. She had liquid stitches on her paws. We kept oatmeal in her litter box instead of litter for a week. She was running and playing within 3 days and had no change in attitude - except when it came to going in the car

but I think that would have happened with just the spaying.

Daniel_ · 08-14-2006, 12:38 PM

I've never heard of declawing up to now - I'm pretty sure it's illegal to surgically alter animals for anything other than control of fertility or repairing injury in the UK. I know that they chnged the law a couple of years back to ban pinning ears and docking tails on horses and dogs.

When I had cats I clipped their claws.

As indoor cats they didn't scratch the furniture for a few weeks and as long as I cut their claws fairly regularly (3-4 weeks) they never caused a problem.

I never managed to stop them crapping on the bathroom floor if their littrbox wasn't daisy-fresh though - but I did train them to pee in the bath rather than on the carpets.

raeanna74 · 08-14-2006, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel_

...When I had cats I clipped their claws...

We even did that with the cat we hadn't declawed. I don't know her problem. We also had problems with her NOT using the litter box so it's likely we just had a stupid cat.

*Nikki* · 08-14-2006, 02:37 PM

The clinic I work at declaws with a laser and we charge about $250. The best time to get the procedure done is now while the pet is young and this makes it easier on the pet and the doctor doing it.

With a laser the blood vessels are cauterized at the same time the claws are removed so there is no bleeding and no bandages. The cats have no trouble walking right after the procedure. I would highly recommend doing this less painful method rather then the old way with a scapel blade.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask me, as I do this routinely at work.

snowy · 08-14-2006, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakran

As others have mentioned - if you declaw a cat, it stays inside all the time.

I would have liked to see anyone try that with my Fuzzy. She WOULDN'T, COULDN'T stay inside even after we moved to the suburbs and Mom got her declawed. Then when we moved back out to the country, we had no worries--Fuzzy learned to hit very hard and choke her prey, as well as attack with her back claws. She adapted.

That said, we would not declaw a cat again. I would much rather just train them not to claw, because it really isn't all that hard to do, and if you provide the cat alternatives to clawing your furniture, it will choose the alternative with the right training.

Catnip goes a long way

MexicanOnABike · 08-14-2006, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lurkette

Have you tried providing attractive alternatives, like

http://www.catclaws.com/scratchingpads.html#4

Our cats LOVE these - they're catnip-filled, and they freak for them. And as long as we keep them fresh, they don't take a second look at our furniture. Put it right next to the furniture item they like scratching. Gradually move it away as they transfer their preference to the scratching pad.

Other options include keep-away spray, double-stick tape, and motion-sensitive alarms.

It's your cat, and I suppose a maimed cat with a home is better than a dead cat or a homeless cat, but really it would be more humane to find it a home that doesn't mind some clawing and get yourself a cat that doesn't scratch.

those look cool. i'll check it out next time I visit the pet store. although he does use HIS scratch post all the time. the real problem is that he's not scratching the furniture like on the post but more like when he plays, he will take out his claws. it's the same when he sees a bird in the window(claws come out.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Nikki*

The clinic I work at declaws with a laser and we charge about $250. The best time to get the procedure done is now while the pet is young and this makes it easier on the pet and the doctor doing it.

With a laser the blood vessels are cauterized at the same time the claws are removed so there is no bleeding and no bandages. The cats have no trouble walking right after the procedure. I would highly recommend doing this less painful method rather then the old way with a scapel blade.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask me, as I do this routinely at work.

this laser technique is done everywhere? (i live in north ontario canada)
but it does sound like a good method.

thanks for all the info!!

level five · 08-14-2006, 03:08 PM

i don't have a cat anymore. i have had several over the years. we were able to coexist only because they lost their front claws. otherwise, i would have cuased severe bodily harm with all the couch damage. funny thing was, one of them was still able to go outside and catch baby rabbits and leabe them at the door for us - with no front claws.

shakran · 08-14-2006, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onesnowyowl

I would have liked to see anyone try that with my Fuzzy. She WOULDN'T, COULDN'T stay inside even after we moved to the suburbs and Mom got her declawed. Then when we moved back out to the country, we had no worries--Fuzzy learned to hit very hard and choke her prey, as well as attack with her back claws. She adapted.

