Declawing cat or soft paws?

[csharpwv]

I would never have another indoor cat without declawing. I don't find it inhumane at all. My vet uses pain meds and I board my cat until healing is complete so the vet can administer pain meds as needed.

I think cats are wonderful pets and I love mine dearly but they are destructive if they have their claws and I'm not willing to have them destroy my furniture.

I know how this thread will go so I just wanted to post in support of declawing. It can be done humanely and happy cats can live long lives with responsible owners.

I totally agree with you!

We have two cats, we adopted them from the local shelter when they were a little less than a year old.

We picked them up on a Saturday - and have appointments for them to be declawed on Monday. So they spent Saturday night, and Sunday night in the basement. Monday they went to the vet - they came home on Tuesday.

I WOULD NOT own cats that were not declawed.

Our cats are more like dogs - they greet us at the door, they love to be around us, they love guests, and they just love to be loved - AND I can love them as much as I want without fear of being ripped to pieces.

We own nice wood furniture - we would not own nice wood furniture if our cats had claws. We would own piles of splinters.

Our cats don't seem to miss their claws at all. They fight with one another a few times a day, and we never have to worry about them injuring one another since neither of them have claws.

One of our cats LOVES to knead, and without claws, she can do it for hours!

I don't regret having them declawed one bit. I would rather have them in a safe loving home than see them euthanized in a shelter because they weren't adopted.

An animal is an animal is an animal. It almost seems like there are more people and laws fighting to protect animals than there are people and laws fighting to protect humans. It's very sad in my opinion.

We love our cats to death, and would be a little lost without them, however - I would never sink $1,000's of dollars into surgeries, medical treatments etc. They are animals - and for every one that dies, there are 100+ more that need a loving home.

 

[Sandy61]

I am one of those people with a tattered couch and 3 cats. I use throws over the spots they try to claw. It does help if the throw is all the way to the floor. I take the throws off when people come over. There is a bitter spray you can buy...I got mine from an animal rescue league but I assume you could get it at Petsmart etc. It is to keep them from eating plants but I wonder if it would work for scratching because they wouldn't want to scratch where a bitter smell or taste is.

I have never heard of soft paws. Do you have to go to a vet or can it be bought online or at a store?

My cats only use the scratcher for awhile then lose interest. Maybe I need to keep applying catnip.

 

[DVCLiz]

If your cat is clawing your furniture, it's a behavioral issue. Train them not to. There are plenty of books, resources, etc. for you to learn from.

Put me firmly on the side of 'declawing is barbarous'. Amputating your cats fingers because of an instinctual behavior is like removing the tongue of a child that talks too much. Both are behaviors that can easily be changed if you aren't a freakin' lazy selfish euphemism.

Your declawing of your cats may have been "successful" and I’m sure totally painless – for YOU. Your cats, however, would tell a different story – if they could talk. Declawing requires cutting off the last bone of the cat’s claw to prevent the claw from coming back. There is no humane way to do this. It’s great that you left your cats in a vets care until their wounds healed, but the pain didn’t end just because their little stumps were no longer bloody. Living without claws is painful for cats. They can feel the loss with every step they take. The reason a lot of cats (note I said “a lot” not all) start peeing all over the house is because stepping on the litter in the litter box causes them too much pain.

You are, of course, free to declaw your cat if you want and can find a vet still willing to do it. However, please don’t try to delude others into believing that this is not a big deal to the cat. He will live with the pain of your decision every day for the rest of his life.

I do not understand why someone would even want a cat if they have to declaw it. It is not just removing the claw. If you remove a fingernail on a person it will grow back. Same with a cat claw. Think about it. If you remove the top of a persons finger-no fingernail will grow back. Same thing for a cat.

There seem to be a lot of experts on cat behavior here on the DIS, but the veterinarian I chose to actually administer my cat's health care feels differently. I chose the best option for my family and my cats. I'm always amused at extremists who are only schooled in the inflammatory language spouted by their cause. They are generally unable to see another side to the story and in this case refuse to believe a cat can be safely and painlessly declawed.

furb&dez, thanks for the personal attack. Posts like yours will have this thread closed and those of us who were rationally and respectfully discussing both sides of the issue and sharing personal experiences will suffer for it.

