Cat, not BDSM, related question...

[caela]

Lately we've have a lot of threads with people talking about their pets and this question is for the other cat owners. Have any of you have your cats declawed and if so what, if any, were the complication and were there any significant changes in your cat? I love my cat to death and I've read up on what this surgery entails so I'm not thrilled with the idea but I have to get rid of at least his front claws or find a way to limit where he can roam in a studio apartment because he accidently came within a quarter inch of taking out my eye this morning. I know he's not deliberatly trying to hurt me but that was just too damned close and I can't gauranteee that next time he won't actually hurt me or someone else!

Edited to add: If anyone knows another way to teach him not to scratch without taking his claws I am more than willing to hear it, otherwise this was just the last straw.

 

[canadiancutie]

Lately we've have a lot of threads with people talking about their pets and this question is for the other cat owners. Have any of you have your cats declawed and if so what, if any, were the complication and were there any significant changes in your cat? I love my cat to death and I've read up on what this surgery entails so I'm not thrilled with the idea but I have to get rid of at least his front claws or find a way to limit where he can roam in a studio apartment because he accidently came within a quarter inch of taking out my eye this morning. I know he's not deliberatly trying to hurt me but that was just too damned close and I can't gauranteee that next time he won't actually hurt me or someone else!

Edited to add: If anyone knows another way to teach him not to scratch without taking his claws I am more than willing to hear it, otherwise this was just the last straw.

find ANYTHING, but don't declaw. It's awful

 

[caela]

find ANYTHING, but don't declaw. It's awful

I don't like the idea of it either but he won't stop and I don't want to get rid of him. Also I will be living back home for a few months come spring and I can't run the risk of his hurting my parents or sisters. My parents are already leery about my bringing him into their home. If the choice comes down to having his front paws declawed or having to get rid of him the claws are going.

Oh and before you start throwing links about it at me please know that I am still researching it and I do understand how the procedure is done and the risks involved. I just wanted to know what other cat owners thought of it and how their cats reacted to it as opposed to the information on the sites I've been looking at. It's all highly biased either in favor of or against the procedure.

 

[canadiancutie]

I don't like the idea of it either but he won't stop and I don't want to get rid of him. Also I will be living back home for a few months come spring and I can't run the risk of his hurting my parents or sisters. My parents are already leery about my bringing him into their home. If the choice comes down to having his front paws declawed or having to get rid of him the claws are going.

Oh and before you start throwing links about it at me please know that I am still researching it and I do understand how the procedure is done and the risks involved. I just wanted to know what other cat owners thought of it and how their cats reacted to it as opposed to the information on the sites I've been looking at. It's all highly biased either in favor of or against the procedure.

my old cat had it done. and she became really horribly timid afterwards

 

[caela]

my old cat had it done. and she became really horribly timid afterwards

Do you mind my asking for a few more details? How old she was when she had ti done? Do you know which procedure was used? That sort of thing. I'm going in later today to have a long talk with the vet and getting all the details from her that I can as well since she'd be the one actually performing the surgery. I want all the information I can get before I actually settle on having it done. If I do it will be only his front claws as those are the ones he scratches with. You have no idea how much I wish I could get him interested in his scratching post instead but it's me he wants to claw!

 

[catalina_francisco]

I personally could not do it, same as I could not have a dog's bark removed...they are convenient solutions to make the pet more acceptable to the human, but not natural or compassionate to the nature and life of the animal. A cat needs it's claws not only for balance and walking, but also physical exercise for the back....they are one of the most important parts of the animal. Have you tried makinf sure you have plenty of scratching posts or boards around the house? One is usually not enough. Failing that, I would consult a pet behavioural psychologist or good veterinarian as a solution to how to curb the behaviour.

Catalina

 

[catalina_francisco]

You have no idea how much I wish I could get him interested in his scratching post instead but it's me he wants to claw!

OK, I got interrupted while posting the last one so missed this post. It is recommended you have more than one scratching post, and that some cats will not like a post and prefer a flat scratching board....so maybe that is the issue for your cat. I have also read where pet psychologists have suggested the owner actually getting down and pretending to use the scratching surface themselves until the cat begins to catch on and use it. Another common reason why a cat won't use the post is because it is not stable, rocks or falls when used.....so long post to allow for full body stretch and a large, heavy base are best....also it sometimes helps to attach some type of toy from the top of a scratch pole so they at first become attracted to fighting/playing with the toy and end up scratching.

Catalina

 

[caela]

I personally could not do it, same as I could not have a dog's bark removed...they are convenient solutions to make the pet more acceptable to the human, but not natural or compassionate to the nature and life of the animal. A cat needs it's claws not only for balance and walking, but also physical exercise for the back....they are one of the most important parts of the animal. Have you tried makinf sure you have plenty of scratching posts or boards around the house? One is usually not enough. Failing that, I would consult a pet behavioural psychologist or good veterinarian as a solution to how to curb the behaviour.

