A Question About Declawing Cats

[scairdycat]

I have to be honest -- I'm almost afraid to ask the my question. I only have a computer at work and don't have time to read a lot of the postings/topics but one thing I've learned is that a lot of you (maybe even all) are against declawing. My question (and please don't let me anger anyone by asking) is why? Maybe I am naive but it seems to me that if a person would not normally adopt a cat for fear of the damage they would do to their furnishings (especially if they're rented) or for fear of the harm that could come to themselves or their children, that declawing is the answer that would put these fears aside. My cats are declawed and they are wonderful and loving cats. Declawing didn't change their personalities or make them more aggressive. When company comes over and they are apprehensive around my cats, I assure them that they are declawed and that puts them (my company) at ease. Anyway, please don't crucify me for asking but I would like to become more educated on this topic because obviously, I am missing something important.

[Maresche]

scairdycat, most people, including myself, are against declawing because it is basically cutting off your cats toes at the first knuckle. The equivalent in humans would be to cut off your fingers at the first knuckle just below your fingernails.

Some people are lucky and don't have any problems with their cats afterwards and some people do.

My biggest beef against it is that it often isn't necessary. With a little time and work with your cat they can be taught to use a scratching post or you can apply those plastic claw caps I've seen (I call them Lee Press-On Claws for Cats).

I've had declawed cats in the past and one currently, but this is something I would never do to a cat again.

I hope this helps explain the general feeling of anti-declaw here.

[Karen]

Another objection some people have is that if the cat gets outside, he has no way - or very limited options - to defend himslef against predators. And just about every "inside-only" cat I know has made the grand escape at least once, so that makes it extra-scary.

[wolflady]

Hi Scairdycat, and welcome. Believe me, this can be a pretty hot topic, but Maresche and Karen are right. My family has had declawed cats in the past(they came that way to us), and all of them were great! My husband, on the other hand, got a cat (before we were married) and had it declawed and he has developed behavioral problems as a result. I didn't know this before all these problems occurred, but the surgury is actually very painful for a cat and the pain can last for years. Being the kind of animals they are, they often don't show it (aside from developing a problem later on in some cases, like in our Scooter). Cats walk on their toes, so by removing their "toes", it forces them to walk on their heels which is both awkward and painful to some. Try training your cat to scratch on a post or another location that is ok. This can take some time and patience. If training doesn't work to curb the problem of clawing in unwanted places, Maresche mentioned the claw caps as an alternative. They are called Soft Paws nail caps (www.softpaws.com) and I use them on my cat, Marius. They work great! I can't promote these things enough as an alternative!! Maybe I should be a spokes person for Soft Paws. LOL
Both of my cats are indoors only, but I like to think if Marius got out somehow, he would at least still have his nails for defense even though they are blunted by the nail caps. This is definitely a better alternative than surgery and much less painful. After looking into what's involved in the surgery of declawing and its side effects, I have decided to never ever have a cat declawed. I'm thankful for these nail caps. We mainly put them on my cat, because my husband's cat is a little disadvantaged since he's declawed, and they can get rowdy when they play together. My husband feels bad about his cat, but neither he nor I knew what it actually entailed at the time until I did some research.

[Ben E Gas]

I agree w/ the others. If your cat ever escaped, he'd be doomed. Unable to defend himself or catch necessary food. I thought it was cruel to declaw cats before, But now even more so. I didn't realize that it involved that much pain or actually changing the way a cat walks. I'd just trim the claws every few months if they really bother you. If he really hates when you cut them, try sneaking up on him when he's sleeping and cutting one a day. Becareful though, if he flinches, DON'T cut. Wait till he isn't moving and then cut. Have your vet show you.

[Logan]

I think you are brave for asking too. And I'm glad you did. We obviously all have our reasons for not declawing, and there are two reasons I don't. First, I have indoor/outdoor cats and it wouldn't be fair for them to be unable to defend themselves. Second, I could not put them through the pain of the removal. I've had an ingrown toenail removed before. I know how much that hurt. I'd never do that to my kitties. Just couldn't.

[Pam]

Scairdycat...I am probably the only other person on this board with declawed cats. I have admitted that I came from a background of only ever having dogs and everyone in my immediate circle who had cats had them declawed. It was just assumed...they get neutered....they get declawed. Not until becoming acquainted with the people who post here did I know any better.

At any rate, I think it is safe to say that everyone here loves their cats and wants what is best for them. My cats also are not at all aggressive and do not seem to be any the worse for having it done. You are providing a loving home for your cats and that is so much more than countless thousands of cats have. Please don't feel too badly. I just had to post this so that you don't feel so alone on this issue.

By the way, my cats show no desire to go outside. They actually seems afraid of what's out there. They love looking at the world from the safety of the inside window ledge!

