Declawing a kitten....

Question

I keep getting mixed reviews on declawing cats. i have two cats at home that i grew up with, both are declawed but i am moving out on my own and getting my own kitten and now im reading all these articles about personality changes and how cruel it is to do, which i never even thought about before.. i feel horrible even considering it now that i know. should i still do it or deal with the damaged furniture and cat scratches.. am i being selfish?

Answer 1

YES you are being selfish.  Don't do it.  It is cruel.  They don't just cut "the nails" they amputate the bones.....everyone of them!  They can't protect themselves if they were to get out....they can't scratch themsleves....and it does leave emotional and traumatic scars with some.....not good!  No need to.  Get scratch posts and take time with your cat training it and assisting it with the right thing to do...ie. not scratching furniture....they are VERY smart.  They do listen.

Answer 2

I asked a similar question last night and all I got in response were threats and accusations that I was an evil person. Now I'm going to h**l for feeding my cat something I can buy at Walmart, AND for even considering declawing. I've never thought it was so bad either. A long time ago, we had a cat declawed... it was probably 20 years ago. She had to wear these weird casts on her paws that we had to take off after a few days, and it was just awful.

About 3 years ago my mom had her male cat declawed. I too had been reading about how awful it was and begged her not to do it, but he was completely tearing up our furniture, and he was so mean and ornery that not only could we train him, the vet's office workers (who now take the bandages off before they send the cat home) made my mother take her own cat's bandages off for the safety of the people working there. Again, he's been just fine since then. He didn't get any meaner... I don't see how he could have. He doesn't seem to miss them.

Here are some "for" arguments, because even though I'm incredibly torn about the whole issue - you see how adamant about it the "against" people are - I still have never seen any ill effects from it.

-- Cats don't really fight with their front claws, mostly just their teeth and back claws, but fronts still play a small part in defending themselves, so indoor-only is the way to go with a declawed cat.

-- The motion of scratching is very important to a cat, and it still is after declawing because there are scent glands that help them mark their territory and it is a pleasurable activity whether or not claws are involved.

-- You cannot compare a cat's anatomy to a human's. They are two totally different species. The only similar thing is front-facing eyes. IF you could compare a human's fingers to a cat's front claws, I think of it as cuts on the tops of the fingers near the cuticle deep enough to prevent the fingernails from continuing to grow, and the loss of the fingernail. However, humans don't use their fingernails AT ALL like cats use their claws, so there's really no comparison. As for those who say that cats carry their weight on their claws, I don't know any humans who carry their weight on only their fingernails and toenails. We balance ourselves with our toes, and if we walked on our hands we'd balance ourselves with our fingers. The toe joints that cats walk on are in tact.

-- People are going to say that people who don't want their cats to use their claws shouldn't even get cats. I love my cat, but I do consider it a possession. It is my cat; I paid for it. I take extremely good care of it. And if it solves problems of time and patience to train him, keeps me from having to fuss at him for scratching the wrong things, and if I won't have to worry about him tearing up the house out of frustration while I'm at work, then it seems the positives are also pretty convincing.

Having said that, I am not completely against declawing, but I am going to try some of the alternatives before I do that. I am getting Monkey neutered Friday, and I had also scheduled a declaw, but I cancelled it. If after a year I haven't been able to train him to scratch only his scratching post and no other alternatives work to protect my furniture, etc., then I will schedule a declaw. It will be a last resort, but I am not ruling it out.

Above all, if you see that you need to have your cat declawed, it is YOUR decision because it is your cat. These people on Yahoo Answers and the people who wrote websites do not know you or your needs. They are strangers, anonymous people who are comfortable threatening you behind their avatars and screen names. Take their opinions with a grain of salt, and make your own decision.

Answer 3

I've had 2 cats declawed and never noticed any ill effects from it.  They were sore for a few days but quickly got over it.  I'd much rather have to get my cat declawed then to have to get rid of my cat b/c it ruined all my furniture!  My 2 cats that were declawed just had the front ones done.  The one was a kitten when I had his done and the other was actually around 5 years old when hers were done.

