Declawing cat or soft paws?

[DVCLiz]

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.

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

This is an excellent example of alarmist propaganda masquerading as fact. In fact, the quotes you give say nothing about any of your original points. Nowhere do they state that declawing a cat will cause it to feel pain every time it steps into a litter box. Nowhere do they say a cat will live with pain every day for the rest of its life. Nowhere do they say that living without claws is painful for a cat. None of those "facts" that you mention in your first post are supported by facts from the websites you quote. They are your personal opinions.

The websites do give lists of possible side effects. Much the same way any medical procedure or medication has a list of the side effects or possible things that could go wrong. If you look up spay and neuter surgery on cats you will also find lists of side effects and possible things that could go wrong. You could permanently alter your pet's personality if you spay or neuter, did you know that? You radically remove a pet's means of reproduction, causing them to miss the opportunity to nurture their young, which they are instinctively meant to do, did you know that? Those are terrible side effects to inflict on a poor animal, don't you think?

My point is that most cats can be safely and humanely declawed with a minimum amount of pain and can go on to lead long, happy and safe lives as spoiled house pets. It is not always a given that any of the side effects you state as fact are going to occur.

 

[DaniB]

Irky -->> that photo is so darn cute!!!!

I wish I had heard of soft paws earlier this year. I would have given them a try for sure.

I grew up with 2 declawed (front) cats. When I moved out and adopted 2 kittens of my own, I had them declawed as well. Never had any behaviour issues with them BTW!

It was years later when I discovered what "declawed" really meant. I swore I would never do that again. Meanwhile, both my cats passed away. One from age, one from cancer. My DD was 5 when we become catless people.

Last year we adopted a 6 week old kitten. My DD was 11 then. We tried to train her (the kitten that is ) not to scratch furniture. It wasn't really a big deal to me as she hardly did. Oh no, my kitten preferred chewing! She's part hamster you see...

The problem began with I discovered my DD was hiding lots of scratches on her arms from little Miss Marbles! That was a large issue as DD is kind of OD (among other issues) and just can not leave wounds alone. Always picking and picking at them until they get infected. It never occured to me that would be an issue because DD never displayed that kind of behaviour when she was younger. Lots of conversations with DD, explaining what would happen to Marbles or how would we have to give her up, etc, etc. Ohh, and the scratches were my DD's fault - not Marbles!

About 2 months later we get a letter from DD's teacher wanting to speak with me. Sure enough, worried about Jaimie's arms and what was happening. So, just before 6 months of age, Miss Marbles was declawed (front) along with being spayed & microchipped. It was that or give up the kitten who "chewed" into our hearts.

Sorry folks... not a hard decision. A few months later, Miss Marbles is happy, well behaved ('cept for a slight chewing), playful, cuddly and loves to groom her mommy (me!). Yep - groom! She licks and licks and licks and licks and licks my chin & neck every day. Just me, no one else in the family.

 

[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.

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.

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.

I've tried to state my opinions respectfully and I haven't made any disparaging remarks of a personal nature against anyone who disagrees with me. I have pointed out that some people on the opposite side of the argument use what I consider to be alarmist and disingenious language, but I haven't made any remarks concerning their personal actions. Those are considered personal attacks on the DIS, whether you call someone specific a name or not. I'm not interested in calling names - some of the people who hold strong opinions different from mine might in fact be on the same side of another discussion in the future about some other DIS topic.

When you particiapte in a thread like this that is highly charged, and you make references to the people who hold the opposite opinion - especially if you use words like euphemism to imply that you really want to use something you know wouldn't make it past the DIS filters - you are in my opinion making a personal attack.

I'll let the moderators decide, though.

I'm done here - although I did want to say the colorful Soft Paws are adorable! They remind me of my daughter choosing different colors of rubber bands for her braces...

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I don't have a horse in this race at all. Don't have any cats.

We had a no pet policy in our building but would allow de-clawed cats UNTIL I read about the objections to it (probably here on the Disboards).

Now I only ask tenants with cats to be sure to keep their cat's nails trimmed to prevent damage to the hardwood floors and molding.

So, I read this thread with interest.

Sounded almost like a circumcision debate!!!

 

[Hellothemouse]

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.

I wonder what the "real" number of cats that have this problem are? You would think if it hurt to use the litter box they wouldn't want to walk around a lot at all.

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!

So since a big percent of dog owners work full time what would be the best thing they should do for their dogs (In your eyes)?

I have never heard of sites that are about that, that is odd!

 

[DaniB]

Sounded almost like a circumcision debate!!!

That was my thought too!

 

[charming23]

Neither of my girls have an behavioral problems because they are declawed. They act like any normal cat. They have never peed outside the litter box or are big biters, except with each other. They play just fine and they can even catch and kill mice.

 

[stargazertechie]

I wonder what the "real" number of cats that have this problem are? You would think if it hurt to use the litter box they wouldn't want to walk around a lot at all.

It's hard to put an exact number on it. A lot of people just chalk it up to "the cat hates me" and takes it to the shelter. The shelter finds out that the cat doesn't use the litter box and euthanizes the cat.

