NWR: Getting cats declawed? (Kinda long)

aleighk1

So FI and I have two cats. One is over a year old and the other one is 9 months old. They both have their claws but they tear up our furniture and our carpets.

We have bought them a scratching post, tried spraying them with water when they scratched, and bought this(click), where you stick it on the furniture and the cats are supposed to leave it alone. Well, my cats peel it back with their teeth so they can scratch. We've also tried cutting their nails and we're running out of options.

What do you guys think about getting them declawed? I've read some pretty awful things about it but FI says it'll be okay. All of the cats I had when I was younger were declawed, same with FI, but now that I'm older and have researched it, it sounds awful.

What do you guys think?

aMrsin09

Cats that are declawed also tend to become biters since that is the only defense they have left.

brilibby4

Please don't do this!  Declawing cats is horrible and traumatic.  My cat doesn't scratch our furniture so I don't really have any solutions for you other then to please avoid declawing them. 

brookelynpaisley

Um. I accidentally voted no, because it's early and I didn't read carefully. My vote is yet - it's inhumane.

psichick

you need to get your cats multiple scratching posts that they will use, like these: http://www.purrfectpost.com/main_product_page.html they're expensive, but our cats love them. 

clean the areas that they have been scratching really well with nature's miracle. when cats scratch they also are leaving their scent in that area, which increases them doing the behavior again in the same area. scratching is not only a fun and pleasurable thing for cats to do, but is a way for them to mark their territory. you need to get rid of their scent in the area they scratch now. 

try regular double sided tape from the store, it's stronger (and cheaper), or when you leave put a sheet of aluminum foil over the area they scratch. you also need to reinforce their behavior when they do scratch on the posts. give them attention and treats if they use the posts rather than the couch. 

it takes time but it most certainly is possible to get your cats to not scratch the furniture. please do not declaw them, it's a horrible procedure. you basically are cutting of the first knuckle of their paws. how would you feel if someone did that to you? people who think that cats don't notice when they're declawed are just trying to fool themselves into making themselves feel better about maiming their cats. they certainly do notice and react. 

aMrsin09

There is another method I've heard of, where they leave the claws, but cut the tendon that allows the cat to extend the claw.  It sounds much more humane, but I haven't heard anything beyond just what the process is.

aleighk1

Thanks guys for your feedback. Hopefully I can convince FI not to do it. 

cfaszews: I'll check out pedipaws. 

I also think they're bored. FI was living with my cousin and his wife in their 2 bedroom townhouse until I moved out of the dorm. Now we're in a 1 bedroom and they don't have as much room to run around. I think when we move into our new apartment next month, we'll let them outside, so they can have something else to do besides scratch my damn furniture. 

redheadfsu

Please don't! It is horribly inhumane to declaw cats. It is beyond cruel.

ETA: Good, glad you are going to try other options.

kellyjellybelly

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-getting-cats-declawed-kinda-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:3824e49f-4348-4f60-b1a0-6af32b74db23Post:2a6e9bce-a078-46d3-9acd-fd22785f5972">Re: NWR: Getting cats declawed? (Kinda long)</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks guys for your feedback. Hopefully I can convince FI not to do it.  cfaszews: I'll check out pedipaws.  I also think they're bored. FI was living with my cousin and his wife in their 2 bedroom townhouse until I moved out of the dorm. Now we're in a 1 bedroom and they don't have as much room to run around. I think when we move into our new apartment next month, <strong>we'll let them outside</strong>, so they can have something else to do besides scratch my damn furniture. 
Posted by aleighk1[/QUOTE]
this is an even worse idea.

aMrsin09

The average live span of an outdoor cat is 3 years, wheer an indoor cat's life span is 12+ years.

ETA: Do they have enough toys?  When I had two cats, my house looked like I was running a daycare center.