Answer 4

I wouldn't do it personally, but the important thing is that if you want to have it done, have it done as early as possible, and only the front claws.  It is a much harder recovery on an adult cat.

The majority of cats adjust fine, in my opinion.  Occasionally some have surgery complications, chronic pain, or behavioral problems (like increased biting).  Plenty of cats also get dumped at shelters for damaging the furniture, though.

I think that clawed cats can be easy enough to live with if they are handled well as kittens so they don't scratch, their nails are kept trim, and they are provided with proper areas for scratching/scent marking.

Answer 5

De-clawing a cat is equivalent to having your fingers up to the second knuckle cut off. The cat is in pain, the cat becomes handi-cap, and yes, it is cruel.

And if you have precious furniture that you don't want scratched, then you shouldn't get a cat. Period. Declawing is NOT acceptable.  

Answer 6

According to the US Humane Society...Educated owners can easily train their cats to use their claws in a manner that allows animal and owner to happily coexist.

Declawing should be reserved only for those rare cases in which a cat has a medical problem that would warrant such surgery—or after exhausting all other options.

Answer 7

If you get your cat declawed, only get the front paws done. If your cat ever gets out and it has no claws, it can't defend itself against other animals. Don't worry about what other people say. Do what you want. I don't think it's a problem if you only take the frount claws.

Answer 8

Well you know now about the first knuckle being cut off too, and de-clawing leaves the cat unable to defend itself.  Purchase a small squirt bottle and when you see behavior you do not approve of let your kitten have a stream of water.  This works best if the cat dosen't see you with the water bottle.

Learn to clip your cats nails yourself.  It is not that hard and the younger the cat is when clipping is begun the more likely it will look forward to the pedi/manicure when it is older.

All the Best.

Answer 9

There personality does change for a while but they go right back to normal. If I were you I would get just the front claws taken out so that your cat can't scratch anything. If it accidentally gets outside then it will have its back claws as a defense.

Good luck and I hope this helps:)

Answer 10

wouldn't ever recommend it ever cats always need their claws to defend for themselves  

Answer 11

If you properly train your cat you sholdnt have problems with cat scratching. If you provide a cat it own designated cat scratch tree they most likely will not claw your furnature. I have had many cats in my life and none scratched on furnature. There are also products out there cover your cats nails and you can also clip them when they get sharp.

Declawing your cat is very cruel. Many cats tolerate pain their whole lives from the method of declawing, which pretty much mutilates your cats finger tips. It is horrible and just as selfish as cropping a dogs ears or tail. It is purely for selfish reasons and not for the wellfare or wellbeing of the animal. I recommend not doing it. There is only like a 5 % chance your kitten will scratch your couch if you give her her won piece of furnature to scratch, cat trees work great but must be the carpet covered ones, they work the best. And to initially stop your kitten from trying to claw furniture put some change into an aluminum can and shake it to scare your kitty from scrating that item, some people use a water squirt bottle, and others put up tin foil on the couch, cats dont like to scratch tin foil and will get used to scratching on their own post.

It is especially important not to declaw your cat if you intend to let him or her outside to play. They need these claws to climb tree to evade a predator like a dog chasing him/her. Good luck, hope I have helped a bit.

Answer 12

I declawed a kitten and will never do it again. I don't think it's right. BUT if you decide to do it: do it while they are kittens, it's easier on them.

I have worked at vets and have seen it done with a scalpel and with a laser. Spend the extra money on laser surgery. It is 10 times easier on them. They have less pain and recover faster.  

Answer 13

Read this...

http://amby.com/cat_site/declaw.html

Answer 14

it's horribly cruel. imagine having the tips of all your fingers sliced off. you can teach the kitten to not scratch furniture and get them a scratching post.

Answer 15

If you’re thinking about having your cat declawed, there are many things you should know before you make your decision.  The surgery is basically an American trend, and is considered inhumane and is illegal in many countries (England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Yugoslavia and Japan).  If that doesn’t impact your opinion about declawing, maybe this website will help you decide: http://community-2.webtv.net/stopdeclaw/...

