What do you think about declawing a cat....front claws only???

Question

I have a 8 year old black cat and a 3 year old black cat, both are fixed and declawed. I read somewhere that if you get a cat declawed it's like cutting a person's finger off at the knuckle..... I mean it doesn't look like my cats suffered both are fat and happy and so is my furniture!! Just curious about your opinion's?

Answer 1

I have a cat..We declawed its fronts only!! :]]

Answer 2

I believe that declawing a cat is fine as long as the owners take care of the cat. I have 3 cats and all of them are declawed. I'm glad because I would get scratched a lot if they still had their claws.  

Answer 3

i ahve a cat too, he is older, and i have him declawed as well. my cat seems very happy and healthy, plus it saves on your furniture, if he was that miserable, i would see it in his attitude

Answer 4

im not sure what others think but i would do it to my cat because claws hurt alot (we have a cat) when our cat got declawed as a kitten she was never right since then. we got her fixed to. we dont know what went wrong but she HATES EVERYONE. except people who live in our house. she doesnt like us to hold or pet her either. and if other peole get near her she hisses and will attack. shes about 2 years old now i believe.

but then again there are some cats that are super nice and wouldnt attack unless you hurt it alot. so i guess it depends on the cat.  

Answer 5

with proper training, there is no need to declaw a cat.  we have 5 kids at home, 2 cats, and a dog, with real nice furniture and new carpet.  I didnt declaw my babies cuz i took the time to train them.  Its just like teaching a breeding pair not to spray or mark your house up.  Cats need to claw...provide adequate scratching posts.  we found one in each room...doesn't have to be in view either...works well for us.   cats scratch out of bordem, and stress besides sharpening.  Provide more activities for them.  tree houses, those lil circle things for them to bat a ball round and round.  h**l even paper rolled up and tossed across the floor.

there are options that should b tried before declawing. Before you declaw, ask yourself, has your cat ever made it outside?  If  so, you are only setting your cat up so it cannot defend its self.

There are claw caps that come in all sizes, and many different colors.  we used these when our lil buttheads were kittens.  as they grew we kept up with their training.  now as older cats, they still dont claw on anything cept their posts.  and they are over 13 years old.

Answer 6

My family's cats have always been declawed, and the only time I ever saw a problem with it was when I saw all those horror stories on the internet about it. When it's done right, there are no complications. Plus, cats aren't even smart enough to know they have claws, and they get the same satisfaction from "scratching" with no claws. Twenty years ago it was very painful and the cats had to wear casts on their feet and everything (our female cat was declawed that long ago), but a few years ago my mom's male cat was declawed because he was tearing up the furniture, and he was totally fine in a day or two. My kitten is only three months old and he hasn't scratched me or my furniture yet, just a rug I have in front of the kitchen sink. If he ever does, I will have no problem front declawing him. Sure the surgery can go wrong, but that's true for all surgeries. With a good vet who knows what he's doing, there are no problems and no long term effects for the cat. It's definitely not a given - get a cat, get it declawed - but if circumstances require it, why not?

Answer 7

My brother is blind in his right eye because of a certain cat's wily claws.

Needless to say, that cat is now declawed.

Answer 8

I worked at a vets for several years. It is a very painful and cruel procedure, and yes they do amputate the toe at the bone. As long as you have it done at an early age, they are quicker to heal and usually don't have any memory of the procedure. However, I have seen an older cat that had the procedure done and it had complications with bleeding for several days. It's mainly up to the owner, but I feel it's cruel.

Answer 9

Nope...

Here are some sites about declawing:

http://www.declawing.com/

If you don't like gory pictures, don't view, pictures of delcawing:

http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/declawpics....

An alternative:

http://www.softpaws.com/

I have one of my cats declawed- did that before I knew about declawing.  My foster cats will never be declawed and my other cat has never been declawed.

I don't do it!

Answer 10

I have no problem with declawing.  I have a cat that's declawed and I also work at a vet clinic.  It is like removing the first digit of your finger, but if people weren't allowed to declaw cats, there would be even MORE cats in shelters than there are now.  If it's done with the more modern method (laser instead of scalpel) it's much kinder than most people think, and the healing time is pretty short.