It's blunt time again. I'm sorry, but you're placing the blame on the wrong individual. It's not that the cat wouldn't/couldn't stay inside. The cat's caretakers wouldn't take the steps necessary to keep the cat inside, like, oh, say, closing the doors. The cat went outside because you and presumably your mother allowed her to.

So I say again, if you get a cat declawed, it should *without exception* stay inside its entire life. You cannot take an animal's defenses away from it and then send it out in the world where it might get attacked. Just because Fuzzy got lucky and it didn't get her killed does not mean other cats will be so lucky.

NeoRete · 08-14-2006, 03:44 PM

I'm surprised that nail capping hasn't been mentioned. The caps are made of vinyl and are glued (with a kitty-safe formula) onto the cat's existing nails. Once the nail caps are applied they remain in place for approximately 4-6 weeks and then will fall off with the natural growth of the cat's nails. It can be done at the vet's office or you can buy a kit at http://www.softpaws.com/ (although I have never tried to buy them online). As with the option of declawing, it leaves your cat defenseless, so it can't go outdoors. I guess the option really depends on if the cat is comfortable with accessories, and if you (or your vet) can manage to get the caps on.

If the cat isn't scratching directly at the couch, it might might stop the cat from scratching outright until it refines control of its claws and would allow it to become an outdoor cat later on.

ShaniFaye · 08-14-2006, 03:49 PM

I did mention that.....in post #3 where I said more than one vet has told me not to waste my time on them. I've also talked to people that have tried them and told me the same thing

ratbastid · 08-14-2006, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakran

It's blunt time again. I'm sorry, but you're placing the blame on the wrong individual. It's not that the cat wouldn't/couldn't stay inside. The cat's caretakers wouldn't take the steps necessary to keep the cat inside, like, oh, say, closing the doors. The cat went outside because you and presumably your mother allowed her to.

Aaand... you have had cats, right?

Quote:

So I say again, if you get a cat declawed, it should *without exception* stay inside its entire life. You cannot take an animal's defenses away from it and then send it out in the world where it might get attacked. Just because Fuzzy got lucky and it didn't get her killed does not mean other cats will be so lucky.

This is part of why, IMO, cats shouldn't be declawed: they live for fifteen years or more, and you have no idea what their needs will be down the road. Our first cat was an indoor-only cat, and when our second cat came a few years later, the house wasn't big enough for the both of them. Only giving in to First Cat's demands to be indoor-outdoor brought sanity to our home. And now the same thing is happening with Second Cat and Third Cat. (lurkette wants Fourth Cat, but if she gets one, she'll be shopping for Second Husband.

)

longbough · 08-14-2006, 05:04 PM

DON'T DO IT!!

My ex-girlfriend had 2 beautiful Siamese kittens in her house. We'll call them M. (brother) and S. (sister) (I'm abbreviating their names in case my ex lurks these forums). The kittens soon became cats and did what cats do ... play, sleep, eat and claw furniture. My ex thought of declawing them and, despite my own reservations, I helped her research for objective professional opinion. When we found there was no clear consensus she decided to have it done - explaining that they were indoors cats anyway (and she was right). So she had their front paws declawed.

I moved out after we broke up but we remained friends. Months later I got a call from my ex that S. was missing. The cats went out to play (the "indoors rule" is never 100%) but only M. returned. S. was missing for weeks and never came back. So my ex was only with M. for about another year ... and last week she called me again ... M. went outside and also hasn't returned.

Without front paws those cats can't defend themselves or escape up trees. When they were first declawed they'd bat at each other and us with blunt paws and we thought it was cute at the time. Now my feelings on the matter are quite strong.

DON'T DO IT!!