Catalina

Yep there's plenty of things around the apartment he can claw instead of me. I don't even mind it when he claws the bed posts. They're wood so I know they're sort of a natural draw and he somehow manages not to mark them. I understand how important his claws are which is why I plan to have a loooooong conversation with the vet today including asking about more ways to curb the behavior because nothing seems to work. I know he is just playing and he doesn't realize he is doing anything wrong but no training seems to curb his enthusiasm for leaving claw marks on me.

My clothes are being torn up and so's my flesh and in not in good ways! The claw less than a quarter inch from my eye this morning was the last straw in the decision to call the vet. If he'd stuck to my arms and legs I wouldn't have bitched but he nearly took my eye out and I can't have him doing that sort of damage.

 

[RomyDelaney]

Why the hell is your cat clawing you in the face and arms? That's not normal behaviour for a pet surely.

 

[Lilith]

There are claw tips you can get from vets that go on the claws to prevent the ends from being so sharp or you can trim them. But a behavioristic approach would work best to stop the behavior.

 

[caela]

Why the hell is your cat clawing you in the face and arms? That's not normal behaviour for a pet surely.

I don't honestly believe he means to claw me. He's still young and likes to play rough and since he's feline that naturally includes his claws. However I can't curb the behavior. The face thing was a first and like I said before I don't think he truly meant to claw me but simply meant to bat my face and didn't think he'd hurt me anymore than his playful lil headbutts to wake me up when he wants breakfast hurt me.

 

[caela]

There are claw tips you can get from vets that go on the claws to prevent the ends from being so sharp or you can trim them. But a behavioristic approach would work best to stop the behavior.

This is my frustration...the tip things are a good idea but they get chewed off and trimming doesn't stop him either. I've tried training him with both punishments and a reward system. The fact is he is a rough and tumble playfull kitty and he just naturally includes his claws in that. I am to the point where I am just not playing with him nearly as much as I want to (or as he deserves) because of his claws. I am feeling very, very out of options and if my choices come down to getting rid of him or getting rid of the front claw than it is the claws that are going now him.


I understand everyones well meaning advice so far but I have done my research. I've also now spent an hour talking to the vet. I know what the procedure involves and what the alternatives are. I know why the cat needs his claws and what the side effects of this surgery can be for him and by extention me. I already feel guilty about even considering it and will feel moreso if I actually have it done. What I was honestly looking for was comments from people that have either gotten a cat that was already declawed or have had their cat declawed and information about this changed their cat and/or their relationship with their cat.

 

[catalina_francisco]

I am to the point where I am just not playing with him nearly as much as I want to (or as he deserves) because of his claws. I am feeling very, very out of options and if my choices come down to getting rid of him or getting rid of the front claw than it is the claws that are going now him.

I guess it comes down to when you take on a pet, you are responsible for them and their welfare. From all you are saying, your main concern seems to be centered on how you are feeling and what you want, not the cat's claws and subsequent well being. CC has said a previous cat of hers had this surgery and became horribly timid afterward....that is a behavioural modification and no wonder the cat became timid as it has lost it's main means of defending itself. It may be you just chose a cat which is not compatible with you....it happens....perhaps the kinder thing would be to find a new home for the cat and get another cat for you, so you both can live as you are happy and designed to live.

Catalina

 

[Kajira Callista]

This is my frustration...the tip things are a good idea but they get chewed off and trimming doesn't stop him either. I've tried training him with both punishments and a reward system. The fact is he is a rough and tumble playfull kitty and he just naturally includes his claws in that. I am to the point where I am just not playing with him nearly as much as I want to (or as he deserves) because of his claws. I am feeling very, very out of options and if my choices come down to getting rid of him or getting rid of the front claw than it is the claws that are going now him.


I understand everyones well meaning advice so far but I have done my research. I've also now spent an hour talking to the vet. I know what the procedure involves and what the alternatives are. I know why the cat needs his claws and what the side effects of this surgery can be for him and by extention me. I already feel guilty about even considering it and will feel moreso if I actually have it done. What I was honestly looking for was comments from people that have either gotten a cat that was already declawed or have had their cat declawed and information about this changed their cat and/or their relationship with their cat.

Have you had him fixed yet? som boy cats are aggressive that way 'til they mature or are fixed. catnip on the scratching posts works also...and a firm no and show of disapproval when he scratches you makes a big impact on kitties.