YO's mom, even for an extremist, your language is over the top and untruthful. My cats are not living with the pain of my decision to declaw them any more than they are living with the pain of being spayed. That was an unnecessary major abdominal surgery with the same level of vet-administered pain meds - in fact they were done at the same time. Would you argue that my cat lives with the pain of not being able to reproduce and having no reproductive system intact?

PatriciaH, I do not understand why someone would have a cat that shreds and destroys furniture. To each her own. To me, this sounds suspisciously like the old SAHM argument of "Why would you have a baby if you're going to work and let someone else raise your kid?" I made a rational decision, supported by the best medical advice I could find, in order to raise a happy, healthy cat in my house on my terms. If you don't agree with my opinion I respect that but your opinion is no more valid or "right" than mine. It is just different.

BTW, both of these cats supposedly living with the pain of my decision 4 and 6 years after the fact are currently snoozing nearby and seem to be happy.

 

[MomToOne]

he let me trim them so hopefully he will be ok with it. I think I'll go ahead and try them. Do you put them on yourself?

I do - basically you are just supergluing the covers on, it's pretty straight forward. I've learned to have the covers lined up and prepped with the glue before I grab the cat, then I just have to slide them on. I typically do one foot at a time, just to keep the glue from drying out before I get them on. If your cat cooperates, it's quite easy. The hardest part is getting the glue into the dang covers without gluing my fingers together (and that's not even that hard)

ETA: I forgot the best part about SoftPaws - the colors!!! I tend to change with the seasons. My cat is a black and white, and the red I put on at Christmas are especially cute

 

[Greenepona]

Soft paws FTW!

My method for putting the soft paws on is to "burrito" my cat. I take a towel and wrap him up in it leaving just his head and one front paw exposed. I can then hold him and put the soft paws on. he doesent mind his He has worn them most of his life.

After talking with vets and finding out what declawing actually does, I will never do it.

If you have pets of any kind you have to be ready to handle the "speedbumps" that come along with owning a pet.

as PP's have said, There are many options available to help deal with clawing or scratching. Scratching posts/hangers/corner guards (for those kitties that like to scratch vertically, ie doors and sides of furniture), scratching mats (for those kitties that like scratching arms of sofas and carpets). If these don't work, I would suggest the soft paws. They are great and even come in fun colors.

All in all OP it is your choice, I think we all just want to make sure you made an informed decision.

 

[POPCITY]

The Soft Paws didn't work with our cat at all. We tried 3 times, and he would chew them off, one by one, each time. I finally gave up. He has a section of the wall next to the shower that is torn to shreds, but we just live with it. I figure that in 15 years or so, I can have it fixed.

 

[PatriciaH]

A big reason declawing is still allowed here are the huge numbers of animals in shelters and feral cats in the US. The AVMA claims the reason declawing is still legal in the US (it is banned in most of Europe) is because people would put down their cats if it was banned here. Well then that type of person should have never owned an animal to begin with. Anyone with a brain and eyes knows animals can ruin things. People have to decide if they have the time and patience to train an animal or if they can live with one that may not take to the training. Hopefully before they get one. DH and I have had 4 cats and none of them scratched the furniture or wood. We spent a lot of time on training and bought many types of scratching posts, cardboard, etc.

AVMA policy
http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/animal_welfare/declawing.asp

 

[FeelsLikeHome]

I don't have a strong opinion either way and think declawing is a to-each-their own issue. Hubby and I had our cat declawed. It was Hubby's decision (we were just dating at the time, and it was his cat- I've since become her mother , although sometimes she thinks she's my mother), so I went along with it. I didn't know what was involved in declawing until long after she had it done. At first, I was thinking about part her little toes being cut off. I don't think I could do that to her now, but it has been convenient. I'm glad she is declawed, so I can lovey-loverson cuddle with my baybeeeee, but I do feel guilty. So it's a mixed-bag from me.

Not to hijack this tread or anything, but I just wanted to say that my precious little girl is the best, sweetest, most lovey-est Kitty in the world and I love her soooo much!! She's my only baby and is the queen of the house!

 

[stargazertechie]

Most industrialized countries have outlawed declawing cats. I don't care if it's the old-fashioned surgery, or the new laser surgery- it is still barbarically amputating your cat's TOES for your own convenience.

Sure, you might luck out and have no behavior issues, but cats who are declawed typically resort to biting since they can't protect themselves with their claws.

It also makes it impossible for them to fully stretch- something cats do to keep their joints healthy.

