quote:

Originally posted by ARNATINE Written by Veterinarian, Dr. Christianne Schelling If you are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a moment, and it will give you valuable information to help you in your decision. First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude. 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. No cat lover would doubt that cats--whose senses are much keener than ours--suffer pain. They may, however, hide it better. Not only are they proud, they instinctively know that they are at risk when in a weakened position, and by nature will attempt to hide it. But make no mistake. This is not a surgery to be taken lightly. Your cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is unique to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design. Amputating the important part of their anatomy that contains the claws drastically alters the conformation of their feet. The cat is also deprived of its primary means of defense, leaving it prey to predators if it ever escapes to the outdoors. I have also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being declawed. Although, the medical community does not recognize this as potential side effect. Okay, so now you realize that declawing is too drastic a solution, but you're still concerned about keeping your household furnishings intact. Is there an acceptable solution? Happily, the answer is yes. A big, joyful, humane YES! Actually there are several. The following website "Cat Scratching Solutions" provides many solutions as well as and insight into the psychology of why cats scratch. You can teach your cat to use a scratching post (sisal posts are by far the best). You can trim the front claws. You can also employ aversion methods. One of the best solutions I've found is Soft Paws®. Soft Paws are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws. They're great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people who are away from home all day and can't exercise the watchfulness necessary to train a cat to use a scratching post. Soft Paws® are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors--which are really fun. Now that's a kitty manicure! The colored caps look spiffy on Tabby or Tom and have the added advantage of being more visible when one finally comes off. Then you simply replace it. You can find Soft Paws® on the web by clicking here or call 1-800-989-2542. You need to remember, though, that the caps and nail trimming should only be used on indoor cats who will not be vunerable to the dangers of the outdoors. For a list of countries in which declawing is either illegal, or considered extremely inhumane and only performed only under extreme circumstances, or for medical reasons, CLICK HERE. Not yet convinced? Click Here for "The Truth about Declawing - Technical Facts." Questions or Comments? Like to add to this website? Please feel free to e-mail me. Dr. Christianne Schelling Copyright 2006 All Rights Reserved http://www.declawing.com/

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oh ffs, declawing is not as evil as people make it out to be. my last cat got fully declawed when he was a kitten and he's still as happy and playful as ever.

the whole reason it's an "American" thing is because the majority of cats in European countries are outside cats, so it would be inhumane to declaw a cat that spends time outdoors. they'd need their claws to defend themselves and climb around. keeping indoor pets is an American thing. i don't have a choice in that matter since i live in an apartment and i'm not just gonna let kitty run outside.

trust me guys, i've done a lot of research and read articles discussing both sides of the matter. there are plenty of people who are extremely against it and there are plenty of people who think it's just fine. there seems to be no "middle ground" on the subject.

i probably wouldn't do it if i lived in a house or if the cat was going to be an indoor/outdoor cat... BUT because i live in a 1-bedroom apartment i don't really have much choice in the matter. i want to be able to play with my kitty and let him sleep next to my head without getting scratched up. i've been trying to teach him with the spray bottle but he doesn't seem to care. he's young enough that he'll recover just fine, and i've made sure to choose a good vet that uses laser surgery instead of the old-school slicing method.

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quote:

Originally posted by lücid i probably wouldn't do it if i lived in a house or if the cat was going to be an indoor/outdoor cat... BUT because i live in a 1-bedroom apartment i don't really have much choice in the matter. i want to be able to play with my kitty and let him sleep next to my head without getting scratched up. i've been trying to teach him with the spray bottle but he doesn't seem to care. he's young enough that he'll recover just fine, and i've made sure to choose a good vet that uses laser surgery instead of the old-school slicing method.

Fair enough...as long as you're 100% positive!


The only reason I said anything is because other people I know that have done it, regret it. Just looking out for kitty AND you.

quote:

Originally posted by lücid oh ffs, declawing is not as evil as people make it out to be. my last cat got fully declawed when he was a kitten and he's still as happy and playful as ever. the whole reason it's an "American" thing is because the majority of cats in European countries are outside cats, so it would be inhumane to declaw a cat that spends time outdoors. they'd need their claws to defend themselves and climb around. keeping indoor pets is an American thing. i don't have a choice in that matter since i live in an apartment and i'm not just gonna let kitty run outside. trust me guys, i've done a lot of research and read articles discussing both sides of the matter. there are plenty of people who are extremely against it and there are plenty of people who think it's just fine. there seems to be no "middle ground" on the subject. i probably wouldn't do it if i lived in a house or if the cat was going to be an indoor/outdoor cat... BUT because i live in a 1-bedroom apartment i don't really have much choice in the matter. i want to be able to play with my kitty and let him sleep next to my head without getting scratched up. i've been trying to teach him with the spray bottle but he doesn't seem to care. he's young enough that he'll recover just fine, and i've made sure to choose a good vet that uses laser surgery instead of the old-school slicing method.

