Why do people declaw cats?

[hickman1937]

My Twitch is declawed. My son found her lurking, and crying on the back porch two years ago. The vet said that she was probably about 10 or 11 yrs old, and probably lost her ear to frostbite. I was cutting up chicken on the counter the other day, and she tried to stand up, paws on the lower cupboard door, to beg. She slid off sideways, smacked the floor, and turned her back, and started grooming. She's had a hard life, made harder, because someone was house proud about their furniture.

[ISUGRADIA]

1. I would never do that to my cat, and I think you are right

about furniture. Some ppl care more for it than their cat. Ppl who cannot deal with a cat with claws should not get one.

[Trillo]

2. Because they don't believe cats can be trained,

in spite of likely having seen (gasp) trained cats jump through hoops.

Perhaps many peoples idea of training and prevention is force and control, rather than cooperation.

[hickman1937]

7. You have a point, but I still think its the furniture.

[Trillo]

13. You claim some people can't train their cats not to claw furniture?

I can. Call me weird.

[bling bling]

3. It's generally accepted, here.

I'm against it, personally. But that's because I've seen the research on it. Veterinarians in the U.S. don't hesitate to declaw cats because many people wouldn't get a cat if they had to deal with the claws which would lead to even more cats in shelters.

My cats *know* they're not supposed to scratch the furniture, but they do it occassionally as though they forgot or something. Plus they go through wild cat chases around the house about once a day and they bounce all over the place which scratches the furniture. Plus, if I'm holding one of them and they suddenly get spooked by a noise they'll freak to jump off my lap and a couple of times I've been scratched in the process. For me, none of these things are enough to force them to be declawed but for a lot of people they would rather give up a cat than put up with the damage claws can do.

Personally, I think it's wrong. But those are the reasons that I think people get their cats declawed.

[hickman1937]

6. I understand a bit. Sometimes people who grow up in situations

where survival is an every day struggle(like my mom did) every piece of furniture is a symbol of achievment. I guess what I don't understand is people who deliberatly put a declawed cat out to fend for itself.

[bling bling]

8. That cat was very lucky

to find you. It probably knows it, too. :)

[hickman1937]

14. She was lucky to find my son.

I live in a condo, and I was already two cats over the limit. I know it sounds harsh, but when he rescued her I was way over burdened and underfunded. I would have brought her in fed her for a few days, then taken her to a shelter. My son adjusted my compassion. Thank God for kids.

[BrklynLiberal]

48. If their furniture is so important they should not own a cat

[alittlelark]

4. De-clawing is a sick practice - which is why very few vets will do it.

I consider it in the same realm as female genital mutilation. What is a cat w/o it's claws? What is a human female w/o the genitalia she entered life with?

If a cat owner wishes their cat to be de-clawed, they should be required to have the first joints of their fingers surgically removed as well.

[hickman1937]

10. When my daughter was 14, she dragged home our first kitten.

I went to a book store and bought the only book they had on cats. It was called The Natural Cat. I realized immediatly that I didn't have time to chop up fresh chicken and herbs for the little creep, but the chapter obout declawing got to me. Its as you say. Declawing is like chopping your kids fingers off at the first knuckle. It makes the cat club footed and defensive.

[moez]

24. You have got

to fucking be joking.... female genital mutilation of a human is on the same par as de-clawing a cat????

did you forget your sarcasm marks?? if not, you have one hell of a screwed up little world view...

[radwriter0555]

27. Yes, of course it is. What's the difference? Both are mutilations

inflicted on those that are weaker in order to curb unwanted behaviors.

[LynneSin]

29. Best description Rad

:bounce:

[moez]

40. Mutilations??

What kind of shit have you been smoking?!

We're talking about removing the claws of a fucking cat - all this so the fucking cat can live a more comfortable life than 90% of the world's fucking population!

And somehow you're equating this to dragging a screaming woman into a butcher and having her clitoris cut up?

This is just bizarre PETA bullshit on the same level as crying about cruelty to fish.

[livinginphotographs]

42. You're so full of it.

Have you even researched declawing? Do you know what it entails?

And the fact that you have to resort to the P-word only proves my point.

The cat is NOT more comfortable. Cut off the last joints of all your fingers and get back to me how fucking comfortable that makes you.

I certainly hope you're not responsible (and I use that word loosely) for the care of any animals with that kind of attitude.

