Back paws declawed?

**cassiesmom** · 11-15-2006, 03:15 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, 01:31 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, 01:46 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, 02:11 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.

**moosmom** · 10-19-2011, 04:56 AM

Cassiesmom,

I have one question that no one has seemed to ask. What business is it of your neighbor's that YOUR cat is declawed????

Just my HUBLE observation.