Ashes_3

I agree with PP. Don't get your cats declawed. They actually remove the bone! It is awful. I have seen that there is a laser way to do it, which would be better if you must do it!

lilianne22

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-getting-cats-declawed-kinda-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:3824e49f-4348-4f60-b1a0-6af32b74db23Post:354bdbe2-96d3-4cc9-9381-6353f26c8445">Re: NWR: Getting cats declawed? (Kinda long)</a>:
[QUOTE]Um. I accidentally voted no, because it's early and I didn't read carefully. My vote is yet - it's inhumane.
Posted by brookelynpaisley[/QUOTE]

I accidentally did this too, it's too early.  It is inhumane for all the reasons mentioned by PP's.  Please don't declaw your cats.

andy71781

My really really good friend's kitty died this past weekend outside.  Seriously don't do it.

golden1215

nothing new to add other than my 2 cents which is PLEASE dont do it!!!!  it not even like ripping their nails off, it removing the whole first knucle of their toes!!!  they can have fantom pains and can have health issues as they are no onger able to properly stretch their back muscles out.

aaaaaand the US is like one of the few remaining countries where its even legal

kellyjellybelly

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-getting-cats-declawed-kinda-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:3824e49f-4348-4f60-b1a0-6af32b74db23Post:357b849a-1c7c-4241-a69c-a050bc569680">Re: NWR: Getting cats declawed? (Kinda long)</a>:
[QUOTE]nothing new to add other than my 2 cents which is PLEASE dont do it!!!!  it not even like ripping their nails off, it removing the whole first knucle of their toes!!!  they can have fantom pains and can have health issues as they are no onger able to properly stretch their back muscles out. <strong>aaaaaand the US is like one of the few remaining countries where its even legal</strong>
Posted by golden1215[/QUOTE]
Aren't there some states where it is not?  I feel like I've heard that before.  Maybe CA?  There is a rescue group around here that front declaws ALL of their cats.  So sad.

jenniferbelanger4

This is my field of work. I Personally would NEVER get my cats declawed. You are taking away a natural pleasure for them. They like to scratch and strech and grab things. This is just the way they are.
However you need to consider which veterinarian you would want to use if your going to have it done properly.
There is no better way to do it either scaple, lazer or giliting techniques. You must make sure that the cats are on EXCELLENT pain medications as it is a painful procedure. The cats (especially the older one) will need some rehab with walking afterwards as you are taking away a digit of their toes that they are used to balancing on.
You really need to ask advise from your veterinarian not your fellow Notties on this topic.

Calypso1977

please dont declaw your cat.

please also dont take them to a shelter, where they will most likely be euthanized, because you cant deal with their scratching anymore.

aleighk1

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-getting-cats-declawed-kinda-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:3824e49f-4348-4f60-b1a0-6af32b74db23Post:76cb018c-386d-4c7b-ae4f-77475f312d7b">Re: NWR: Getting cats declawed? (Kinda long)</a>:
[QUOTE] You really need to ask advise from your veterinarian not your fellow Notties on this topic.
Posted by jenniferbelanger4[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Are you a veterinarian? If so, you've been through enough college to know that it is advice, not advise. </div><div>
</div><div>I don't mean to be a biitch, but seeing how I asked for opinions, not advice, I find it perfectly fine that I came to the Knot to ask. Also, none of these ladies would have given me their opinion if the Knot wasn't the place to ask. 

</div><div>Edit: Just in case someone says asking for an opinion and asking for advice is the same thing, I feel like I should make what I mean clear. I asked for opinions on what I should do to stop the scratching and whether or not it is inhumane, not advice on whether or not to get them declawed, because FI wants to, but I refuse. :]</div>

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

I'd get softpaws. Then they can scratch, but they won't ruin your furniture. 

One of my cats is declawed because he was like that when I adopted him. The other 2 aren't. Actually, in my city, it's illegal to declaw a cat or do other cosmetic procedures. Growing up, our cats were always declawed, but now I think it's inhumane and unnecessary.

