How do you feel about declawing?

Heffanator · Post-a-Holic - Give this person a rabies shot!

How do you feel about declawing?

huronbreeze · MAD DOG!

Heff...you asked the question for or against declawing..

Here is my take on it..although I know that most are against it and I know the reasons for it..and I dont like the thought of it my self...I would have to say I am for it. if it makes it so the cat can stay in the hosue and not get booded outside or to the shelter i say the price paid is just. I have 3 himmys now..i was down to one and got 2 more. They are all declawed but 1. If she does not claw stuf..she can stay the way she is..If she touches my new furniture or moldinlgs one time..I am making the apointment. If I dint do that I would have to get rid of the cat. And I think keeping a cat for 12 to 20 years is a commitment that is befitting of an opperation to make sure you can in fact keep it. I dont not believe in outside cats. I have lost my precious siamease and my cuddly Chelsea to hunters or other animals and it isnt worth it. I never let my cats out and they have no desire to go out the door. So unless you teach them to go in and out they have no concept of what is out ther. I do what I do to keep my pets. If they dont fit into my house they have to go. Thats all there is to it. i hope that answers the question for you. Yes, i know many will be adimate about clipping nails or filing..But you try to clip or file a cats nails at least once a week..Not a good things and you might be tern to shreads in the process. Good luck in what ever decision you end up with . i dont make excuses for what i do...In my house it is all about what maks it a good smooth fit. I have to have harmony or all heck breaks loose...Take care..

Ansy · Site Admin

I am against de-clawing. I like for the animals to be as natural as they can be. Cats need their claws for many reasons, and it is a humans choice to have them de-clawed - not theirs.

I know that scratching in the house can be a nightmare. All 3 of my cats scratch. We just buy those little rolls of cardboard that have catnip in them and they have learned to use them. Also, I swore I'd never buy expensive furniture while I had kids and pets in the house. Maybe when the kids are gone...lol I'm not a fan of leather or vinyl furniture so I really don't have a problem. A good durable fabric and a throw works just fine.

The furniture that I do have is covered. I use throws on all of my couches and chairs. This helps with keeping dirt off the fabric and also, if the cats decide to scratch the furniture, they will be scratching a throw and not the material. I can also wash the throws much easier than the couch....lol.....and its nice to be able to get rid of cat hair so easily.

Usually, cats will find a few pieces of furniture and stick to scratching those. I watched them and learned their scratching habits - then just covered the furniture.

This allows for us all to be happy. Besides, (and I guess its just me) I like it when me and the kitty's get into play fights and they claw me a little. They never hurt me but its like they are saying "I am bad.....see my weapons".....lol

It also puts a smile on my face when I see them do things like run up a tree so quickly when I let them out. They are just being cats at that point - all natural cats - who are going on instinct. I wouldn't want to take that away from them.

Of course, this is just my opinion and how I handle things. I know that others do it differently and thats ok too.

jawlaw · Moderator

I have to admit that I have never thought twice about having my cats de-clawed. I just thought that is what everyone did until I joined a pet forum. I just thought some people spent the money on it and some didn't.

I have had 3 inside cats in my lifetime... The first one was not declawed until he tore up all of our furniture. The other 2 were declawed as soon as they allowed it and they all lived long lives as an inside cat.

However, if you are going to let them out, they should not be declawed.

PitPat2AZ · 7:32 AM, 05/17/05

I've been tied to a stake and set on fire on other forums for admitting that I had my two cats de-clawed. I had it done when they went in to be neutered. My old cat has her claws because she came with the house 12 yrs ago and just never had it done. In 12 yrs she has destroyed numerous carpeted cat climbers and the corners of couches and chairs. We have leather now, but knock on wood, she hasn't touched it.

The two males like to play rough with us and with each other. If they still had the hardware, I'm sure there would be more blood spilled. They still have their back ones and believe me, they can still do quite a bit of damage with them.

Both of them recovered by the next day after the procedure. I would say having it done with the spay or neuter. And yes, all three are indoor cats.

Heffanator · Post-a-Holic - Give this person a rabies shot!

Ya, someone would have to be an idiot to declaw an outdoor cat. Totally irresponsible. I don't want my cat to get out and have nothing to defend herself, she's scared of the outdoors so maybe she won't get any ideas.

Sandyboo · MAD DOG!

We have 3 cats, none of which are declawed. up until this september they were indoor/outdoor cats, and now their just indoors. I have seen a declawing being done, and it was discusting (sp?) the sound that was made....ew! and not to mention how much the kitten cried after he woke up. i personally wouldn't declaw my cats unless i absolutly had to. if they were destroying everything then i possibly would, but i wouldn't feel comfortable, just in case. because if they ever get outside i'd like for them to have their claws to defend themselves. but a cat like my little brothers friend....heck i'd have taken him in a while ago. this cat is nuts....completely indoors.....he scratches up their leather furniature, and claws them to pieces too. i guess it's more of just a personal opinion, and whether or not you feel comfortable with it.......me i'm kinda in the middle leaning more towards no!