ShaniFaye · 08-14-2006, 05:19 PM

I will beg to differ if you dont mind....the cat I had to leave with my ex..Sarah..who is now 11 years old was declawed....didnt stop her one single bit from climbing door frames and hanging upside down from the middle of the frame overhead. The cat could and would climb any frame in the house

I'd like to repeat....any cat that is allowed to "go out and play" should never be declawed. Im one of those that doesnt believe in my baby going outside....and they dont...period...there is no getting away from me....at least not yet

longbough · 08-14-2006, 05:27 PM

I don't want to "demonize" my ex for declawing her cats. The idea came from her sister who has a decalwed cat and lives in the country. But her sister's cat is this longhaired lazy sofa-beast. Unquestionably that cat was the very definition of indoor.

In retrospect the Siamese cats were different. But I wouldn't even take the chance anymore.

thingstodo · 08-15-2006, 03:22 AM

I think it depends on the cat.

I've had cats that were fine and didn't damage anything and loved their clawing devices. Ive also had cats that never grew out of the kitten behavior of clawing every item in the house.

Psycho Dad · 08-15-2006, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakran

As others have mentioned - if you declaw a cat, it stays inside all the time.

My wife's cat was declawed on the front paws only. She is quite capable of defending herself as my Vizsla would testify. Watching her in the yard I would damn near think she enjoys fighting.

My cat on the other hand has all four sets of claws and gets his ass kicked by stray Toms all the time.

Lady Sage · 08-15-2006, 04:21 AM

Declawing a cat means amputating roughly half of each of its fingers. I inherited a declawed cat and I pity anyone who tries to touch her front paws. I have had cats since dinosaurs ruled the earth and I have yet to have an issue with clawing. Then again, I make a regular habit of trimming their nails, providing a cat tree and employing the use of the aforementioned squirt bottle. Also the Bitter Apple type sprays make pets avoid the areas you dont want them in.

(My couch is suede and there has never been so much as a hint of a hole in it.)

raeanna74 · 08-15-2006, 04:40 AM

In defense of clawless cats defending themselves...
My parents cat was declaws on her front claws and we still trimmed her back claws. The neighbor dog came over to investigate our dog and cat who were outside. Our cat got between the dogs (our dog was cowering against the deck steps) and growled and hissed. When the neighbor dog didn't take the hint she smacked that dog on the nose with her bare paw (trust me she could really make it sting) and then when the dog jerked away she leaped to his back. He freaked and ran, with our cat attached, hissing, and yowling, to the edge of the yard and beyond. When he got to the edge of the yard he leaped off.

As for letting them out... My parents cat would not leave the yard. She'd even walk the property line like a sentinal to defend it from rogue squirrels and dogs.

Our cat now is a master of slipping out between your feet when you try to go out the door. Finally I gave in to the point that I put her on a light leash outside. She has the run of the whole back yard on that leash. She's to the point now that when I open the door she'll dash out and flop on the deck to wait for me to hook up the leash. But she doesn't stay out there if we're not home.

Kadath · 08-15-2006, 04:47 AM

I agree that declawing is cruel. Clipping the cat's nails is not difficult at all, nor is teaching them not to scratch. I feel that declawing is the lazy way out of being a good owner -- akin to relying on the government to protect your children from offensive material rather than taking on the task yourself.

abaya · 08-15-2006, 05:38 AM

Yeah, I'd vote no on the declawing, just because my philosophy on pets is that people shouldn't have them for the sake of convenience (and conversely, people shouldn't dump them/remove claws because they become inconvenient). They should be cared for as animal companions, not entertainment items. If the furniture is more important than your cat, then that's an issue of priorities (and/or boundaries with the cat; block it from going into the room with the nice couches).

We had cats all throughout my childhood, and they were indoor/outdoor. Our couches never suffered because the cats did most of their claw-business outdoors (sharpening, hunting, climbing, etc)... by the time they came inside, they just wanted to eat and sleep. In any case, the couches were old and it didn't matter much what the cats did to them... it wasn't enough to notice.

Ours was a rough-and-tumble house with plenty of pets and nothing too expensive to be broken/shredded.

If I had a fancy house now, I wouldn't keep a pet that might be destructive (get a fish! or a hamster, jeesh).