I'm also going to go ahead and say that because you have 2 cats doing this, it's not that they can't be trained. It's just that training hasn't been successful yet.

Edit: yeah, training is hard, but declawing is a painful and horrible procedure for people who are basically too lazy to train their cats and would rather mutilate them.

smokeybailey

Do not declaw.  There is a possiblity that after the procedure that they won't use their box anymore, be in pain, etc.  And if they ever get out, they have few defenses.  This what I do:

Multiple scratching posts, toys, boxes, etc.
I trim their claws myself with a set of claw trimmers
I have used soft paws on my big guy.  A definite A+.
I still use water when Smokey starts scratching on anything.  You have to be consistent.

Training has to be an ongoing issue with them.  However, the claw trimming and soft paws will make a world of difference.

pizzanfries4me

I am a huge animal lover and I saw getting cats declawed is ok. My moms cats are declawe, all 4 paws) and the 3 cats we have are only front paw declawed (if I could get all 4-I would!) The older cat got declawed around 3 years of age (and thats b/c he got crabby and ripped by MIL to shreads) The kittens we have (2 y/o now) we're declawed when they were old enough (which I forget the age) but everything turned out just fine. I am also happy they can no longer rip the furninute or family members to shreads.
To adoid infections from using the box we needed to use specail litter - which was given to us by the vet. The one kitten bled a little, but he was ok. They were also fixed at the same time and given some pain medication which I imagine was a big help.
But to answer your question, I am ok with declawing - as long as kitty is kept inside FOREVER.

psichick

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-getting-cats-declawed-kinda-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:3824e49f-4348-4f60-b1a0-6af32b74db23Post:69d2f153-2f18-4d53-8413-8fab97df5c0e">Re: NWR: Getting cats declawed? (Kinda long)</a>:
[QUOTE]I am a huge animal lover and I saw getting cats declawed is ok. My moms cats are declawe, all 4 paws) and the 3 cats we have are only front paw declawed (if I could get all 4-I would!) The older cat got declawed around 3 years of age (and thats b/c he got crabby and ripped by MIL to shreads) The kittens we have (2 y/o now) we're declawed when they were old enough (which I forget the age) but everything turned out just fine. I am also happy they can no longer rip the furninute or family members to shreads. To adoid infections from using the box we needed to use specail litter - which was given to us by the vet. The one kitten bled a little, but he was ok. They were also fixed at the same time and given some pain medication which I imagine was a big help. But to answer your question, I am ok with declawing - as long as kitty is kept inside FOREVER .
Posted by pizzanfries4me[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>you obviously have no idea what's actually involved in declawing a cat. you had all FOUR claws removed from one of your cats? omfg that's one of the most horrible things i've heard. well maybe other than that you had one of the cats declawed at three years old. your vet should loose his/her licence for these practices. 
</div>

kellyjellybelly

Wow pizza....

My cats may scratch the furniture occasionally, but they are living animals.  I would never think to punish them for potenitally damaging an object.  

And there is no way to 100% guarantee that a cat will stay inside forever.  When I lived in my condo, my neighbor had a cat fall out the screened in window - 5 floors up.  I'm sure she never thought her cat would end up outside.

AlmondWhittle

This is going to be long- sorry. But its also worth reading through.This is also my field of work, so to speak, although I'm not a vet.

Declawing is pretty nasty, and a lot of vets refuse to do it. Most who do charge 2x what it actually costs them to do it to deter people from choosing that option. There are so many other ways to stop/minimize clawing things. If you're clipping their nails on a a regular basis, (weekly) it should make a fairly large difference- the shorter and blunter claws will cause a lot less damage. Soft paws are a big help as well. You may need your vet how to show you to put them on at first, but theyre basically little rubbery caps that slip over your cats nails so they cant puncture things with them.

