Originally posted by Ally Cat's Mommy
I would recommend that you read the articles mentioned, and check out PIF's web site at PIFTAILS.COM
My site is down temporaly (No idea why I am waiting for the server place to open so I can ask

BUT if it was working here is the link....If you want I can email them to you ?

http://www.piftails.com

I have posted my opinion underneath in order to present my views but I still want to talk to you about alternative treatments and generally discussing the fate for your sweet kitties toes

But I wanted you to read my opinion, please bear in mind I am from England where Declawing is illegal. So I struggle as to the advantage of Declawing over a simple scratching post ?

I have a lot of experience in trainning cats to use posts if you want the help, just ask

-----------------
In short Declawing is a painful expensive un-necessary operation.

It takes minutes to train a cat to use a scratching post versus a lifetime of potential problems.

There are a minimum of two cats on PT which I know have had bad reactions to declawing. One which was weeing thoughout the owners home. Other cats have been know to turn into fearful and aggressive biters, as they are scared and in pain.

Now I would prefer owning a scratching post, to sitting on a pee filled sofa or dealing with an aggressively biting cat anyday.

( NB. Not all cats with bladder problems are declawed, but it is a know cause of SOME cats bladder problems)

And scratching posts are cheap, a few dollars versus hundreds for an operation.

If you have a strong need for your cat to never ever to scratch anything try softpaws. These are soft caps which are glued lightly to your cats natural claws. Get the vets to put on the first set and show you what to do.

I would be interested in who thinks it is a good idea !!!

They tend to fall into two groups...Vets who make a lot of money with this operation and people who have been told that it was a good idea by their vet (who makes a lot of money from this procedure)

Last point

Over 20 countries have banned all forms of declawing (including when they snip the nerves too), it is illegal.

In human the equilevent operation would be cutting every finger and toe of at the first joint and making you walk on the toes and pick up things with the hands. Straight away

If we did this to a human it would be classed as torture, why should it be acceptable behaviour towards a cat