Declawing Cats

[Lennie B.]

What does everyone think about declawing cats? I have some very strong views on the subject, and I'd like to know what others think.

[LoudLou]

OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!! I personally would NEVER have it done.

[sasvermont]

You may want to do a "search" through old threads for this topic. As you may guess, it is a heated topic, and many people have very strong opinions on this topic.

I have had cats declawed earlier in ownership, when I lived with my parents and the cats were destroying my Mom's chairs. Now that I have my own life and have learned how to train my new cats to scratching posts, I would never consider it. So I have gone both directions - I would recommend NOT declawing, but learning to trim nails and train the cat to the post!

Get ready for lots of comments on this!

[lynnestankard]

Hi Lennie B and a big welcome to Pet Talk - hope you enjoy hanging round - it's so addictive!!

Well I'm completely against de-clawing cats - I think it's inhumane and leaves the cat at the mercy of others - be they human or animal.
Some times I think humans can be SO cruel to cats (and other animals) - the cats need their one defence system in tact.
I know that in America and Canada most cats are indoor cats - whereas in England most people let their cats outdoors as well.
Thats when they need their claws for climbing trees and fences and digging up perfectly beautiful flower beds and convince their adoring Mummy SHE needed them dug up!!!
Of course they have the odd fight and squabble with neighbours cats - but most have the sense to leave for home before any harm is done - they just like to see who can make the most noise!!
But the top and bottom of it is - all cats NEED their claws - be they indoor or outdoor cats.
Sorry I've gone on a bit - I feel strongly about this.

Lynne

[Former User]

We say no for declawing, we taught Casper and Kitty what scratch poles are for and it's working. Cat isn't a cat without nails!

[tuxluvr]

I never thought of declawing a cat, and after reading what really happens during this procedure, I wouldn't dream of it - I think it is something people are not as informed about as they should be......they aren't like fingernails, they are quite an integral part of the cat's anatomy---like pulling out your own fingers by the tendons and roots, if you can imagine that. If your cat would happen to find itself in a position of needing to defend itself (even a housecat can "escape" now and then) it would be a sad thing.

I find it interesting that dog claws can be just as destructive in other ways and no one ever speaks of declawing a dog. They don't climb curtains, but they can scratch floors, carpets, doors and screens...

There are other ways to live peacably with the kitty's natural state of being. As a rule, if they have their own "scratching places" they tend to leave the other stuff alone. Squirt water bottles can help. I've also had some luck with putting a little perfume where I don't want her.

[Karen]

There's a BIIIIG thread on this very subject - see http://PetoftheDay.com/talk/showthre...ight=declawing for many opinions.

[Randi]

tuxluvr! I agree a 100%!!

My point of view is this:

A cat without claws is an invalid!

I know many disagree and this subject has no doubt be discussed before, but I would never even consider to have it done!

Fisters mom

[sooty&splodge]

I think declawing is horrible but it is less of an issue in the UK, even for indoor cats. I think you would have difficulty finding a vet here who would be prepared to carry out the operation - thank goodness!

[sooty&splodge]

I didn't realise it was actually illegal here but you're probably right. The govt here is also banning the docking of dogs' tails.

[Logan]

Originally posted by sooty&splodge
I didn't realise it was actually illegal here but you're probably right. The govt here is also banning the docking of dogs' tails.

Good for them!!! I am delighted to read that. I am a huge advocate of our cats keeping their claws, and I have the scars to prove it, as Chuck mentioned earlier when speaking of Ernie and Butter. I truly believe that Butter's teeth are the worst, but his nails are long too. I'm having them trimmed on Monday when he gets his teeth cleaned. I'll just let the vet handle him, thank goodness!!!!

[yorkster]

Don't do it!
I am hoping that is what your opinion is on the subject...........