Whoever that mess up there is that was babbling on about declawing anything they can get their hands on needs a reality check. Any behaviorist will tell you that the majority of declawed cats lash out in other ways- biting, inappropriate elimination, etc. Whats worse- some scratched up couches, or having your cats pee on all your furniture and in every corner? Not to mention if your cats were to ever get out accidentally, they would have NO way to defend themselves. In extreme cases the surgery can cause serious damage and scar tissue build up that will end up leaving your cats unable to walk in the way they did before. Its not super common, but it happens.

The actual surgery itself is a lot less...well, surgical than you'd expect. They pretty much knock your cat out (also, anesthia is a risk in itself- animals die under anesthesia more frequently than you'd think, and before the surgery you would have to sign a paper stating you understand the cat may not wake up. You can have blood tests done to see if they're at a higher risk for problems under anesthesia, BUT that doesn't account for things like technical and human errors.) and use what looks like a larger set of dog nail clippers and chop off the "finger" part of the cats paw above where the nail starts growing. A lot of people seem to think declawing is simply pulling out the nail, but its not. They're actually "cutting" (and its not a clean, simple cut. Its a pulling/sawing cut, and while pain meds and anesthesia help I promise you that your cat will be VERY uncomfortable for a long time afterward.) through their digits.

After the surgery, they wrap your cats feet. They'd be wrapping it fairly tight and fairly high up their legs. This leaves your cat in a lot of discomfort for many reasons. One, they have NO WAY of flexing/scratching while the banages are on. Two, they're now walking on something that has been sawed off then covered over, and they have NO IDEA WHY. I think this is the worst part- you can think that your cats know they shouldn't be clawing things all you want, but cats don't speak english. You can't say "Ok, well, you clawed the couch and now we have to take your claws away, but you'll only be in pain for a few weeks so its going to be fine." I know this sounds silly, but they won't understand why/how/what happened, and it adds to the fear.

http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/ Is a great website to check out. They have pictures from actual surgeries, as well as a run down on the surgery and basic recovery from a vet tech. Keep in mind the surgery itself is a lot less gross/bloody/graphic than changing the bandages on the cats feet the next day after the cat has picked at the bandages and open would with its teeth all night.

At the end of the day, you'd be opting for a surgery that does NOTHING for your cat. It will not benefit your cat in any way, shape, or form. You cat will not feel any better, act any happier, or be better off. And a lot of people will say "oh, well, its better than bringing them to a shelter!" but its not. There are hundreds of thousands of cat owners out there who would rather take in an extra cat or two than see it declawed.

kathrynhabibti

[QUOTE]I am a huge animal lover and I saw getting cats declawed is ok. <strong>My moms cats are declawe, all 4 paws) and the 3 cats we have are only front paw declawed (if I could get all 4-I would!) The older cat got declawed around 3 years of age (and thats b/c he got crabby and ripped by MIL to shreads) The kittens we have (2 y/o now) we're declawed when they were old enough (which I forget the age) but everything turned out just fine.</strong> I am also happy they can no longer rip the furninute or family members to shreads. To adoid infections from using the box we needed to use specail litter - which was given to us by the vet. The one kitten bled a little, but he was ok. They were also fixed at the same time and given some pain medication which I imagine was a big help. But to answer your question, I am ok with declawing - as long as kitty is kept inside FOREVER .
Posted by pizzanfries4me[/QUOTE]
That doesn't make it okay.

OP, please tell your FI again that declawing is inhumane. PPs have given very good advice. I know that clipping their claws is really difficult and one thing that has helped a bit is to wrap them up completely in a blanket while I clip their nails. Sometimes I can even get their back paws. Sometimes not being able to see what you're doing helps to keep their anxiety at bay.

mandi921vh

IMO I would not declaw your cats if you love them at all, it is incredibly inhumane!!

When FI and I adopted our two cats from a local shelter we had to sign an agreement saying we would NEVER declaw our cats as they described in horrid detail how they declaw them. 

Plus if you did declaw your cats and they happened to get outside they have no means to defend themselves.