MexicanOnABike · 08-15-2006, 07:00 AM

well I think that you convinced me not to declaw the cat's front paws. now can you tell me about some of the ways to keep him off a couch even if he doesnt scratch it. and i mean when noone is home. I don't want to keep him in a cage all day or in a room all day. we're allready blocking him from the basement and that seemed to work.

Sultana · 08-15-2006, 07:51 AM

Well, let's see. You can keep a prickly cover (like the office plastic mats for the chairs to roll over on carpet, you know? The undersides of those have nubs to keep them in one place on the carpet) on the couch when you're gone.

I also use double-sided sticky tape on the corners of my couches, but I don't know how well that'd go over on leather. I get mine at PetSmart, and they're guaranteed to not leave a mark on the couches. But I haven't investigated leather options.

In your OP, you were concerned about "attitude change". The only thing that can engender that type of change is getting them fixed. For some it's an amazing "calmer-downer", for others, not so much (although it tends to be more effective on males). But at 5 months, he's still a baby, and will still act like a baby. I think the 6 month mark is when you can get them fixed.

Oh, is he an only cat? Perhaps a buddy (older, I'm thinking) would give him something else to focus on.

Lastly, I'm assuming you have a scratching post, yes? Even if you do, I've had *great* success in keeping several different kinds around the house--one is fisal (rough rope) wrapped, one is carpet-covered with a hidey hole, and the last is a grand carpet-wrapped ladder/platform thing. When I had only the fisal post, they didn't pay much attention to it. But when I got the carpet-covered ones, they went nuts over it and pretty much leave the furniture alone.

MexicanOnABike · 08-15-2006, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sultana

Well, let's see. You can keep a prickly cover (like the office plastic mats for the chairs to roll over on carpet, you know? The undersides of those have nubs to keep them in one place on the carpet) on the couch when you're gone.

ah ya! i think that was the 1st problem. when my parents left for vacation, i told em to put something on the couch to prevent any scratch marks. well the stupid cat got UNDER the blanket and thought he was being attacked or something so he started playing with the blanket and that's when he 1st hit the couch.

Quote:

I also use double-sided sticky tape on the corners of my couches, but I don't know how well that'd go over on leather. I get mine at PetSmart, and they're guaranteed to not leave a mark on the couches. But I haven't investigated leather options.

can you explain to me how the tape helps?

Quote:

In your OP, you were concerned about "attitude change". The only thing that can engender that type of change is getting them fixed. For some it's an amazing "calmer-downer", for others, not so much (although it tends to be more effective on males). But at 5 months, he's still a baby, and will still act like a baby. I think the 6 month mark is when you can get them fixed.

we got our cat from the SPCA and they do not give away animals that are not fixed so he was fixed at 4months old. and he was CRAZY right away.
i was really concerned about declawing and attitude. one of my friend got one of his cat declawed and all he did was sleep and eat. so he became HUGE! while his other cat was not declawed and stayed thin. same house and everything.

Quote:

Oh, is he an only cat? Perhaps a buddy (older, I'm thinking) would give him something else to focus on.

i dont think we could handle more than 1 animal in the house right now but he was interested in seeing the neighbours cat.

Quote:

Lastly, I'm assuming you have a scratching post, yes? Even if you do, I've had *great* success in keeping several different kinds around the house--one is fisal (rough rope) wrapped, one is carpet-covered with a hidey hole, and the last is a grand carpet-wrapped ladder/platform thing. When I had only the fisal post, they didn't pay much attention to it. But when I got the carpet-covered ones, they went nuts over it and pretty much leave the furniture alone.

Yes I have one. but like i previously said, he uses the scratch post all the time. the problem is that the claws come out whenever so if he's just sleeping on the couch, then a bad dream could cause marks all over it. like last week, he was just laying there looking outside(big window in a small town so it's full of birds everywhere) and whenever he saw a bird, he took out his claws. now i know there has to be a way and he does listen when we're around. the problem is when we leave.

I heard about the liquid that cats hate or something similar to that. can anyone give me their opinions on such product?

snowy · 08-15-2006, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexicanonabike

can you explain to me how the tape helps?