Like I said before, I have 10 cats. 3 of them were adopted already declawed as adult cats. Two of them have litter box aversion. So in my house, 66% of declawed cats have litter box issues (and came to me that way- I knew when I adopted them that I was going to be dealing with pee issues).

ASPCA, American Humane Society, and American Veterinary Medical Association all say the same thing- declawing is painful for the cat, has long term side effects including an increased risk of arthritis, and should not be performed UNLESS the owner is severely immunocompromised or otherwise would be getting rid of the cat.

And as for "I'll do what my Vet suggests", vets don't know everything. I mean, they recommend feeding Science Diet, which is one of the lowest quality foods on the market.

 

[princessmom29]

My BIL is a vet, and did a lot of research before agreeing to declaw the inlaws cat:

1. A properly done declaw does NOT result in pain for the rest of the cat's life or long tem physical problems.

2. Properly declawed cats have no problem using the litter box, and no more "behavior issues" than other cats.

3. It can absolutely be done humanely with proper pain control.

I hate propogation of myth and propganda.

 

[Hellothemouse]

It's hard to put an exact number on it. A lot of people just chalk it up to "the cat hates me" and takes it to the shelter. The shelter finds out that the cat doesn't use the litter box and euthanizes the cat.

Like I said before, I have 10 cats. 3 of them were adopted already declawed as adult cats. Two of them have litter box aversion. So in my house, 66% of declawed cats have litter box issues (and came to me that way- I knew when I adopted them that I was going to be dealing with pee issues).

ASPCA, American Humane Society, and American Veterinary Medical Association all say the same thing- declawing is painful for the cat, has long term side effects including an increased risk of arthritis, and should not be performed UNLESS the owner is severely immunocompromised or otherwise would be getting rid of the cat.

And as for "I'll do what my Vet suggests", vets don't know anything. I mean, they recommend feeding Science Diet, which is one of the lowest quality foods on the market.

In general you don't think they know anything? Wow that is pretty nice

 

[Boardwalk Gal]

i am appauled at those who posts accusing of those who declawed their cats are considered lazy, inhumane, and so on... I myself am a cat lover and i grew up with cats all my life, and as a child i have clawed cats who constantly ruined my parents furnitures even after we trained them..ie: scratching post, water bottle, the whole 9 yards...when i got married, i wanted continue to have cats..but i was NOT going through what my parents went through with ruined furnitures and i did some research on declawing...yes, i even tried soft paws but it comes off alot..i even did clipping myself but they bled for i sometimes cut it too short, and so on...i have 4 declawed cats in my marriage life and all of them were excellent cats with absolute no behavior problems, never had peed issues, and love them to death for we do spoiled them...I even made sure i went to the proper loving vet i could find... So you know what, if you don't believe in declawing, you have every right to, but don't go around calling other people's names because you honestly think we are cruel...And yes, i love animals and i believe we are to be responsible as they are God's creatures to nurture them, love them and feed them and spare them from any abuse or neglect. In fact, my cat is sitting right on my lap as i type this!!! That all i have to say!!!

and btw, ADORABLE KITTY, Irky!!!!

 

[SookieStackhouse]

I am very anti-declawing! I will leave it at that and I will not get on my soap box about it.

That being said, I never thought the soft paws were that great. I tried them, they were hard to get on my cat and she tore them off pretty quickly. I found that clipping her claws periodically works the best for us.

 

[SaraJayne]

It's hard to put an exact number on it. A lot of people just chalk it up to "the cat hates me" and takes it to the shelter. The shelter finds out that the cat doesn't use the litter box and euthanizes the cat.

Like I said before, I have 10 cats. 3 of them were adopted already declawed as adult cats. Two of them have litter box aversion. So in my house, 66% of declawed cats have litter box issues (and came to me that way- I knew when I adopted them that I was going to be dealing with pee issues).

ASPCA, American Humane Society, and American Veterinary Medical Association all say the same thing- declawing is painful for the cat, has long term side effects including an increased risk of arthritis, and should not be performed UNLESS the owner is severely immunocompromised or otherwise would be getting rid of the cat.

And as for "I'll do what my Vet suggests", vets don't know anything. I mean, they recommend feeding Science Diet, which is one of the lowest quality foods on the market.

After that remark, it's impossible to take anything you say seriously.

 

[stargazertechie]

In general you don't think they know anything? Wow that is pretty nice

Apparently my iPhone autocorrected "everything" to "anything"

That should have said "Vets don't know EVERYTHING"

 

[BAMLuvMickey]

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 had 2 cats one declawed and the other one, we were REFUSED declawing(long story short, our normal vet retired and we had to get a new one and couldnt find a vet that would support it). My declawed cat became incredibly mean and we were told its because when she was declawed it messed with her head

ANYWAY, the second cat, we tried the soft paws...i thought they were a HUGE hassle and just clipped her nails a couple times a month and that helped.
I am in support of declawing and agree as long as the owner is responsible...

