Back paws declawed?

**cassiesmom** · 11-14-2006, 12:21 PM

THANK YOU ALL! Cassie's front paws had been declawed when I adopted her. Our shelter discourages all declawing of a cat's front or back paws. Cassie had taken up residence under the front porch of a family that lived near the shelter. After she had her kittens they had her spayed and had her front paws declawed, thinking that would make her more adoptable. The shelter is no-cage, so they hoped to have her adopted quickly since she did not have front claws and most of the other cats in the shelter have not been declawed at all. We played again last night and I did find a "shell" of a claw in the rug. When I comb her coat she will sometimes let me clip one or two - and if not, we just play more so she can get rid of the long ones on her own. If we ever move from apartment to a town house, I would like her to be able to go outdoors for short periods when the weather is fine with me supervising, wearing a collar and leash. She would not go out except under those circumstances. She will always be an "inside" cat. I'll talk to my neighbor again and tell her I have no reason to have Cassie's back paws declawed.

**areias** · 11-14-2006, 01:35 PM

I used to get into arguments all the time with the vet I used to work at over declawing. Although he believed that you should never declaw all 4, he always wanted us to push front declaws. I honestly think it was just to make more money. It is a horrid surgery, and the cats feel just awful for the first few days. The first night/next morning they are just pitiful, if anyone were to see what the cats go through they would probably change their minds. Cats have claws for a reason.

All the clients I spoke with about declawing, I always recommended to only get it done if it is the only way to actually keep the cat.

**lvpets2002** · 11-14-2006, 02:00 PM

I am sad this baby had someone already declaw the front claws.. I wish the Vets' would Band/Discontinue all declawing to cats = its so not right & the cat can never defend themselfs.. Now we know why you got this baby & not your neighbor.. So glad you ask for our advise & not listen to that neighbor.. Please Do Not declaw the backs.. It will not take that long to trim. them..

**cassiesmom** · 11-15-2006, 02:15 PM

So here's the latest. I spoke with my neighbor, who understands (but still disagrees with) my decision. There is no reason for me to have Cassie's back paws declawed - she is not inappropriately scratching and she tolerates the occasional kitty pedicure. Thank you all again!

**cassiesmom** · 10-17-2011, 12:31 PM

I want to briefly revisit this old thread because I cat-sat Milo over the weekend. He has not been declawed at all and that is not going to happen. One question, though. He still has his dew claws and boy, are they sharp! He LOOOOOOVES to be combed, so I took Cassie's nail clipper over there thinking that I could just try to take the pointy ends off after I combed him. He was so NOT okay with that! I went back to pets and combing, and he purred so I know I was forgiven

So here is the question: What is the function of a dew claw? Is it wrong to have only those removed? Milo does go out on the screen porch. He has his own piece of old sisal out there and a scratching post inside, and he uses both. The shelter from which he was adopted has a statement in their contract that adopters agree not to have the cat's claws removed. Does that include dew claws? He is not going to have his other claws removed.

**aTailOf2Kitties** · 10-17-2011, 12:46 PM

I have to get Toby all cozy in my lap and not wanting to move in order to clip his nails. Havoc puts up a fight no matter what, so most of the time I only clip his dewclaws because those are the ones he always gets me with. He's not gonna like it either way, but I only trim them like once a month, so we just deal with it.

I don't think surgical removal would be better than just dealing with a fussy cat for a few minutes each time you try to clip them.

**Randi** · 10-17-2011, 01:11 PM

I'd just like to add... if I can clip Fister's nails, anyone can clip their cat's nails! I do it after brushing him, or just a cuddle. Sit behind, put your head down and give hím some kisses on his head, arms resting along his body. I usually massage his paws beforehand. I have the scissors ready, of course and simply "squeeze" so each nail comes out, and then clip the tip off only. To begin with, he would tolerate two or three nails, but now I can do all of them, even the thumbs. I give him a few treats right after.

The key is to make him relax before you start.

Good luck!

Please don't declaw.