Answer 11

It is cruel to declaw your cat.  If I cut off your fingers you would adjust and be happy in a few years, but wouldn't you be happier if you still had them?  Oh, your precious furniture!  At least that's more important than the cats you probably claim to love.  Check this out:  declawing.com

Answer 12

I have 2 cats and one is declawed. I am going to get the other declawed b/c of the furniture  factor. I wouldnt have it any other way. It is good for a cat if you keep it indoors.  The following is copied/pasted from a very good website on declawing... GOOD LUCK It is not an easy decision.

If you are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a moment, and it will give you valuable information to help you in your decision.

First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude.

Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat.

No cat lover would doubt that cats--whose senses are much keener than ours--suffer pain. They may, however, hide it better. Not only are they proud, they instinctively know that they are at risk when in a weakened position, and by nature will attempt to hide it. But make no mistake. This is not a surgery to be taken lightly.

Your cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is unique to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design. Amputating the important part of their anatomy that contains the claws drastically alters the conformation of their feet. The cat is also deprived of its primary means of defense, leaving it prey to predators if it ever escapes to the outdoors.

I have also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being declawed. Although, the medical community does not recognize this as potential side effect.

Okay, so now you realize that declawing is too drastic a solution, but you're still concerned about keeping your household furnishings intact. Is there an acceptable solution? Happily, the answer is yes. A big, joyful, humane YES! Actually there are several. The following website "Cat Scratching Solutions" provides many solutions as well as and insight into the psychology of why cats scratch. You can teach your cat to use a scratching post (sisal posts are by far the best). You can trim the front claws. You can also employ aversion methods. One of the best solutions I've found is Soft Paws®.

Soft Paws 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. Now that's a kitty manicure! The colored caps look spiffy on Tabby or Tom and have the added advantage of being more visible when one finally comes off. Then you simply replace it. You can find Soft Paws® on the web by clicking here or call 1-800-989-2542.

You need to remember, though, that the caps and nail trimming should only be used on indoor cats who will not be vunerable to the dangers of the outdoors.

For a list of countries in which declawing is either illegal, or considered extremely inhumane and only performed only under extreme circumstances, or for medical reasons

Answer 13

Would you consider amputating a child's fingers or a dog's toes as a means of behavioral control? I have worked in cat shelters for 13 years and I could write a book about the horrors of declawing and all the cats I have seen die because of it. The behavioral, physical, and emotional problems that are the result of declawing should deter people from having this barbaric "surgery" (more like torture) performed on their pets if the mere fact that they are having multiple amputations performed on an animal doesn't stop them. Declawed cats usually become biters, often at some point refuse to use a litter box, and often develop arthritis in later years because they cannot walk properly on 2/3 of their toes. Why would you consider amputating a cat's toes to protect an inanimate object that does not feel pain or walk, when you could trim the nails like you trim your nails, and invest in a sturdy scratching post with a platform (placed near a window to encourage use) and a cheap cardboard scratch pad? Or you could have the vet trim the nails monthly if you can't do it at home. Or, as a last resort, try Soft Paws vinyl nail caps. Apply Sticky Paws to furniture that is being scratched while you teach a cat to use a scratching post.Why hasn't the U.S. banned declawing like most other "first world" countries have done? Do Americans lack compassion and empathy? (I am an American, BTW)

Answer 14

your cats are obviously ok now but that doesn't mean they didn't suffer pain when the procedure was done and afterwards. our cat ruined our £1000 carpet by scratching but we would never, ever have even considered putting her through unnecessary surgery-not that it's legal in the UK anyway. it's a cosmetic operation and not in a cats best interests-only the owners.

Answer 15

I wouldn't declaw my cats.  I think it sucks.  It's for the owner's pleasure.  Cat's claws are their defense mechanism.  It also helps them with their balance.  My cats used to climb trees, etc. when they were younger.  They love scratching on cardboards, and I find it adorable.  They never touch my furnitures, and even if they do... my cats can't be replaced, but furnitures can be replaced.  A cat scratch isn't too bad.   They usually are only light scratches, and if they do scratch badly, it's usually for a good reason.  The wounds do heal.  If you have a cat, then I think scratching is just something that is their nature.  