Our cats do occasionally claw our couch, climb up the doorway and claw at the rugs but besides providing them with toys to play with, playing with them a few hours each day, and getting their nails trimmed once a month or so there really isn't much else to do. These things are some "side effects" of having an indoor cat.

I have seen those faux nail things that you glue on but I do not know much about them....

Please please please do not declaw your cats!!

AlmondWhittle

I'd also like to add that re-growth of the claw can occur. If the cut is not made correctly, even enough or far enough down (and since its not done with a precise instrument and precise measurements of where to cut, like a scalpel or something, this happens and it can happen a lot easier and more often than you'd think.) the claws can begin growing again. They can grow under the skin/inside the paw, and you might never know but it would be incredibly painful for your cat to walk on.

katiewhompus

I'm happy to see you've already reconsidered and pp's have given great advice but I want to throw in my two cents as well.

I do consider declawing cruel and inhumane. Even the most responsible cat owner's cat will get outside at some point in their life and will need their claws. As pp's have said cats who have been declawed often undergo extreme personality changes and become biters. My aunts cat was declawed (twenty years ago when it as more acceptable) and the cat bit anyone who came near it. Before the declawing she was the sweetest animal, then she because extremely mean.
As a pp said, it's not just trimming the claw or something like that. The vet I used to work with likened it to cutting off your finger at your knuckle. I once walked in on a declawing session and barely made it to the bathroom before I threw up, it was that horrible looking.

I always recommended Soft Paws for people who are having problems and feel like they are at the last resort. Most vets will be glad to put them on for you if the cats won't let you do them on your own. They need to replaced about every 6-8 weeks but that's a small price to pay in my book.

I also want to say please don't put them outside! Buy lots of toys and make sure you are provided them with lots of playtime. There are tons of options that will keep cats occupied throughout the day.

Also I think this is a perfectly appropriate thing to ask knotties. Many of us are cat owners or work closely with vet's/stores/groomers/etc. I think this is actually a topic that is not such a great one to ask a vet because they are a client based operation. Yes they will give you the list of pro's and con's, but if you go in saying "I want to declaw my cat" most out there will say "Ok, let's set up an appointment."

jasmineh7777

Yes, it is inhumane.
 You are amputating a part of their body because it is more convenient for you and your stuff. Plain and simple. And disgusting.

jasmineh7777

Foraging toys are a good option too. I've had a lot of luck with them for both my cat and dogs.

chirpchirp

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_nwr-getting-cats-declawed-kinda-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:3824e49f-4348-4f60-b1a0-6af32b74db23Post:25c29b90-9fa5-436d-921e-6b9c3bea675f">Re: NWR: Getting cats declawed? (Kinda long)</a>:
[QUOTE]Pizzanfries--all 4 paws are declawed? That is absolutely horrible. Now the poor cats can't even scratch themselves. I think that is abuse. I'm going to leave that subject alone past that because I don't want to say what I'm really thinking. OP-I agree with the others, declawing is inhumane. Declawing them can be extremely painful not only during the healing process, but for their entire lives after that. Some cats don't get over the tenderness. Also (and I'm to lazy at the moment to find the actual articles/stats), from what I've read it can lead to psychological issues, kind of like debarking a dog. The cat doesn't understand why her claws are gone, and as a result may resort to biting. if you're able to, I'd recommend getting a pair of clippers and trimming their nails regularly (just make sure a vet shows you how so you don't cut the quick), or bringing them to the vet to do so. We trim my cat's nails and when he does scratch at the carpet, there is very little damage.
Posted by Seshat411[/QUOTE]

Sesh, while I don't agree with declawing in most circumstances, scratching is the reason we had to get my cat declawed (and my situation is certainly an exception to the rule I think).  Boot had been scratching her neck to the point where she was losing incredible amounts of blood and was really hurting herself.  She apparently has really sensitive skin and is always really scratchy. 

Upon taking her to the vet we discussed that declawing was really the only way to keep her from unintentionally hurting herself.  It was sad but now she's a happy, healthy kitty.