It also makes it INCREDIBLY painful to use the litterbox. Imagine standing on arthiritic knuckles in the middle of a gravel parking lot every time you needed to pee or poop. That's what you're putting cats through. That's the reason many cats start urinating outside of the box- it just hurts too much to stand in the litter.


I have 10 cats, we don't use soft paw caps either. I just trim nails every week, and my furniture, arms, and legs are no worse for the wear.

 

[DVCLiz]

Most industrialized countries have outlawed declawing cats. I don't care if it's the old-fashioned surgery, or the new laser surgery- it is still barbarically amputating your cat's TOES for your own convenience.

Sure, you might luck out and have no behavior issues, but cats who are declawed typically resort to biting since they can't protect themselves with their claws.

It also makes it impossible for them to fully stretch- something cats do to keep their joints healthy.

It also makes it INCREDIBLY painful to use the litterbox. Imagine standing on arthiritic knuckles in the middle of a gravel parking lot every time you needed to pee or poop. That's what you're putting cats through. That's the reason many cats start urinating outside of the box- it just hurts too much to stand in the litter.


I have 10 cats, we don't use soft paw caps either. I just trim nails every week, and my furniture, arms, and legs are no worse for the wear.

As far as I can tell, this is just made up. There's absolutely no scientific reason a cat would be restricted from fully stretching to the point of damaging their joints just because they had been declawed.

And a cat that is in that much pain using a litter box would also be in that much pain consistently, just walking around a carpeted or hardwood floored house. I'm sorry, those statements just don't make rational sense to me. If you can cite a medical website with proof of this I'd be glad to take a look at the research.

 

[irky416]

We put them on a few times when they were kittens. Like yours, they didn't scratch the furniture, or us, on purpose, but they were so energetic they just scratched while bounding around. I think they also hadn't learned they could jump/walk around on me without their claws. I was all scratched up all the time from accidents.

However, once they all fell off (we kept meaning to touch up the few that had fallen but had just forgot) we saw that the kitties had grown up a little and learned not to have their claws out all the time. Now, they will occasionally accidentally scratch the furniture when they jump and miss, but that's very rare and they've learned not to leave their claws out all the time so I barely ever have scratches on me anymore.

Maybe try the soft paws until they calm down a little bit. Now, we just trim the claws every so often and it works great!

 

[FeelsLikeHome]

Ohhh my goodness, that picture is too darn cute! I'd never heard of soft paws before this thread. I always thought that their toenails were painted, which they could have been, but they might have actually been soft paws. A cute fashion statement!

 

[t2simon]

I'm in the "to each their own" camp. I had my first cat declawed, before I knew what was actually done. I don't think I'd ever do it again, though. But, that being said, we never had any behavior problems with her, other than she didn't like kids. She was a bit of a "scary-Mary" as my MIL called her. She lived to be 19, btw.

My second cat, Leroy (angel now) had is claws and we never had a scratching problem. Our two cats now, Ferris (claws) and Daisy (got from shelter, already declawed) both scratch. We have a cardboard scratcher that Daisy uses more that Ferris, and Ferris scratches on the back corner of the leather couch sometimes. We stop him when we catch him and it isn't that often. I would try soft paws on him, but I can't even clip his nails even with my DH's help. He bites, wriggles, scratches, he's like a friggin' acrobat!

Also, for the person that mentioned training, that works, if you are home to catch them. One of the reasons I only have cats and not a dog too is that I am not home enough. Dogs need that constant companionship of their pack, while cats will be ok and can take care of themselves till you get home, although they love for me to be around all the time. I can't see leaving a dog outside all day, particularly here in Phoenix.

Good luck, whatever you decide!!!

 

[furb & dez]

furb&dez, thanks for the personal attack. Posts like yours will have this thread closed and those of us who were rationally and respectfully discussing both sides of the issue and sharing personal experiences will suffer for it.

Ma'am, I will respectfully submit that you check your reading comprehension.

Unless you simply take any information contrary to your personal beliefs as a "personal attack."

Thanks.

 

[YO's Mom]

As far as I can tell, this is just made up. There's absolutely no scientific reason a cat would be restricted from fully stretching to the point of damaging their joints just because they had been declawed.

And a cat that is in that much pain using a litter box would also be in that much pain consistently, just walking around a carpeted or hardwood floored house. I'm sorry, those statements just don't make rational sense to me. If you can cite a medical website with proof of this I'd be glad to take a look at the research.