I never understand why people would want to do that to their cats.  I also never understand why people would get rid of their dogs vocal box so they stop barking.  Cat scratches, Dog barks... that's nature.

I don't think you are wrong or anything.  Some people didn't know that it's a bad thing when they did it.  Some people just don't think it's wrong, but it's a matter of opinion, so I'm just expressing my opinion :)

Answer 16

i have had cats both clawed and declawed, and heres what i think. if you declaw a cat while its still young, like before its a year old, they usually adapt quite well. people say its cruel, but recovery time is usually pretty fast. only declaw front claws unless the cat is indoor only. we had a kitten who had literally no control over her use of claws, front or back, she hurt herself and everyone who tried to rub her belly. so we had both front and back claws removed. she was only 8 months old, so she adapted well. shes happy and care free, and she still "sharpens" her would-be claws and her paw pads are actually sharp.  

Answer 17

It isn't good for a cat for them to be declawed. You are right in your assumption w/ cutting off a persons finger at the knuckle. It doesn't benefit the cat at all, it only hurts the cat. It is cruel.

Answer 18

Cats come with claws built in. They have a natural instinct to scratch. They provide protection, a means of exercise, and livelihood for the cats. Declawing is a painful mutilation of the cat's paws which involves removing the first joint of the cat's toes. It usually leads to bad behaviors like biting and not using the litter box which frequently ends them up in shelters. There are plenty of alternatives to declawing like scratch post training and claw caps. Declawing provides no benefits to the cat and is solely a quick fix for the convenience of the owner. People who can't deal with claws should not have cats. Did I mention it's illegal in 23 countries cited as animal cruelty?

Answer 19

It may not look like your cat suffering but that are. They need their claws for defense, even if they are indoors, scratching is ascential for them on a day to day. Scratching fullfills a lot of their needs. I have found that claw caps work really well, if you have a speacial reason. I use them.

http://www.softclaws.com/

Also a simple safe nail trimmer

www.pedipaws.com

Personally I think declawing is inhumane. But that's just an opinion.

Answer 20

I have 12 indoor cats.......with all of their claws!  The ONLY possible reason that I would EVER declaw a cat, is if a person in the house had a disease that would cause any cat scratch to bleed excessively and possibly cause their death!

Furniture can be replaced, and cats "first knuckles" don't need to be "sacrificed" for the "sake of the furniture".

Just my opinion................

Answer 21

It is not something I would choose to do to a cat, but there are worse fates (such as loosing their home).  When I look at the feet of declawed cats, often what I see is mutilated feet (it takes a very skilled vet to do a declaw so that there isn't deformities as a result).  I have three cats.  One is declawed, two are not.  The declawed cat is grumpier than the other two and frequently holds a paw off the ground as though it hurts him.  I do believe that he has some lasting pain (arthritis for one) from the declaw surgery almost 10 years ago.  I work for a vet and I have also seen some declaws gone horribly horribly wrong.  Yes, when a cat is declawed the distal phalanx (the fingers/toes of mammals are made up of three bones, the proximal, middle, and proximal phalanx...the distal phalanx would be the tip of your finger).  But if the vet doesn't get the entire distal phalanx, the claws can actually regrow...through the cat's healed skin or pads.  Declawed cats are more likely to bite than cats with all their claws.  

Answer 22

Well what do you think.?

Here are pics

http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/declawpics....

You had it done to your cat, are you brave enough to watch the whole procedure?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLzvnVTe4...

Answer 23

i think it is creul and heartless. how would you like getting your finger nails ripped out PERMANATLEY, without a choice??? that would cause pain, missery, suffering, and COMPLETE DISCOMFORT!!!!!!

Answer 24

When I first got my cat I didn't get educated on declawing, so I had it done to my cat (I got him from a shelter as opposed to the Humane Society). He was only a few weeks old and I felt awful about it when I saw him in his bandages. I was being selfish and didn't want him scratching my furniture, but the truth is, he still scratches it with his back claws anyway. I hate that I had it done, it has caused litter box problems and he doesn't have as good of balance as normal cats. I wont look at pics of the procedure, because I would feel even worse. So, it's up to you, but you might feel guilty.