[moez]

46. Oh, never mind -

After reviewing both - you're obviously right on target:

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the term used to refer to the removal of part, or all, of the female genitalia. The procedure consists of clitoridectomy (where all, or part of, the clitoris is removed), excision (removal of all, or part of, the labia minora), and cutting of the labia majora to create raw surfaces, which are then stitched or held together in order to form a cover over the vagina when they heal. A small hole is left to allow urine and menstrual blood to escape. In some less conventional forms of infibulation, less tissue is removed and a larger opening is left.

In some traditions a ceremony is held, but no mutilation of the genitals occurs. The ritual may include holding a knife next to the genitals, pricking the clitoris, cutting some pubic hair, or light scarification in the genital or upper thigh area.

Versus

Declawing (onychectomy) is performed under general anesthesia and consists of surgical removal of the nail bed (basically the last joint). Kittens should be over 3-4 months old. The feet are usually bandaged, and the cat may be hospitalized briefly. After the bandages are removed, your pet will usually be able to walk, though tenderness may be evident for a few days. Some cats especially older ones will require more time.



... yeah - they sound on the same level to me...

[livinginphotographs]

47. I never compared the two.

You might want to get it straight which poster you're replying to.

I was simply addressing your cavalier attitude towards mutilating a cat, and the cop-out that people use by bringing up PETA (I didn't see anyone else talking about PETA or animal rights, or did I miss something?)

I'll see your link (assuming you can provide one) and raise you two.

http://www.declawing.com

Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat.

http://www.cfainc.org/health/declawing.html

The most common surgical procedure, onychectomy, or "declawing", is amputation of the claw and the end toe bone joint. The surgery has a reputation for causing pain for a week or more and the possibility of postoperative complications, such as infection, hemorrhage, nail regrowth and altered feeling in the toes for some time after surgery.

An alternative surgical procedure, deep digital flexor tendonectomy, was first described by John Rife, DVM (Journal AAHA, Jan/Feb 1988). This surgery involves severing the tendon attached to the end toe digit but maintaining the claw in the sheath.

Oh, but I guess anyone who advocates responsible care for animals is a "looney" (that's what they teach you guys to call us, right?)

[Divameow77]

35. They do not remove the first joints anymore when they declaw

and from what I understand they haven't done that in a while. To compare it to female genital mutilation is just ridiculous. Maybe you could compare nuetering a male cat to that, but most people don't have a problem with that.
I had my cat declawed recently and he was/is FINE. He was constantly using his claws against my older cat (who I rescued already de-clawed) and also tearing up my carpet, so I chose to do this instead of getting rid of him. If he could talk I bet he would say that's what he would have preferred too.
BTW- tried softpaws and he wouldn't leave them on.

[livinginphotographs]

39. Bully for you.

How dare that cat tear up your precious carpet because you're too lazy to train him to scratch in appropriate places.

http://www.declawing.com

Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat.

http://www.cfainc.org/health/declawing.html

The most common surgical procedure, onychectomy, or "declawing", is amputation of the claw and the end toe bone joint. The surgery has a reputation for causing pain for a week or more and the possibility of postoperative complications, such as infection, hemorrhage, nail regrowth and altered feeling in the toes for some time after surgery.

An alternative surgical procedure, deep digital flexor tendonectomy, was first described by John Rife, DVM (Journal AAHA, Jan/Feb 1988). This surgery involves severing the tendon attached to the end toe digit but maintaining the claw in the sheath.

I'm sure he definitely would've preferred to have his claws taken out. :eyes:

If you're not willing to educate yourself on proper cat care, maybe you shouldn't have cats.

[radwriter0555]

52. Yep, sure sounds like MUTILATION to me. Maybe we could come up with a

kinder, gentler term to make the human torturers feel better about chopping off their cat's paws?

[BrklynLiberal]

5. Because they are stupid and selfish, and don't care that it is like

cutting off the entire first joint of your fingers. It is NOT like cutting your fingernails!
Veterinarians should be more explicit when explaining what the surgery entails...and better yet, they should refuse to do it.

[hickman1937]

15. Yes, and cat's deprived of their natural defences, their claws,

are more likely to bite. It's all they've got left.

[fleabert]

9. Why? Because they've never heard of this:

http://www.softpaws.com/

and because they are cruel or ignorant.

(your poor baby!)

[hickman1937]

11. I've never seen this before.

Thank you.

