declawing a cat

[charlotte49er]

It is a major surgery. They have to take the entire last bone out of the paws. Cats claws aren't like our finger nails. It's a horrible practice that has terrible psychological effects on the animals. You might actually have trouble finding a vet that will perform the procedure as most of them refuse to do it these days. You need to find a scratching object that your cat will use and they will stop using your furniture.

It's a cat's way at trimming their front claws. I have a major cat scratching post that looks like a wave. I find parts of her claws all the time embedded into the carpeting.

I would NEVER declaw a cat. How you like to be de-fingered!

[sharkman]

I have to agree that you should never declaw a cat. I'm a dog person, but have had a few cats in the family.

If you do decide to follow through with the declaw, and can find a vet that does it, then you can never let the cat outside again. You've doomed the cat to the confines of your home for the remainder of it's life.

[charlotte49er]

http://declawing.com

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.

[Jim Harbaugh]

Declawing a cat is akin to cutting your fingertips off. Get a cat tree, praise the cat when he uses it. squirt bottle with water if he touches your furniture.

[nickzz]

my cat (RIP 1995-2012) was never de-clawed. he was an outdoor cat, so that was pretty much out of the question imo. he grew out of tearing poo up eventually. one of those scratching posts would probably help.

[PhillyB]

scratching posts it is then...

[LifeisaGarden]

We have this exact one. I didn't pay that much for it though.

http://www.armarkat.com/products/Classic-Cat-Tree-B3803.html

We also have one similar to this one. The one we have stands about 5 ft tall.

http://www.armarkat.com/products/Classic-Cat-Tree-A5201.html

We have one of these.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/20-Cat-Scratching-Post-with-Sisal-Cats/6371742

We have three round sisal scratching disks that are about 1 foot in diameter and we have one of those cardboard scratching things too but he really doesn't use that one that much.

Our cat uses all of it he likes the sisal better than the carpet stuff. It didn't take long to train him to use it. Every time I'd see him want to scratch I would take him over to the scratching post and force him to scratch on the post instead. After about 2 days he started doing it on his own. To deter your cat from using the furniture get some double sided sticky tape and put on the spots he likes to claw at the most. You can also get a citrus spray and spray the area. They hate citrus smelling stuff.

[LifeisaGarden]

This is our boy, his name is Jorge. He's a badass.

[NCstoner420]

Yep scratching post is what you'll need to pick up.

[Kevin Greene]

This is our boy, his name is Jorge. He's a badass.

Sorry, our boys would kick his ass. :D

Here hunting pond fish in our enclosed center patio.

[Kevin Greene]

We got a couple nice ones off Craigslist, you'll probably have to deal with some whack cat lady but it's worth the effort. :lol:

We have this exact one. I didn't pay that much for it though.

http://www.armarkat.com/products/Classic-Cat-Tree-B3803.html

We also have one similar to this one. The one we have stands about 5 ft tall.

http://www.armarkat.com/products/Classic-Cat-Tree-A5201.html

We have one of these.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/20-Cat-Scratching-Post-with-Sisal-Cats/6371742

We have three round sisal scratching disks that are about 1 foot in diameter and we have one of those cardboard scratching things too but he really doesn't use that one that much.

Our cat uses all of it he likes the sisal better than the carpet stuff. It didn't take long to train him to use it. Every time I'd see him want to scratch I would take him over to the scratching post and force him to scratch on the post instead. After about 2 days he started doing it on his own. To deter your cat from using the furniture get some double sided sticky tape and put on the spots he likes to claw at the most. You can also get a citrus spray and spray the area. They hate citrus smelling stuff.

[LifeisaGarden]

I got ours second handed too. There's no sense in paying that kind of money for one brand new. I bought the small ones new though because we needed something right away when we got him.

[Niner National]

I got my cats to stop scratching furniture by putting tape on it. I took it off a month later and they still didn't scratch it.

My parents' cat stopped scratching their furniture when they bought a rug. He scratches that now.

[Ja Rhule]

Better idea... Dress as your couch and scratch your cat back. Karma is a bitch.