[This message has been edited by Pam (edited April 06, 2001).]

[Ben E Gas]

Well, by no means do I mean to sound rude with this post. But I think the reason your cats don't go outside is because the know they can't really defend themselves properly. Also, I have a question, I never knew that they actually remove the toes of the cat. Is this true? Pam, did they do that to your cats? What do their paws look like now? I am truely against it but here is what a vet had to say that might make you feel better.
I actually talked with the vet about stuff like that. In talking about neutering, He said they really don't know. He refered to a dog he just treated that had a leg removed. He said the dog, really doesn't know that he is one leg short. He knows he has an injury and that he has to compensate for his loss. But the dog doesn't think of it as we would, if we were to lose a limb. That was just his theory. But hope this makes you feel better.

[wolflady]

FYI on declawing:

THE DECLAWING OPERATION
The standard declawing procedure calls for the removal of the claw, the cells at the base responsible for the growth, and part or all of the terminal bone of the toe. The operation is usually penformed on the front feet. It is actually an amputation comparable to the removal of the fingers of the human hand at the last knuckle. The cat experiences considerable pain in the recovery and healing process.

THE RISKS
MEDICAL: In addition to the need for general anesthesia, which always presents a certain degree of risk to the patient's health and life, infection and blood loss are possible surgical complications of declawing. An incorrectly positioned cut can removed too much of the toe, taking with it part or all of the toe's pad. But if the whole claw is not removed, misshapen claws can grow back, requiring additional surgery. If a cat's nail is brittle or the trimmer is dull, the bone may shatter and cause what is called a sequestrum, which serves as a focus for infection, causing continous drainage from the toe. This necessitates a second anesthesia and surgery. Abnormal growth of servered nerve ends can also occur, causing long-term, painful sensations in the toes. Great care must be taken after surgery that bandages wrapped tightly to control bleeding do not cut off circulation.

[wolflady]

I think I was posting the same time as you Spencer! I agree with you though, anyone here with declawed cats (me included ya know-my husband's cat is declawed),it is certainly better off than homeless cats and most cats dumped in the city pound. Plus, I know everyone here loves their cats dearly. A lot of people don't realize what's involved. I know I didn't until I looked into it after my husband's experience. Here is the article that introduced me to the softpaws idea in the first place:

DECLAWING: A VETERINARIAN'S VIEW
by Dr. Christianne Schelling

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 cat's 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®(www.softpaws.com).

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 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.

One final thought on declawing. As an ethical concept it is deeply disturbing. The whole idea that one species should alter the bodies of another simply for convenience is not consistent with the love we feel for our feline pets.

On the other hand, I strongly urge you to have your pets spayed or neutered. Not only is it important to curb the overpoplutaion problem, it also provides many long term health benefits.

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, CLICK HERE.

[Ben E Gas]

Spence,

you wrote: ".....Nail clipping, while not required every 1-2 weeks, must be done before they claw into it's paw......"

what do you mean by that?'must be done before they claw into it's paw?' I'm not to sure what that means.

[Ben E Gas]

oh, I see. Ingrown. I didn't know that could happen to a cat.

[Pam]

Ben.....To tell you the truth I don't think my cats even realize their claws are missing. They "sharpen" their "claws" all the time on lots of things. They both had it done at the same time as their neutering and they were just little kittens not even 6 months old so they have lived most of their lives without claws. In all honesty, I really feel they have quite a good quality of life. They live with a human who totally dotes on their every need! Of course, like I said before, I didn't know any better. As far as being afraid of the outside....that may have something to do with our insistence that they stay away from any opened door since we knew they were only going to be inside cats and were afraid for them to go out. It could be that they have been "trained" to back away from an open door. They sniff through the screens and that seems to satisfy their outside interests.

[Troy]

Scairdycat,

fear of the harm that could come to themselves or their children

I think that in regard to this concern it is also important to realise the harm a child could do to a defenceless cat. Once a child is old enough they should be taught to respect the animals feelings and not to treat them like rag-dolls. I am certainly not suggesting that the animals welfare is more important than the child's, nor am I suggesting that your cat(s) are mistreated by children, but a mutual respect must be taught in order to minimise any harm to either party.

I have two cats which are over 7 years old. Neither of them has ever intentionally hurt a human - however a 4 year old child once decided to drag one of them around the house like a toy. Unfortunately there was some accidentally scratching and both of them learnt a lesson. The child learnt not to drag cats around and the cat learnt to be a bit more weary of "little humans".

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with your cats and family

[Catluvr]

Scairdycat I would ONLY declaw if you can promise that your kitty will stay in the house at all times! Because without any claws kitty cannot run up a tree or something to defend himself! So just to be nice to kitty I think it is best if you dont declaw if this cat will go outside again! But than on the other hand it is nice to have when your kitty lives inside!