 

[justbishop]

Cats who are declawed tend to have a lot of behavioral problems. While your cat would not be clawing things all the time, peeing all over is a common (pretty much unstopable) problem that cats who are declawed have much more commonly.

Oddly enough, our declawed cat is perfectly behaved and loving. Our CLAWED cat is a biting, scratching (us), peeing-outside-the-box terror, and has been the entire 12 years we've had him (got him from the HS at around 6 weeks old).

I'll add on about declawing:

No way is it my first choice...I will do anything I possibly can before having a cat declawed (which I have never had to do). But, I would rather declaw a cat then give them up or take them to a shelter. A cat would rather lead a happy declawed life than a life of uncertainty in a shelter.

Yep, declawed and living in a forever home > being bounced from family to family because everyone gets tired of having their stuff shredded to ribbons.

Sounded almost like a circumcision debate!!!

That was my first thought as well. Then I wondered how many of those here who are staunchly anti-declaw have no issue with cosmetic surgery on a newborn human.

And as for "I'll do what my Vet suggests", vets don't know everything. I mean, they recommend feeding Science Diet, which is one of the lowest quality foods on the market.

Most of your posts in this thread have literally made me say "...wow", but I do agree with this statement in it's entirety.

All of the above said, though, take my $0.02 for what it's worth. I don't believe that automatically declawing a cat is the correct thing to do, but if you've given them a chance beforehand and it's just not working out due to them clawing up door frames (this was our kitty girl's downfall) and furniture, I would rather see people go ahead with a declaw procedure and give the cat a loving forever home than pass them on to a new family, a shelter, or toss them outside.

ETA: and to all of those in the thread who think that periodic claw clipping is the answer to all evils, I invite you to come give it a try on my male cat! He's the clawed one, and has actually never had an issue scratching inanimate objects (just us), but if he had, you bet your personalized Mickey ears he'd have been scheduled for surgery without a second thought, because I sure wasn't going to attempt to clip his claws!

 

[stargazertechie]

Oddly enough, our declawed cat is perfectly behaved and loving. Our CLAWED cat is a biting, scratching (us), peeing-outside-the-box terror, and has been the entire 12 years we've had him (got him from the HS at around 6 weeks old).

The age at which you got him probably has a lot to do with it- kittens and puppies learn proper interaction and bite inhibition from their mother and littermates from 4-10 weeks of age. Puppies and kittens separated before the 8 week mark tend to have more behavioral issues than those who remain with mom and siblings longer. Those separated earlier also typically have more neuro-behavioral issues as well (separation anxiety, fear aggression, animal/animal aggression etc).

Not knocking you- you obviously couldn't tell the former owner to man up and keep the kittens longer!

 

[justbishop]

The age at which you got him probably has a lot to do with it- kittens and puppies learn proper interaction and bite inhibition from their mother and littermates from 4-10 weeks of age. Puppies and kittens separated before the 8 week mark tend to have more behavioral issues than those who remain with mom and siblings longer. Those separated earlier also typically have more neuro-behavioral issues as well (separation anxiety, fear aggression, animal/animal aggression etc).

Not knocking you- you obviously couldn't tell the former owner to man up and keep the kittens longer!

Yeah, I used to tell my clients the same thing (I was a dog trainer pre-baby, and often helped clients "shop" for the right pup for them )

And our girl kitty must just be the easiest cat in the world or something. She was dropped off in front of Petsmart in a cardboard box, and our vet pegged her at about 5 weeks old. She's also the one we had declawed, and she's a total angel

 

[WantToGoNow]

My vet actually recommended declawing for my kitty - not because she was scratching my furniture and carpet (she was) but because she was scratching my kids and they were both afraid of her. Without even researching it, I had her declawed. She spent 3 nights at the vet drugged up and then came home in a lot of pain. She wouldn't even walk for another 2 weeks (I carried her everywhere). After seeing the pain she was in, I researched how the declawing was done. After laying with her and crying, I decided right then that I would never do that to another cat. It didn't seem to cause any long-term emotional or behavioral issues for her - but it sure made an impression on me.

 

[ChiCat]

My BIL is a vet, and did a lot of research before agreeing to declaw the inlaws cat:

1. A properly done declaw does NOT result in pain for the rest of the cat's life or long tem physical problems.

2. Properly declawed cats have no problem using the litter box, and no more "behavior issues" than other cats.

3. It can absolutely be done humanely with proper pain control.

I hate propogation of myth and propganda.

What if the cat gets outside? There are lost pets everywhere, check craigslist! How is the cat going to defend itself?

Personally I don't understand the declawing issue, if you don't want a pet with claws just don't own a cat! There is no need to create the perfect pet for your furinture by disfiguring your cat. Get a bird or a hamster.

My ex has a cat that he rescued that doesn't have its back or front claws and it refuses to use the litter box. They've tried everything, been to the vet multiple times for it and years later he's still using the bathroom all over their house. The vet thinks it's because of him being declawed because his back ones are gone too, the litter itself could be causing him pain.