 

[Netzach]

My female is declawed and my male is not. This is the reason my male still has a face and we don't have to take one of them to the vet every week. They don't fight often, but when he plays she gets tired of it and never sees it as playing, takes it seriously, whereas his claws are always sheathed and he'd never really hurt her.

They are both indoor cats, if your cats are not 100 percent indoor I'd advise against.

It was a bit sad those first few weeks, but she healed up and she's exactly as neurotic and neurotic in the same ways as she was pre-surgery no new weirdness. She was always standoffish and always only liked me as far as humans go. That's my experience with the procedure.

As for "why don't you get rid of the male if he terrorizes her" I'd say overall she is a million times happier to have another cat to relate to. They sleep together, groom each other, play mutually, it's just that she gets fed up before he does, and when she had the claws she would not have hesistated to use them.

 

[SweetDommes]

3 of our 4 cats are front declawed, they are 100% indoor cats and always will be. The only reason that the 4th cat isn't declawed is because we have a dog ... and she and her pointy feet are what keeps the dog from terrorizing all the other cats.

Of the three cats that have been declawed (and, actually, a fourth, that we don't have any more *sniffle*), the only one that had any personality changes was the one that HAD to be declawed because he had extra toes and 2 of them on each foot were growing back into his toe-pads and they were getting infected. And I am responsible for turning him into a total mama's boy after surgery - it had nothing to do with being declawed, it was how I treated him afterwards (I coddled him ... I admit it ... I'm a bad kitty-mommy ). The others show/have shown no signs of trauma once the incisions healed or jealousy over the fact that MIA still has all of her claws. Tyler has no problems keeping them all in line with a well placed swat (he's incredibly strong), and Simoriah doesn't always seem to remember that she doesn't have them any more (and she still manages to climb up to the top of the cat tree without difficulty).

If you can't get your cat interested in scratching posts or boards (they also sell them that go on the corners of walls, so it's not really a post, or a board ... it's hard to explain, but really cool) then I would say go for it - just watch his little feet for any infection like you would with any other surgery. If he hasn't been neutered yet, I would also suggest that you do both surgeries at the same time - it's cheaper and easier on them (and you).

 

[Quint]

Both my cats were declawed at a young age. They remained playful and sweet-natured. Don't fret...this is a decision for BOTH of you.

 

[FurryFury]

Hi Caela!

I have one cat with no front claws. She is a rescue from a kitten mill. They declawed her. I have no way of knowing how it changed her. I do know they starved her, didn't treat her for ring worm, broke her septum and literally threw her into a dumpster when she weighed about 3 pounds.

I used to be a vet tech. I do NOT like declawing! At the same time I can't say it destroys an animal. I have see very different behavior in animals after declawing.

You can try behavior modification and training.

http://www.perfectpaws.com/agg.html

http://www.fanciers.com/cat-faqs/behavior.shtml

Claw clipping.

http://www.catscratching.com/#trimming

And

Soft Paws

http://www.softpaws.com/

Accidents happen and that is understandable. However many times pet owners play too rough with their animals and bad things happen. It's a fine line between playing in a healthy way and inviting rough behavior from a cat, dog or child that will get the adult hurt. Kittens and cats under three are particularly easily to get riled up.

Good luck!

Fury

 

[caela]

Thank you everyone for your advice and information!

Rhys is a 100% indoor cat and he always will be. The only time he leaves the apartment is to go to the vet or when I take him with me over to my moms (my little sisters adore him and he loves the attention that lavish on him). I did a lot of thinking at work today and have decided to have his front claws removed. I'm not thrilled with it but I love my little fur baby and I don't want to get rid of him.

In the end I think it will be better for both of us and after talking to my vet for just under an hour earlier today I am feeling a bit more confident (though still really guilty, he's going to be soooooooo damned spoiled when he comes home!) about the decision.

 

[Xelebes]

I'm not of such sensitive thoughts on animal treatment as CC. We have had all our housecats declawed (except the newest one, which will get declawed soon.) Though, we only do the front paws. Declawing the back paws I think hampers their ability to jump and no other cat things. Just the front paws so the cat won't scratch the sofa or anything like that. And it's cheaper than getting both pairs of paws done.

 

[DVS]

Lately we've have a lot of threads with people talking about their pets and this question is for the other cat owners. Have any of you have your cats declawed and if so what, if any, were the complication and were there any significant changes in your cat? I love my cat to death and I've read up on what this surgery entails so I'm not thrilled with the idea but I have to get rid of at least his front claws or find a way to limit where he can roam in a studio apartment because he accidently came within a quarter inch of taking out my eye this morning. I know he's not deliberatly trying to hurt me but that was just too damned close and I can't gauranteee that next time he won't actually hurt me or someone else!

Edited to add: If anyone knows another way to teach him not to scratch without taking his claws I am more than willing to hear it, otherwise this was just the last straw.