[fleabert]

18. When I get another cat, hopfully one of prozacnation's new babies,

I will get these for them if their claws are an issue...I would prefer to handle it with training and clipping them myself, but sometimes you get a feisty cat who will not be clipped!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2783992&mesg_id=2783992&page=

[DaveinMD]

12. Our cat will never be declawed

who gives a crap about furniture and carpets. Our kitty is one of our babies.

[hickman1937]

17. Yeah, but wait till the baby gets old and starts pissing

in your shoes, and clean laundry. I'm kind of joking.

[DaveinMD]

21. well one day

you'll be wearing a diaper again. :-)

[hickman1937]

22. I'll be a scourge to my cats and kids,

and damn proud of it.
on edit, I really hope I don't defile their laundry. Everything else is just the circle of life.

[donheld]

16. I had my cat declawed about 10 years ago (front only)

She has gotten along very well without her claws. I learned my lesson however. After she had it done for 3 or 4 days she acted like she was in agony. I swore then i would never do it again. It's quite odd however. I've seen other cats who had been declawed they never did seem to experience the pain my present cat did.

[hickman1937]

20. Vet's are like doctors, some suck.

Just please do me a favor. If you have a will, make provision for her care. The Vet told my son that Twitch had probably belonged to someone who died or became incapacitated(she was very socialised) and was just put out when the house was cleared out.

[faithfulcitizen]

49. My vet told me, it's best to have them declawed at 10-12 weeks

she said that seems to be doorway of when it affects them the least.

[ComerPerro]

19. A lot of places will refuse to declaw cats

Besides, whats the fun in playing with a cat who has no claws?

[hickman1937]

23. Domestic, or African? n/t

[WoodrowFan]

25. if you don't

it's almost impossible to get them into the deep frier.

[Jessica]

26. I'll never do that to my cat ...

Honestly, I considered it - when she started shredding the side of my brand new couch. But, I just could never bring myself to go through with it. There are other things you can do to protect your furniture ... but the poor little girl would lose her main line of defense ... not that she uses them on anyone but me. ;-)

[Lisa0825]

28. My cat is more important to me than my couch.

She has scratched it up nicely on one corner, and I did try to train her out of it, but when I gave up, I just figured the couch wasn't all that important to me anyway.

I love my furry chub-baby :loveya:

Here she is in her full-figured glory (and yes, she is now on a diet)

[Brewman_Jax]

30. Have had cats for years

since I was knee high to one, and they can be trained not to scratch the furniture, not jump on the table, come when called (most of the time :P )

A friend of mine, who is VERY well-heeled had his cats declawed, and yes, is was for the furniture. :(

[DeaconBlues]

31. I had to have my cat declawed to continue living where I do

It's rental policy. When I got our cat I had to get him spayed and declawed, and I had to show records that I did this to apartment management. I also had to pay a non-refundable deposit for the shitty rug they had in the apartment. I hated to do it, but I also didn't want to find myself looking for a new home, or leave our cat looking for a home at the pound.

My cat was declawed when he was still very much a kitten, and it really didn't seem to affect him much. He was running around and playing the very moment we brought him home from the vet. Still, if I could have gotten out of it, I wouldn't have had him declawed. Pet policies for rentals suck.

[Mallifica]

43. that should be illegal

a rental policy that requires declawing?? i think that's cruel and unusual.

[chenGOD]

32. CAUSE THEY'RE THINKING ABOUT THE SONGBIRDS!!

Please won't someone think of the poor defenseless songbirds!!!!

[Mallifica]

44. oh my god . . .

I just had the best laugh.

[WI_DEM]

33. I think it is generally house cats, most outdoor cats

shouldn't be, because if their owners are going to allow them to go out doors they need their claws. I have nothing against declawing indoor cats. My 17 year old cat seems quite content and has no problem getting up on tables, counters or any other piece of furniture.

[chickenscratching]

34. mainecoons! awesome!

i guess it's nice that if one chooses to get cats declawed they have better methods of doing it, however i think in most cases getting your cat declawed is not the best option.
the only time i've seen it really do anything positive is for one of my parents cats. i was so pissed off that they were getting their 10 year old cats front claws removed. he (estebon) was so pissed off at them, at least for a week. but eventualyl it seemed to take a little testosterone out of him, he calmed down more than normal and was a bit more social.
and despite having his little weapons removed, he still kicked teh shit out of animals all the time. he'd bring my mom gophers, frogs, birds, snakes. his paws are huge, so at least he's still not rendered defenseless.

but, my mainecoon, sal is a crazy mo-fo. he has his front claws still, which makes things a bit difficult (have you seen how tremendous this kitties are???) but overall, you can avoid getting scratched for the most part. it's just an issue (his claws) when he eats catnip and attacks our other kitty, neo who doesn't have his claws.
ah well....
(here's a mainecoon picture for those who haven't seen them)


and no that is not me, and not my kitty. but these things are awesome! just don't get clawed, their paws are gigantic, equipped with little serrated knives just for your pleasure.

