I have doll face persian. im a new cat owner so i really need heads up?

Question

i never had a cat and now i absolutely love my kitten. i was advised by coworkers and vet to declaw first two paws. i really dont know wat i should do. i have two children and a golden. i was told they scratch horribly when they get older. so i really dont know what to do

Answer 1

Don't declaw.

It's not necessary.  Cats can be taught to use a scratching post, and to be careful with family members.

Because you're a brand new cat owner, I really recommend getting a book from the library about them.  There's so much to learn.  Too much to type in this little box.  LOL!

"Cats for Dummies" is a good one.

I'm not against declawing, I just think it should be a last resort, when every thing else has failed and your considering getting rid of the cat.  Besides, you don't even know if your cat will be a problem scratcher.  Some cats wouldn't think of using their claws on family.  Wait.  Try training.

Answer 2

Please, please do not declaw.  cats can be trained to scratch on boards or posts you can buy for them ( they just have to be squirted with water

a few times, with a firm no said to them  if they transgress and they get the idea)   Congratulations about the wonderful kitty!!!  also, get it used to

being brushed.  

They need their claws for self confidence and defense.

Answer 3

If the cat is going to be an indoor cat it would be best to get it declawed.  It will save a lot of hassle from worrying about it scratching up furniture and having to buy scratching post or what not.  The cats don't even realize they are gone.  My 16 year old cat had them taken out young and she still tries to sharpen the removed claws on the corners of our couches.  The cat I own in my apartment has not been declawed and I am constantly trimming them and replacing his cardboard scratch pads.

If it will be going outdoors a lot it might be a good idea to keep them in, but even cats without front claws can climb trees with their back one's very well.  

Good luck with the kitten

p.s. i see a lot of people saying it is inhumane, it is not.  The cat is put under and is only really effected a short period of time.  If you get it done at the earliest time possible the cat won't resent you or even remember the incident.  And the only reason they may quit using the litter box is because you can't use regular cat litter for a few weeks after the surgery to they may grow used to another form of litter or bathroom...most cats do just fine.

Answer 4

No don't declaw your cat. It is inhumane to do so. Its like cutting part of your fingers off to the knuckle. It can be very painful for them they can become moody and stop using the litter box. If you are concerned about your furniture get a scratching post for you cat. You also can try cutting the nails back and getting those plastic things for there nails.

Answer 5

First off, a "Doll Face Persian" simply means a Persian that isn't show quality because it doesn't have the breed standard short face.  So I sure hope some "breeder" didn't charge you a lot for this cat.

Secondly, declawing is such a horrible and barbaric thing to do to a cat that it's actually ILLEGAL in many countries.  The cat isn't declawed - it's deTOED.  The toes are surgically removed at the first joint.  Would you do that to one of your children or yourself?

Thirdly, whoever you bought this from - that is, if they have even the slightest shred of humanity - most likely made you sign something stating that you would NOT declaw this cat.  If they didn't, well, then further proof you probably bought this "Persian" from a backyard breeder.

Cats only "scratch horribly" if they're not treated well.  I sure hope these are OLDER children.  If not then you have no business having a cat.  Babies and young children aren't intelligent enough to know when they're hurting a cat and can easily injure or even kill it.

I also hope you understand how high maintenance Persians are.  Their coats need to be fully combed at LEAST every other day to avoid matting.  You can't brush a Persian's coat.  Brushes will do little to remove the loose hairs of the undercoat and can break and pull out top coat hairs.  Not that any cat should be fed cheap grocery store dry food but especially so a Persian.  The lower quality food you give the cat, the worse condition it's coat will be.  Persians also need to have special attention to keep their eye area clear otherwise their eyes can get goopy and crusty and their fur tear-stained.  

If all of this sounds like "too much work" to you and if you still want to declaw this cat I beg you to find this cat another home.  I can't believe one person is saying it "isn't humane".  Give me a freaking break.  Please read this and educate yourself about declawing - http://www.declawing.com and don't take the advice of someone evil enough to have actually done this to his cat.  Paws have claws - if you didn't want claws you shouldn't have gotten this cat.

Answer 6

Many activist are against declawing, but IMO if it's declawing vs thrown outside declaw wins hands down. You would not ever put him out then it's your call. If he did get out accidentally they can still climb without the front claws but cannot defend themselves well.

And if declawing is your decision the getting it done at a young age is easier on them. Make sure to choose a reputable vet not the cheapest because things can go wrong.

Answer 7

Just wanted to make you aware that they don't just remove the nail of the cat when they declaw.  They actually cut off the toe at the first knuckle.  I can't imaging doing that to any animal.  Your decision.

Answer 8

Please don't listen to them. Declawing is so wrong and senseless on so may levels. The ONLY reason a Vet would tell you that is because he makes so much money on the operation. I'd go to a different Vet.

First Persians are big lovable pillows, and unless your kids or dog really harass her, she will sit on the couch and look beautiful and ignore them

Second, declawed cats frequently become biters because they have no defenses. A cat bite is much more dangerous than a scratch

Third, declawed cats often stop using the litter box because their paws hurt so much. And often they never re-learn because they associate the litter box with the pain

Learn to clip your kittens claws and change Vets.