Right up front, I'm against declawing. I've always had a herd of four cats,for most of the last 25 years. Not the same four, as I'm now on my second set. All of them were/are complete indoor cats and none of them declawed.

I consider it a behavior tihing, and although I know you say you've tried everything, I would think a cat that claws my face would either have an agression problem or just playing too rough. Or, maybe he just needs to be nutered, if he hasn't been. Males are much more relaxed, after being nutered.

A friend of mine gave me a pure bread apricot point Siamese. Her husband didn't like it. I guess he would kick it or something when it got in the way. And I guess he was also becoming agressive to their new baby, too.

When he first came to my house, he didn't even want me to pet him. Now, a little over a year later, he's a very loving and social cat (for a siamese ). Sure, you can still get him to play rough, but whatever behavior he had when he arrived, is now gone.

Another cat I have had his claws clipped so short when I got him, I thought they were removed. I would seriously think about having the vet professionally clip your cat's claws, as that is not as drastic. The more they are clipped, the vein tends to withdraw and they can be clipped quite short.

I'm telling you this cat was falling off of laps because his claws weren't there. I thought sure they had been removed. He is pretty distructive to the house, with his claws, and I've thought of looking into having them clipped back, again. Yes, I know it's a never ending task, but I'n just against removing claws.

Have you talked to someone about professionally clipping his claws back? If that doesn't work, you can always reconsider having them removed.

Don't take this post as condeming you for your discision. He's your cat and seriously, only you can know your situation. I just want to be sure you have reserched all avenues. Declawing is such a final step.

 

[FurryFury]

Right up front, I'm against declawing. I've always had a herd of four cats,for most of the last 25 years. Not the same four, as I'm now on my second set. All of them were/are complete indoor cats and none of them declawed.

I consider it a behavior tihing, and although I know you say you've tried everything, I would think a cat that claws my face would either have an agression problem or just playing too rough. Or, maybe he just needs to be nutered, if he hasn't been. Males are much more relaxed, after being nutered.

A friend of mine gave me a pure bread apricot point Siamese. Her husband didn't like it. I guess he would kick it or something when it got in the way. And I guess he was also becoming agressive to their new baby, too.

When he first came to my house, he didn't even want me to pet him. Now, a little over a year later, he's a very loving and social cat (for a siamese ). Sure, you can still get him to play rough, but whatever behavior he had when he arrived, is now gone.

Another cat I have had his claws clipped so short when I got him, I thought they were removed. I would seriously think about having the vet professionally clip your cat's claws, as that is not as drastic. The more they are clipped, the vein tends to withdraw and they can be clipped quite short.

I'm telling you this cat was falling off of laps because his claws weren't there. I thought sure they had been removed. He is pretty distructive to the house, with his claws, and I've thought of looking into having them clipped back, again. Yes, I know it's a never ending task, but I'n just against removing claws.

Have you talked to someone about professionally clipping his claws back? If that doesn't work, you can always reconsider having them removed.

Don't take this post as condeming you for your discision. He's your cat and seriously, only you can know your situation. I just want to be sure you have reserched all avenues. Declawing is such a final step.

I clip mine at home. You just have to be careful to know where the quick is and not cut too far back!

The youngest one is too rough on the oldest declawed one so I cut her's whenever they get sharp again. That is often. The other one is better at not abusing the claw advantage to I cut her's only when she starts doing things like getting them caught in the screens.

They used to fight me cutting them but now they know I won't hurt them and purr while I do it. Cat's love me.

An apricot Siamese sounds very lovely. Siamese are such verbal, intelligent and people fixated cats!

Fury

 

[caela]

Well the surgery is done and my baby is home. It went well and he is as playful and affectionate as ever. He has to take antibiotics for two weeks and they gave me pain meds for him for the next three days. He was totally happy to be home and ran all over the place making sure all his stuff was where it should be and exploring all the new toys his guilty human bought for him.

The vet told me to try and keep him from jumping off the furniture but the first thing he did was jump up onto and then off the bed about five times. He was so cute! and didn't seem to bother him at all. Right now he's curled up in the closet and giving an annoyed look cause I did laundry while he was gone and he likes to curl up in the clothes basket when it's full.

Anyway I just wanted those that showed concern over this decision to know he was o.k. and say thank you again to everyone that weighed in with advise for me. It was truly appreciated.

A for everyone!

Caela

 

[SweetDommes]

Aw, that's so cute. Glad he's doing ok.

 

[caela]

Aw, that's so cute. Glad he's doing ok.

Thank you, I was worried he'd be mad at me when I got him home but he's been happy and just adorable. He finally decided he's run around enough and is curled up and sleeping on the window ledge.