Answer 25

I think its cruel and mean to declaw cats because they wont be there normal self.  How will they defend themselves or climb? They should just keep there claws just in case. And they need there claws for exercise and you care about the furniture? My mom doesn't like the cats sharpening there claws on the furniture either but thats what the scratching post for. There probably in pain.

Answer 26

The anatomy of the feline claw must be understood before one can appreciate the severity of declawing. The cat's claw is not a nail as is a human fingernail, it is part of the last bone (distal phalanx) in the cat's toe. The cat’s claw arises from the unguicular crest and unguicular process in the distal phalanx of the paw (see above diagram). Most of the germinal cells that produce the claw are situated in the dorsal aspect of the ungual crest. This region must be removed completely, or regrowth of a vestigial claw and abcessation results. The only way to be sure all of the germinal cells are removed is to amputate the entire distal phalanx at the joint.

Contrary to most people's understanding, declawing consists of amputating not just the claws, but the whole phalanx (up to the joint), 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. Thus declawing is not a "simple", single surgery but 10 separate, painful amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. A graphic comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the last joint of each finger.

Many vets and clinic staff deliberately misinform and mislead clients into believing that declawing removes only the claws in the hopes that clients are left with the impression that the procedure is a "minor" surgery comparable to spay/neuter procedures and certainly doesn't involve amputation (partial or complete) of the terminal-toe bone, ligaments and tendons. Some vets rationalize the above description by saying that since the claw and the third phalanx (terminal toe bone) are so firmly connected, they simply use the expression "the claw" to make it simpler for clients to "understand". Other vets are somewhat more honest and state that if they used the word "amputation", most clients would not have the surgery performed! Onychectomy in the clinical definition involves either the partial or total amputation of the terminal bone. That is the only method. What differs from vet to vet is the type of cutting tool used (guillotine-type cutter, scalpel or laser).

Answer 27

I think that it is horrific and a very cruel thing to do to your cat! I would never make my cats suffer like that. And yes, it is just like cutting your fingers off. It should be illegal all over the world. Your cats might be fat and happy right now but down the road, they might develop neurological issues!

So, my answer to your question is: I think it is inhumane!

Answer 28

As many others have said, it is amputation at the top knuckle of each toe.

I'm strongly against it.  Cats can learn to use scratching posts just fine.  I understand frustration with furniture getting destroyed, but between scratching posts (putting one near each of their favorite napping spots) and clipping their nails, it's unnecessary.

I appreciate that you're open-minded and asking.  (chuckling)  Though, your cats shouldn't be fat - that's bad for their health.

Answer 29

I think it's disgusting and selfish.

Do you realize what goes into declawing? It's not a simple removal of the claws but a full blown amputation of healthy toes. Declawing a cat means removing the entire first joint/bone of each toe. It'd be like cutting our fingers off at the first knuckle. Declawing causes extreme pain to the cat and often problems down the line (litter box issues from associating the litter box with pain after surgery, personality changes/biting/and skittishness from having their first line of defense removed, arthritis from having to learn a new way of carrying their weight etc.). I hear people say all the time "better declawed than in a shelter", but in actuality many declawed cats end up in shelters anyway because of the behavioral problems many experience after being declawed.

Did you know it's illegal and considered inhumane mutilation in most countries outside the U.S.? I've personally observed a declaw surgery at a vet and it's not a pretty sight to watch a vet take guillotine nail clippers and lop off parts of toes... very barbaric looking (laser removal has less healing time and pain, but really isn't that much better in the long run). Declawing has no benefits to the cat, only the owner. There are numerous alternatives including scratching posts and surfaces, sticky tape, deterrent sprays, Soft Paws nail caps, and nail trimming. Please read more on this awful procedure:

http://www.declawing.com/

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?ac...

http://www.softpaws.com/

Answer 30

I don't support declawing, unless the cat for some reason would be immediately euthanized otherwise.  The only declawed cats I've met have had psychological problems (biting, screaming at people, very strange behavior towards people in general).  

Cats love to scratch things... most happily scratch their posts and never cause trouble.  It's natural and feels great to them, it's like a great stretch.  It's good exercise and stretching for their front limbs.  I think it's unfair to physical modify an animal for no other reason than our own convenience.