Cats hate sticky stuff on their paws. HATE it.

08-14-2006, 07:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
MexicanOnABike Location: up north	declawing your cat I have a new baby cat and he's acting like one right now. going crazy all the time so when we finaly left him alone for a few hrs, he ripped the new leather couch in a few places. so before my dad kills him, i'd like to see if it's possible to get him declawed. i'd like your opinion on if you did it to your animal, if it changed him somehow and if it was worth it. ps: he's about 5months old. __________________ - Movie Reviews - Ratings-

08-14-2006, 07:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	I always wanted a declawed cat, then I saw how they declawed them and it just didn't sit right with me. Really, it's about being vigilant about keeping discipline via squirt gun, tacky tap, and the smell stuff I forget the name. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

08-14-2006, 08:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	Mograna is the first cat I've had that wanst declawed, LOTS of people are going to tell you how cruel it is and that you're abusing the animal if you do...they have their right to their opinion.When you've had 3 VERY bad infections due soley to be scratched by a cat its something you do (especially when one of them was in your eye and still affects you 25 years later). If you dont want to declaw a cat fine...dont, if you'd rather see cats in shelters put to sleep because people want to adopt a declawed cat over one thats still clawed...fine thats your right too. (can you tell I get pissed at people that preach to me Im too lazy to teach my cat not to claw?) I have had cats my entire life, almost all of them declawed, (front feet only) even cats we picked up as strays and not one single one of them was any different after than it was before. They still played and did things the same exact way. I dont think its good to declaw a cat thats allowed to be an indoor/outdoor cat...they need that defense if you let them out in the neighboorhood, but I have no problem with doing it to an indoor cat. I will give you a word of advice as told to me by several vets....those soft paw things are a waste of time and money and not worth the money and the aggravation it takes to get them ON the cat. __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!* Last edited by ShaniFaye; 08-14-2006 at 08:18 AM..

08-14-2006, 08:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	If you declaw your cat, you're removing a very powerful security device from your home. I mean, launching your cat at an intruder's face is a very effective form of self defense. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

08-14-2006, 08:55 AM	#11 (permalink)
highthief Junkie Location: Ontario, Canada	I agree with the squirt gun philosophy. Put me in the "that's cruel" camp when it comes to declawing. I have pets so as to take care of them not to cut off their bodyparts. __________________ Si vis pacem parabellum.

08-14-2006, 08:25 AM	#5 (permalink)
shoegirl Addict Location: Ohio	I've got a cat (indoors only) and I had her declawed - just her front paws. I got her declawed as soon as the vet said she was old enough. When she came home from the vet, she walked carefully for a day or two, but she was completely fine after that. She never seemed pissed off at me, like some cats get - and she's been a great cat so far. For indoor cats, I think it's a great idea. And I left the back claws just incase she gets out or something happens, that way she can still defend herself.

08-14-2006, 08:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
shakran Tone.	there's a relatively new method of declawing that supposedly causes much less (some say no) pain. It uses a laser. If you're going to have it done, I'd recommend making sure they use that method. As others have mentioned - if you declaw a cat, it stays inside all the time.

08-14-2006, 11:41 AM	#14 (permalink)
aberkok “Wrong is right.” Location: toronto	I agree with the above post. Don't declaw your cat. If you want a cat without claws, that's like having a baby without fingers. It's selfish. I don't judge other people until they inflict this sort of nonsense on others. A cat should be admired and cared for for what it is, not what you want it to be. This subject makes me really angry. My step-sister-in-law bought a dog which was genetically modified not to bark. Ridiculous. __________________ !check out my new blog! http://arkanamusic.wordpress.com Warden Gentiles: "It? Perfectly innocent. But I can see how, if our roles were reversed, I might have you beaten with a pillowcase full of batteries."

