How could anyone who loves their cat declaw the poor thing?

Question

declawing is mutilation and torture for cats. there are many cats that get dumped off at shelters because their owners can't deal with the behavioral problems after they declawed it.

This procedure NEEDS to be outlawed in the US as it is in many other countries. there is no reason for it. it is nothing more than animal abuse.

Answer 1

i agree

Answer 2

I couldn't agree with you more!

Most other civilized countries have outlawed this practice (along with the docking of dogs tails except in the event of injury to the tail where amputation is the only viable solution), so why hasn't the US gotten with the program?

Look at the AKC, the "gold standard" for dogs, right? There they are promoting tail docking and ear cropping (which I also think is cruelty!). I believe they have finaly "relaxed" some of their "breed standards" and are allowing dogs with natural ears and tails to be shown. Sadly you see VERY few dogs who haven't been altered for cosmetic reasons.

There is no valid reason for a dog to have it's tail docked or ears cropped.

Most people are under the impression that cat declawings are simply the removal of the "nail". Until explained that the toe is amputated at the first joint (akin to having the tip of your finger removed at the joint below your fingernail) and it cuts nerves and tendons.

When I was a vet tech I assisted ONE declaw. I told them they could fire me, but I wouldn't NOT assist another declaw surgery. My gods it was horrific to watch and the SOUND. I never forgot the sound of the toe being cut. Ugh I still get green thinking about it!

And the recovery for the cat is horrible. They cry, chew the bandages off and l**k at their mutilated little feet. And ontop of THAT, they have to walk on those poor toes. How cruel can y ou get?

And the people who get ALL FOUR paws done? How would you like to have an itch and never be able to scratch it? It's just .. unfathomable that someone would willingly do this to an animal.

One day I'm sure we will see this change. One day.  

Answer 3

Anyone who would like to see it made illegal (there may still be exceptions made for unique, compelling situations), should go here and sign the petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeactio...

Answer 4

I completely agree with you...

Answer 5

I agree!  I think people who declaw their cats love their furniture more than their cats.

Answer 6

The problem is just basic lack of knowledge.  I was never taught by anyone what was involved in the procedure.  I was visiting a friend when I was 7 or 8 years old and her cat had been declawed.  I had no reason at the time to think anything of it.  It was just something unique about Quincy.  He was declawed and lived only indoors - that's all that was ever said about it.

When I was 13 or so, I learned about the specifics of the procedure on my own and I was simply horrified.  I couldn't believe anyone could do that to their pet, much less that vets (who are supposed to "do no harm") would actually perform the procedure.

I am glad to see you posted about this topic.  It is only through educating that folks learn the true nature of this procedure.  I know different strokes for different folks, but I don't even like docking of ears and tails in dogs.

Answer 7

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU!

It should be outlawed.

Do they do that to Dogs because they scratch the wood floors?

If your cat scratches there are ways to teach it not to do that!

AGAIN I AGREE TOTALLY!  

Answer 8

Probably b/c they are uneducated regarding the matter; I doubt a lot of people do it just to be "cruel", they probably just don't understand what they are actually doing.

Answer 9

Modern declaw methods are actually much kinder than in the past.  Declawing used to be done by using a scalpel to cut off the last digit of the toe, and was a long and tedious procedure with a long healing time.  Now, most vets use a laser to carterize where the nail used to be.  The healing time is much shorter and it's less invasive.  I also work at a vet clinic and we have clients come in to have their cats declawed all the time...the animals are given pain medication for several days after the declawing and a special litter is used to minimize pain and recovery time.  If you think alot of people abandon their animals because they have behavioral changes after being declawed, you need to think about how many cats are abandoned or just left outside because the owner can't handle the scratching.  

Answer 10

i adopted a declawed cat and she seems fine

Answer 11

My cat is declawed -- before anyone accuses me of being a bad owner, I have to say that the declawing wasn't my decision.  It was something that her previous owner had done.  I adopted her from the animal shelter a year ago, and she's had absolutely NO behavioral problems as a result of the declawing.  She's a very happy, healthy and well-adjusted kitty.  However, since it's a procedure that I would never have chosen to be done, I can't understand the reasons for it.  In my opinion, it's an unnecessary surgical procedure, and all surgeries carry risks.  Why put an animal through the trauma, pain and risks associated with surgery if it doesn't do anything to benefit the animal?  But that's just my opinion.  I try really hard not to judge others because maybe they're dealing with circumstances that I don't understand.

Answer 12

I agree, if you cant deal with your precious furniure getting a liitle scrachted, then dont get a cat! We even trained our cat not to scratch furniture by squirting him with a spray bottle when he does, and giving him a scratching post.

Answer 13

All of my cats are declawed and they are fine.    If people don't want to get their cats declawed than that's great but if they are worried about being badly scratched then they can get those nail cover things. (Sorry I forget what they're called ;-) )