my sister says to de-claw

[Medusa]

If he likes your carpet, making a scratching post out of it probably will not help. He'll just assume that it's ok to scratch on the carpet. At least that's what happened w/me. As for declawing: I asked my previous vet years ago if it hurt cats and he said "Let me ask you, Mary, if I pulled your nails off, think it would hurt?" That was all I needed to hear. He does it for people who insist on it but he doesn't approve and he always tries to talk them out of it. In the end, of course, it's your decision, but since you asked, that's my opinion.

Blessings,
Mary

[gwen]

I normally stick to the dog forum, but I thought I've had loads of cats I would have a look, and I saw this thread. In all my days I have never heard of such a thing, I'm not a 'hardcore' pet owner and I love my dog but he is just that a dog, so this is coming from heart. Why on earth would there ever be reason to declaw a cat. It is just ridiculous!! Cats have claws isnt that just a given?, if claws are a problem then dont get a cat, get a stuffed animal!! The poor cats that have had this done to them must be so frustrated doing this to them surely deprives them of all their pleasure in life.

[moosmom]

The United States is the ONLY country that still allows declawing. It's banned in Europe.

When people ask me about declawing, I tell them to have their fingers and toes cut off at the first joint, then be forced to walk around on all fours. Because, that's the same thing a cat has to endure.

Declawing can cause biting issues, as the cat now has no way to defend itself. It can also cause litterbox and behavioral problems.

That's my thought on that!! Oh, and it is NOT the same as spaying/neutering, as cats don't have to walk around on their testicles or uteruses.

[momcat]

When I first adopted Groucho he was 7 weeks old. The first thing I discussed with our vet was neutering, the second was declawing. Dr. Kenny explained the declawing process, how the first joint of the toes is removed and complications after the procedure. Doctor said his claws are his first line of defense should he get out and there is pain for the cat. Dr. Kenny answered all my questions while making it very clear that she DOES NOT endorse this procedure unless it's medically necessary due to serious injury or disease. After our discussion, I decided not to have it done to Groucho. Talk to your vet about other non-invasive options that won't result in pain or disability for your kitty.

[moosmom]

Great advice, Momcat!!

[Randi]

OK, here's my opinion. I think it's cruel to declaw a cat! If you want a cat, take it with claws and all, or don't get a cat!

If you're so worried about furniture, you could also clip the nails - it IS possible to learn how to do it! Only sharp nails will ruin the furniture. Believe me, I have a cat who I could hardly lift, but now, even nailclipping is not a problem.

I hope this procedure will banned in USA soon! At least some vets refuse to do it.

[Catty1]

Ashley - are the Soft Paws glued on with enough glue? And how long does he have them on before he pops them off?

Claws do have sheaths, and the Softpaws will "shed" when the sheaths do.

Regular claw trimming helps a lot too!

AND putting catnip spray on where they SHOULD scratch will help a lot. Freedom was right. And they DO hate the smell of vinegar!

My cats have claws. I deal with it. Why should I hurt a living being because they cause damage to a "thing" that I can replace?

[gwen]

I am still in shock about this, I'm from England and apparently it's banned which is good, but I just cannot believe that anyone would even think about doing it, how on earth did it come about in the first place?? It takes alot to shock me, but this is just unbelievable are there campaigns or anything to get this banned in the U.S. ?