The kill shelter by me has a spayed female declawed cat - I couldn't bring her into a house with two cats with claws could I??? Debbie

Debbie:

We have had rescued declawed cats living with our clawed cats for 30 plus years. I am assuming that you are concerned about one of your clawed cats possibly injuring the declawed kitty because she has no claws to defend herself. We have never had that problem as when cats have a "disagreement" they really don't use their front claws in combat. There will be much postering, hissing and/or spitting and in a knock down drag out (which you will most definitely intervene in before it gets started) they would be using teeth and back claws to kick. With proper introductions there shouldn't be any problems.

We had a tortie who was declawed that we rescued from outside after a terrible Houston storm. We were sure that she had just gotten frightened and somehow bolted out a window or door during the height of the storm. We advertised, went door to door, posted signs everywhere and in vet offices and at all local shelters but no one ever claimed her so she became a member of our family. She obviously had been an only cat as she was not social at all at first and if anyone came within whacking distance she'd pop them with a mean right hook. She had powerful paws and you could hear the WHACK resounding whenever someone got too close. We had no worries that she couldn't take care of herself.

She befriended our leuk positive, Bitchiwa, who was a reformed feral and the two of them had a love-hate relationship for over 15 years until Bitchiwa lost her two year battle with cancer. Soon after, Pomp-A-Looms left us at over 19 yrs of age, from a broken heart.

But in answer to your question, I'd not hesitate at all to adopt a fully vetted declawed cat. I am guessing that she was an owner turn in because of "issues" (like refusing to use the litter box because she acquaints the pain in her feet with the litter box) which is what most of our declawed family members have been. We have found that with patience, love, possibly changing the materials used in the litter box that all of ours have become loving members of our family.

Because this little girl probably was a turn in because of issues she more than likely will not find a home unless there is someone like you who is willing to work with her and give her a chance.

SpiritCat (/mari) and the Mooseheart Mumpkees