The following quotes come from two of the most respected organizations active in the humane treatment of animals. I know it will not do anything to change the minds of those who know declawing didn’t hurt their cats. However, I hope that anyone who is on the fence on the issue (like the OP) will read these articles and decide to come down on the side of truly caring for you cat.

They don't realize that declawing can make a cat less likely to use the litter box or more likely to bite. Medical drawbacks to declawing include pain, infection and tissue necrosis (tissue death), lameness, and back pain. Removing claws changes the way a cat's foot meets the ground and can cause pain similar to wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes. There can also be a regrowth of improperly removed claws, nerve damage, and bone spurs.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/declawing.html


Do NOT declaw. This surgery involves amputating the end of a cat’s toes and is highly discouraged by the ASPCA. Instead, trim regularly, provide your cat with appropriate scratching posts and ask your veterinarian about soft plastic covers for your cat’s claws.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-care-nail-trimming-101.aspx

 

[SaraJayne]

If your cat is clawing your furniture, it's a behavioral issue. Train them not to. There are plenty of books, resources, etc. for you to learn from.

Put me firmly on the side of 'declawing is barbarous'. Amputating your cats fingers because of an instinctual behavior is like removing the tongue of a child that talks too much. Both are behaviors that can easily be changed if you aren't a freakin' lazy selfish euphemism.

I don't know how you can rationally argue that this isn't a personal attack.

 

[SaraJayne]

The following quotes come from two of the most respected organizations active in the humane treatment of animals. I know it will not do anything to change the minds of those who know declawing didn’t hurt their cats. However, I hope that anyone who is on the fence on the issue (like the OP) will read these articles and decide to come down on the side of truly caring for you cat.

They don't realize that declawing can make a cat less likely to use the litter box or more likely to bite. Medical drawbacks to declawing include pain, infection and tissue necrosis (tissue death), lameness, and back pain. Removing claws changes the way a cat's foot meets the ground and can cause pain similar to wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes. There can also be a regrowth of improperly removed claws, nerve damage, and bone spurs.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/declawing.html


Do NOT declaw. This surgery involves amputating the end of a cat’s toes and is highly discouraged by the ASPCA. Instead, trim regularly, provide your cat with appropriate scratching posts and ask your veterinarian about soft plastic covers for your cat’s claws.

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-care-nail-trimming-101.aspx

I'll stick with the advice of my vet, who knows what kind of pet owner I am and loves my kitties as much as I do.

 

[PatriciaH]

One of the reasons I only have cats and not a dog too is that I am not home enough. Dogs need that constant companionship of their pack, while cats will be ok and can take care of themselves till you get home, although they love for me to be around all the time. I can't see leaving a dog outside all day, particularly here in Phoenix.

Good luck, whatever you decide!!!

That is great you thought about that before just getting a dog because you would really love one, or the kids really want one, or it is soooo cute We used to pet sit many animals that were so starved for attention. People were working all day and they were lonely. I guess I should not be surprised most people do not give thought to getting an animal though. Most people do not put much thought into having a child let alone an animal! There are entire websites devoted to people who are sorry they had kids. Our impulses for wanting things are strong though!

 

[fakereadhed]

Our 14yo cat is front AND back declawed. Perfectly well adjusted, happy, and no behavior problems. He does not appear to be in any pain whatsoever.

When he was a kitten we discovered he was deaf. He was never going outside because it would be too dangerous for him. Scratching furniture was not an issue, but if you walked past him he would startle and sink his claws in you. Kind of like on a cartoon- airborn with claws out! This happened frequently and resulted in US getting infected wounds, including the kids who were 3 and 4 at the time. It was either the claws or the cat. FWIW we did try to find him aother home but didn't find any takers. I am so glad we made the decision we did and honestly do not see any ill effects from it. Not saying it should be the first choice, but it isn't the worst thing either. If we had given him up, he would have been euthanized. He still startles- but without the damage to us!

 

[furb & dez]

I don't know how you can rationally argue that this isn't a personal attack.

Did I direct that at anyone here? Did I say, "LIZ, you're a soandso!"?

I offered an opinion directed at no one. I don't see how a rational person could even contemplate that as a personal attack. *shrug* If I said "Extreme couponers are selfish and ruin coupons for everyone," does that imply I called every self-avowed "extreme couponer" on that thread selfish? No. It's simply my opinion on extreme couponers.

Again, I don't see how a rational person could come to that conclusion.