[Orsino]

36. If you declaw a cat...

...you ought to make a commitment to keep that cat sheltered for the rest of its life, so that it never needs its claws again. They can live long, happy and healthy lives without claws, but only if they never have to hunt or defend themselves.

It's a big step. I once had three cats, declawed on all four paws. Our current crop is declawed only on the front, and our newest cat is not declawed at all. I don't think we're going back to declawing.

Anyone who feels he might discard a cat who becomes inconvenient shouldn't declaw--and probably shouldn't accustom a kitty to indoor spoilage.

[American Tragedy]

37. It's not just concern for the furniture, you know.

That would never even occur to me. My fear would be for my dogs' eyes - and perhaps my own. I've never had a cat, but if I were to get one, I could only adopt one whose front paws had been declawed.

[BrklynLiberal]

50. I have had six cats and 5 dogs...The cats were not declawed.

Never had a problem.

[faithfulcitizen]

51. exactly, my cats are declawed, not because of furniture, but

because they are around babies and small children. My cats were rescued by an animal shelter. The mommy died when they were 2 days old. They are very skidish and you couldn't hold them or even be near them without getting scratched to hell. Also, my very loving wonderful cat growing up slit my Dad's eyelid open in his sleep, inadvertently. Now, if a cat displays any inkling that s/he may want to go outside, I'd never do it. But my cats are so petrified of life in general, that I can leave the front door wide open, they never go out.

Also, every vet I've ever known does the procedure. Yes, I consider my cats my companions. And no, I would not mutilate another women's female genitalia. :eyes:

[davsand]

38. One reason to declaw s to save the cat.

I know it sounds strange, but I had a rescue cat that had been horribly abused as a kitten. Literally, she came home with me when the people who had her told me the were planning to kill her that weekend.

Tillie(you bitch) was a beautiful medium haired tabby with perfect emerald green eyes. She slept next to me in the bed every night and she would swat at the phone when it rang.

She was also the most vile tempered cat I have ever known. She bit more than one vet and was not allowed to go back to one local vet clinic because the entire staff was afraid of her.

The first year I had that cat with me my arms and hands looked like hamburger. I was a bloody mess more often than not. Tillie would seek attention by attacking. No matter how long you petted her, no matter how much time you spent with her she would attack you. It was a fact of life with her.

I worked with that cat for a year and could never get past the aggression. It had come to the point that either I was going to have to get rid of her or else have her declawed. (Now, remember,I have had cats all my life and I have NEVER had a mean cat until she came to live with me.)

I called the local animal shelter and talked to them. I told them the situation with the cat and that I just couldn't take any more of the aggression. I told them what I'd tried in re-training her behavior and asked if they knew of any alternatives. They told me point blank that they would euthanize her rather than try and adopt her out. She was not a kitten and she was mean--those two factors were going to mean she was killed.

I had her de-clawed. She lived with me for 17 years and was still a mean cat to anyone except my husband or me(and later our daughter.) I loved that cat a great deal and miss her to this day.

I had a cat declawed, and I don't regret the decision. I hated the fact that I had to do it--but it was either that or throw her away-and I will not do that to any animal.

Would I declaw any other cat? Absolutely not. My current cat doesn't even get his claws trimmed except for when he goes to the vet, and he doesn't scratch unless it is an accident. He does have a cat tree that is carpet and sisal wrapped and he uses it.

Call me evil or stupid or cruel if you want to--but I don't think there were an alternatives.



Laura

[semillama]

45. yet another hot-button all or nothing issue, eh?

My cats are declawed. My oldest I had to declaw or get rid of her, and as she is strictly indoors, she got declawed. My younger cat is much larger and more aggressive than the older, and kept inflicting big scratches on the older kitty, so he got declawed. Neither one seems that unhappy with the decision. They're used to it. In both cases, it was either get rid of the cat or declaw. Since I knew that the cats would be better off with me than in a shelter, they got declawed, and are healthy, happy and alive today.

[livinginphotographs]

41. Because they're selfish assholes who don't think of animals as a companion

But an accessory.