08-14-2006, 11:59 AM	#15 (permalink)
MexicanOnABike Location: up north	eh. thanks for the replies randygurl. the reason we would get this is because he scratches the couch and nothing stops him from this. so he has 4 options: stop completely, get declawed, return to the spca, or killed by my dad. so i figured, since he's not stopping even after many diffrent tries(yelling, hitting, putting him on his scratch post, the water technique, and putting him away in his cage for a few min). but i will show this to my dad since he's the one dealing with the damage/paying for repairs or paying for the declawing. __________________ - Movie Reviews - Ratings-

08-14-2006, 12:19 PM	#16 (permalink)
lurkette My future is coming on Moderator Emeritus Location: east of the sun and west of the moon	Have you tried providing attractive alternatives, like http://www.catclaws.com/scratchingpads.html#4 Our cats LOVE these - they're catnip-filled, and they freak for them. And as long as we keep them fresh, they don't take a second look at our furniture. Put it right next to the furniture item they like scratching. Gradually move it away as they transfer their preference to the scratching pad. Other options include keep-away spray, double-stick tape, and motion-sensitive alarms. It's your cat, and I suppose a maimed cat with a home is better than a dead cat or a homeless cat, but really it would be more humane to find it a home that doesn't mind some clawing and get yourself a cat that doesn't scratch. __________________ "If ten million people believe a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing." - Anatole France

08-14-2006, 12:31 PM	#17 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	My family has have numerous cats. Our neighbor at one point was a vet and convinced us to not declaw one of our cats. She was a bitch. She was spayed at the same time as the rest of them but she would not sheath her claws when it came to Dad's chair, our couch, our arms and legs, and my stuffed animals. I had to shut my bedroom door all the time. Spraying water, using a fly swatter on her, noise, smelly stuff (more than one kind or brand but enough to make us hate the smell of some of them too), sticky tape, covering the couch and chair, EVERYTHING recommended, we did. Maybe we were unlucky to get a cat with a bad attitude. But ever since we've gotten them declawed at the same time as spaying or neutering. Our 3 yr old cat is fine with no front claws. We did not remove her rear claws. We had it done at the same time as she was spayed and she layed around for 2 days after being spayed. They do not (or at least at her vets) bandage them all up thoroughly. I do not know if they did the lasor method but she had almost no visible sign of being declawed. We picked her up the day after. She had liquid stitches on her paws. We kept oatmeal in her litter box instead of litter for a week. She was running and playing within 3 days and had no change in attitude - except when it came to going in the car but I think that would have happened with just the spaying. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

08-14-2006, 12:38 PM	#18 (permalink)
Daniel_ Evil Priest: The Devil Made Me Do It! Location: Southern England	I've never heard of declawing up to now - I'm pretty sure it's illegal to surgically alter animals for anything other than control of fertility or repairing injury in the UK. I know that they chnged the law a couple of years back to ban pinning ears and docking tails on horses and dogs. When I had cats I clipped their claws. As indoor cats they didn't scratch the furniture for a few weeks and as long as I cut their claws fairly regularly (3-4 weeks) they never caused a problem. I never managed to stop them crapping on the bathroom floor if their littrbox wasn't daisy-fresh though - but I did train them to pee in the bath rather than on the carpets. __________________ ╔═════════════════════════════════════════╗ Overhead, the Albatross hangs motionless upon the air, And deep beneath the rolling waves, In labyrinths of Coral Caves, The Echo of a distant time Comes willowing across the sand; And everthing is Green and Submarine ╚═════════════════════════════════════════╝

08-14-2006, 02:37 PM	#20 (permalink)
Nikki ~~~~~~~ Location: Charleston, SC	The clinic I work at declaws with a laser and we charge about $250. The best time to get the procedure done is now while the pet is young and this makes it easier on the pet and the doctor doing it. With a laser the blood vessels are cauterized at the same time the claws are removed so there is no bleeding and no bandages. The cats have no trouble walking right after the procedure. I would highly recommend doing this less painful method rather then the old way with a scapel blade. If you have any more questions feel free to ask me, as I do this routinely at work.

08-14-2006, 03:08 PM	#23 (permalink)
level five Banned	i don't have a cat anymore. i have had several over the years. we were able to coexist only because they lost their front claws. otherwise, i would have cuased severe bodily harm with all the couch damage. funny thing was, one of them was still able to go outside and catch baby rabbits and leabe them at the door for us - with no front claws.