I believe that people who have their cats declawed are uneducated.  It is not very difficult to train your cat to use a scratching post.  The surgery is not simply a trimming of the claws, it’s an amputation of the distal phalanx, including bones, ligaments, and tendons! To remove the claw, the bone, nerve, joint capsule, collateral ligaments, and the extensor and flexor tendons must all be amputated.  If you were to make a comparison, it would be like having the last joint of each of our fingers chopped off.  So of course it is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery.  There are often many complications in the healing process, including infection often from litter box use, resulting in a life-long aversion to the litter box.  Other declawed cats that can no longer mark with their claws, will mark with urine instead, resulting in inappropriate elimination problems.  

Many cats who have been declawed are traumatized and become withdrawn, nervous, fearful and/or aggressive.  Cats who went through the painful surgery are more prone to resort to biting when they feel threatened.  Since cats have emotional feelings (just like we do) they can resent you if you decided to get them declawed.  All of these things can cause depression and ultimately lead to an overweight cat.

If a cat who has been declawed accidentally escapes, he/she would be in great danger.  A cat needs it's claws to defend itself, as well as to escape by climbing.  The constant state of stress, caused by a feeling of defenselessness may make some declawed cats more prone to disease.  Also they cannot stretch their back and shoulder muscles like they do naturally when they dig their claws into a scratching post.  

One popular alternative is Soft Paws.  They are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws.  They're great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people who are away from home all day and can't exercise the watchfulness necessary to train a cat to use a scratching post.  Soft Paws are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks.  They come in clear or colors--which are really fun.

Most common types of damage are scratched furniture, ripped carpets and shredded wallpaper.  You want to eliminate the problem before it occurs.  Buy or build a stable, tall scratching-post, right from the start.  Here are some tips to do it right: If your cat is scratching your furniture or rugs, here is some advice on training them to use a scratching post:

• The post should be at least two feet high, covered with sisal-rope

• Get more than one, especially when you have a multi-cat household

• Place the post close to the furniture or other areas which are most at risk

• Introduce a new scratching-post with some catnip sprinkled on its surface.  Cats love that and it’s more attractive to them

• If your cat starts scratching the "wrong" object, say "NO" and gently carry your cat to the desired post.  Demonstrate how to use it by scratching the post with your own nails.  If the cat doesn‘t catch on after trying this repeatedly for a few days, gently pick up his paws rub them along the post.

• Never force your cat.  When it starts scratching the post by itself, make sure you use verbal praise with a rewarding treat and affection.  The cat needs to know that using the scratching post results in positive things such as affection, playing and treats.

• When you have a kitten, start early with the "pawing at post" technique

• Invest in what’s called a “cat tree” which acts also as a leisure area for your cat.  Different textures and heights make it more interesting, you perhaps want to build it yourself

• Try some repellent like pepper-dust or some commercial products on your furniture to keep your cat off these areas

• Be persistent and don't give up too soon

Use cat claw trimmers and only take off a tiny bit at the end of the nail. Some people say to do it every other week. I think it‘s safer to cut off less than you are told, and to do it more often, (like once a week). Never use trimmers that are made for humans or dogs, because you are more likely to hurt her that way. You can ask your vet or groomer to show you the proper way to do it. Here's a website that shows you how:  

http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/artic...

Answer 16

do not declaw its horrible, im sorry you already done it... look into the soft paws, they work wonders plus you can have them in any color you want, my cats wear them for the bunny rabit and my baby I donthave any problems with them at all, and they dont even realize they are wearing them... take em to the vet first so they can show you how to put them on

Answer 17

I know what you mean....We had three cats and got them all declawed when they were kittens. Now you always hear about how cruel it is...Talk to your vet about it and hear their opinion. I want to get a new kitten soon too but it's hard to predict because some cats scratch up furniture while others don't...

Answer 18

i personally think it is very cruel to declaw a cat and that most people who do it, do it for selfish reasons. declawing a cat is like cutting off a persons finger at the first knuckle. most people declaw their cats because they are afraid they will do damage to the furniture. there are other less cruel ways to get a cat to stop scratching S**t up, like spraying it with a water bottle when it does it. cats are smart, they learn. they dont need their claws ripped out. also if the cat ever gets outdoors you might as well kiss it goodbye if it doesnt have its claws, the poor thing pretty much has no way to defend itself other than biting. declawed cats also tend to be more bite-y because that is their only way to defend themselves.  