I wouldn't want a cat sleeping near my face with claws (atleast when there young for sure) because they will think your eye is a play toy. I like being able to see lol. I have also woke up with a cat on my face they like to sit on warm things. I had a bigger hair ball in my mouth than the cat did

quote:

Originally posted by DjConfessions THATS A ANICE LIOOKING PUSSY. CNAN I EA T IT?

you're chinese?

quote:

Originally posted by jennypie Fair enough...as long as you're 100% positive! The only reason I said anything is because other people I know that have done it, regret it. Just looking out for kitty AND you.

yeah, believe me... i'm scared for the lil bugger (i'm a paranoid and overprotective mommy - god help me if i ever have REAL kids, lol), but i think he'll be okay, and i'm gonna take extra good care of him after the surgery! depending on what the vet tells me about the after-surgery care, i'm considering taking the next day off work just so i can be around to love him and make sure he's recovering ok.

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quote:

Originally posted by lücid oh ffs, declawing is not as evil as people make it out to be. my last cat got fully declawed when he was a kitten and he's still as happy and playful as ever. the whole reason it's an "American" thing is because the majority of cats in European countries are outside cats, so it would be inhumane to declaw a cat that spends time outdoors. they'd need their claws to defend themselves and climb around. keeping indoor pets is an American thing. i don't have a choice in that matter since i live in an apartment and i'm not just gonna let kitty run outside. trust me guys, i've done a lot of research and read articles discussing both sides of the matter. there are plenty of people who are extremely against it and there are plenty of people who think it's just fine. there seems to be no "middle ground" on the subject. i probably wouldn't do it if i lived in a house or if the cat was going to be an indoor/outdoor cat... BUT because i live in a 1-bedroom apartment i don't really have much choice in the matter. i want to be able to play with my kitty and let him sleep next to my head without getting scratched up. i've been trying to teach him with the spray bottle but he doesn't seem to care. he's young enough that he'll recover just fine, and i've made sure to choose a good vet that uses laser surgery instead of the old-school slicing method.

yeah oscar(above left) lives in a 1 bedroom apt and were completely accepting of not declawing. its pretty selfish of you, the cat *will* get older and mellow out. you just seek the easy solution, after you weren't sure you wanted the kitten to begin with. 'good vets' would help you otherwise|

btw, catching the cat when it wakes up with some usual toenail clippers and clipping below the vein works wonders, if you practice it regularly. nails are used less and the cat trusts more.

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Originally posted by inconspicuous AndreaCKY772. just. so. dumb.

quote:

Originally posted by biznology yeah oscar(above left) lives in a 1 bedroom apt and were completely accepting of not declawing. its pretty selfish of you, the cat *will* get older and mellow out. you just seek the easy solution, after you weren't sure you wanted the kitten to begin with. 'good vets' would help you otherwise| btw, catching the cat when it wakes up with some usual toenail clippers and clipping below the vein works wonders, if you practice it regularly. nails are used less and the cat trusts more.

myra, seriously, dont do it.

i know the kitten is a handful - but they calm down. dont declaw. i dislike peta and am often not adamant on issues, but declawing is not necessary. i just worry since you said you werent sure you could have a cat- that youre taking the shitty way out.

prove me wrong. oscar is a handful but i couldnt stand hurting him|


oscar says happy bday!

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Last edited by biznology on Oct-27-2006 at 17:08

quote:

Originally posted by RJT Man I can't wait to fcuk the pussy tomorrow! w00t!

fixed

quote:

Originally posted by biznology myra, seriously, dont do it. i know the kitten is a handful - but they calm down. dont declaw. i dislike peta and am often not adamant on issues, but declawing is not necessary. i just worry since you said you werent sure you could have a cat- that youre taking the shitty way out. prove me wrong. oscar is a handful but i couldnt stand hurting him| oscar says happy bday!

now you're just making me feel bad.

i don't think i'm being selfish or "taking the shitty way out" at all... like i said i've had cats declawed before and it didn't affect them negatively at all. my last cat Xander (the one who lives with my ex) is still crazy and playful and functions just fine without his claws, and it was a hell of a lot easier for him to play with me and sleep next to me after that.

i seriously wouldn't do it if i thought it was a terrible & inhumane thing to do.

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