08-14-2006, 03:44 PM	#25 (permalink)
NeoRete Crazy Location: Cape Cod	I'm surprised that nail capping hasn't been mentioned. The caps are made of vinyl and are glued (with a kitty-safe formula) onto the cat's existing nails. Once the nail caps are applied they remain in place for approximately 4-6 weeks and then will fall off with the natural growth of the cat's nails. It can be done at the vet's office or you can buy a kit at http://www.softpaws.com/ (although I have never tried to buy them online). As with the option of declawing, it leaves your cat defenseless, so it can't go outdoors. I guess the option really depends on if the cat is comfortable with accessories, and if you (or your vet) can manage to get the caps on. If the cat isn't scratching directly at the couch, it might might stop the cat from scratching outright until it refines control of its claws and would allow it to become an outdoor cat later on. __________________ Charlie was a chemist but Charlie is nomore, what Charlie thought was H2O was H2SO4

08-14-2006, 03:49 PM	#26 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I did mention that.....in post #3 where I said more than one vet has told me not to waste my time on them. I've also talked to people that have tried them and told me the same thing __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

08-14-2006, 05:04 PM	#28 (permalink)
longbough Soylent Green is people. Location: Northern California	DON'T DO IT!! My ex-girlfriend had 2 beautiful Siamese kittens in her house. We'll call them M. (brother) and S. (sister) (I'm abbreviating their names in case my ex lurks these forums). The kittens soon became cats and did what cats do ... play, sleep, eat and claw furniture. My ex thought of declawing them and, despite my own reservations, I helped her research for objective professional opinion. When we found there was no clear consensus she decided to have it done - explaining that they were indoors cats anyway (and she was right). So she had their front paws declawed. I moved out after we broke up but we remained friends. Months later I got a call from my ex that S. was missing. The cats went out to play (the "indoors rule" is never 100%) but only M. returned. S. was missing for weeks and never came back. So my ex was only with M. for about another year ... and last week she called me again ... M. went outside and also hasn't returned. Without front paws those cats can't defend themselves or escape up trees. When they were first declawed they'd bat at each other and us with blunt paws and we thought it was cute at the time. Now my feelings on the matter are quite strong. DON'T DO IT!!

08-14-2006, 05:19 PM	#29 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I will beg to differ if you dont mind....the cat I had to leave with my ex..Sarah..who is now 11 years old was declawed....didnt stop her one single bit from climbing door frames and hanging upside down from the middle of the frame overhead. The cat could and would climb any frame in the house I'd like to repeat....any cat that is allowed to "go out and play" should never be declawed. Im one of those that doesnt believe in my baby going outside....and they dont...period...there is no getting away from me....at least not yet __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

08-14-2006, 05:27 PM	#30 (permalink)
longbough Soylent Green is people. Location: Northern California	I don't want to "demonize" my ex for declawing her cats. The idea came from her sister who has a decalwed cat and lives in the country. But her sister's cat is this longhaired lazy sofa-beast. Unquestionably that cat was the very definition of indoor. In retrospect the Siamese cats were different. But I wouldn't even take the chance anymore.

08-15-2006, 03:22 AM	#31 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	I think it depends on the cat. I've had cats that were fine and didn't damage anything and loved their clawing devices. Ive also had cats that never grew out of the kitten behavior of clawing every item in the house. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

08-15-2006, 04:21 AM	#33 (permalink)
Lady Sage Mistress of Mayhem Location: Canton, Ohio	Declawing a cat means amputating roughly half of each of its fingers. I inherited a declawed cat and I pity anyone who tries to touch her front paws. I have had cats since dinosaurs ruled the earth and I have yet to have an issue with clawing. Then again, I make a regular habit of trimming their nails, providing a cat tree and employing the use of the aforementioned squirt bottle. Also the Bitter Apple type sprays make pets avoid the areas you dont want them in. (My couch is suede and there has never been so much as a hint of a hole in it.)