Answer 19

Declawing your cat is a big decision, and personally I think it is inhumane. But sometimes it's the only thing that can be done. When I got my cat, he was already declawed, only on his front paws. Declawing cats are not a good idea for outdoor cats.

But be aware declawing is VERY painful in the healing process. But it will heal eventually and the pain will stop onced healed.

People often mistake a cats claws to be like our finger and toe nails. But they're not. A claw is the equivelent of a bone.

Declawing can alter your pets personality but since yours is only a kitten, it won't be to drastic for him/her.

But don't feel horrible about yourself. I completely understand your situation and it is a hard decision. Some people will say you're bag of scum on this site if you declaw your kitten. But don't listen to them. They don't know the other side of the story well enough as you do!

I do think declawing your cat is wrong but I'm not going to accuse you. You do best for is best for you and your new family member. I hope you decide based on your own judgement and not on the negative outlooks from everyone else on this site. Take care of your kitten!

here are a few links you may look at on declawing:

http://www.declawing.com/

http://www.talktothevet.com/ARTICLES/CAT...

http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/9.html

http://www.catsinfo.com/declaw.html

Bless you!

You and your kitten!

I wish you the best of luck!

- Jellybean

Answer 20

You can have your cat''s claws be intact and NOT deal with damaged furniture and cat scratches! All you need to do is a little training...

http://www.Meow-Kitty.com/alternatives-d...

will give you more options to declawing your kitty.

Thank you for feeling horrible about thinking about declawing  your kitty. Shows you care and have a brain!

Answer 21

Okay, this is how I feel about it: Declawing is not bad. Now, watch me get all these thumbs down for it, Both of my cats are declawed, and they have never had any problems. If you get them declawed at a young age, they will grow up with not having their claws, and get used to it.

Both of my cats got it done at the vet, and they did it with a LASER, they didn't pull the cat's claws out, and from what I know,it didn't hurt them. Their paws were a bit tender after, but they'll get used to it.

No, you aren't, if you really don't want to get your kitten declawed, at a young age, get him a scratching post and teach him to use it. Also you can buy stuff that will keep him off of the furinture. BUt really, it's your desicion, not somebody elses. So do what you feel is best.

Answer 22

OMG DO NOT do that.

http://www.reigningcats.net/soapbox/NoDe...

Watch that GIF

http://www.reigningcats.net/soapbox/node...

http://www.catsinfo.com/declaw.html

It very painful and cruel.  It removes the first bone on their paws.  Cats use thier paws for everything.    Think about that, think having the first boen your fingers taken out, now type, and comb your hair.  They use thier paws to play, littler box useage, kneeding, etc.  Declawing isn't even allowed in most countries anymore because its too cruel.

EDIT to add

I just clip my cats nails if you're worried but if you train cat they won't ruin anything, mine never do.

Answer 23

think of it this way...

how would YOU like it if some guy came along and chopped your fingers off from the last knuckle.?

declawing doesnt just remove the nail, it removes the tips of their toes!

it is cruel and painfull, recovery is very painfull (how would you like to walk around after having your toes chopped off?)

and can actually do PERMINANT muscualr damage as cats use their claws as an anchor when stretching, they cannot full stretch without their claws

declawing often causes agressive biting issues also as the cat feels defensless.

many do it and their cat has no problems...

its still cruel.

get a deacent scrathing post, and a squirt bottle.

from day one when you bring kitten home show it the scrathcing post.

if you see the cat put his claws on your furniture or your skin a sharp no and squirt of water will soon teach kitty that furniture is NOT where claws are sharpend.

keep the nails clipped or invest in a product called "soft claws" which most vets and groomers now carry and will do for you, they are little plastic caps that go on OVER the nail (like false nails) they are clued in place and usually last 4-8 weeks, when they fall off back to the vet (or you can do it yourself) clip the nails and put new covers on.

these still allow the cat to fully extend their claws meaning they can still correctly stretch EVERY muscle in their body, they dont feel threatend because they still have their primary defence, but they cant scratch you or your furniture.