08-15-2006, 04:40 AM	#34 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	In defense of clawless cats defending themselves... My parents cat was declaws on her front claws and we still trimmed her back claws. The neighbor dog came over to investigate our dog and cat who were outside. Our cat got between the dogs (our dog was cowering against the deck steps) and growled and hissed. When the neighbor dog didn't take the hint she smacked that dog on the nose with her bare paw (trust me she could really make it sting) and then when the dog jerked away she leaped to his back. He freaked and ran, with our cat attached, hissing, and yowling, to the edge of the yard and beyond. When he got to the edge of the yard he leaped off. As for letting them out... My parents cat would not leave the yard. She'd even walk the property line like a sentinal to defend it from rogue squirrels and dogs. Our cat now is a master of slipping out between your feet when you try to go out the door. Finally I gave in to the point that I put her on a light leash outside. She has the run of the whole back yard on that leash. She's to the point now that when I open the door she'll dash out and flop on the deck to wait for me to hook up the leash. But she doesn't stay out there if we're not home. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

08-15-2006, 04:47 AM	#35 (permalink)
Kadath Muffled Location: Camazotz	I agree that declawing is cruel. Clipping the cat's nails is not difficult at all, nor is teaching them not to scratch. I feel that declawing is the lazy way out of being a good owner -- akin to relying on the government to protect your children from offensive material rather than taking on the task yourself. __________________ it's quiet in here

08-15-2006, 05:38 AM	#36 (permalink)
abaya Location: Iceland	Yeah, I'd vote no on the declawing, just because my philosophy on pets is that people shouldn't have them for the sake of convenience (and conversely, people shouldn't dump them/remove claws because they become inconvenient). They should be cared for as animal companions, not entertainment items. If the furniture is more important than your cat, then that's an issue of priorities (and/or boundaries with the cat; block it from going into the room with the nice couches). We had cats all throughout my childhood, and they were indoor/outdoor. Our couches never suffered because the cats did most of their claw-business outdoors (sharpening, hunting, climbing, etc)... by the time they came inside, they just wanted to eat and sleep. In any case, the couches were old and it didn't matter much what the cats did to them... it wasn't enough to notice. Ours was a rough-and-tumble house with plenty of pets and nothing too expensive to be broken/shredded. If I had a fancy house now, I wouldn't keep a pet that might be destructive (get a fish! or a hamster, jeesh). __________________ And think not you can direct the course of Love; for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. --Khalil Gibran

08-15-2006, 07:00 AM	#37 (permalink)
MexicanOnABike Location: up north	well I think that you convinced me not to declaw the cat's front paws. now can you tell me about some of the ways to keep him off a couch even if he doesnt scratch it. and i mean when noone is home. I don't want to keep him in a cage all day or in a room all day. we're allready blocking him from the basement and that seemed to work. __________________ - Movie Reviews - Ratings-

08-15-2006, 07:51 AM	#38 (permalink)
Sultana Falling Angel Location: L.A. L.A. land	Well, let's see. You can keep a prickly cover (like the office plastic mats for the chairs to roll over on carpet, you know? The undersides of those have nubs to keep them in one place on the carpet) on the couch when you're gone. I also use double-sided sticky tape on the corners of my couches, but I don't know how well that'd go over on leather. I get mine at PetSmart, and they're guaranteed to not leave a mark on the couches. But I haven't investigated leather options. In your OP, you were concerned about "attitude change". The only thing that can engender that type of change is getting them fixed. For some it's an amazing "calmer-downer", for others, not so much (although it tends to be more effective on males). But at 5 months, he's still a baby, and will still act like a baby. I think the 6 month mark is when you can get them fixed. Oh, is he an only cat? Perhaps a buddy (older, I'm thinking) would give him something else to focus on. Lastly, I'm assuming you have a scratching post, yes? Even if you do, I've had great success in keeping several different kinds around the house--one is fisal (rough rope) wrapped, one is carpet-covered with a hidey hole, and the last is a grand carpet-wrapped ladder/platform thing. When I had only the fisal post, they didn't pay much attention to it. But when I got the carpet-covered ones, they went nuts over it and pretty much leave the furniture alone. __________________ "Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential.