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All those facts I've posted about declawing (previous posts in this thread I mean) are things that vets know. Vets know these things but they do it anyway because it generates an enormous profit.
A vet surgical specialty had to be invented, it's called Paw Repair Surgery. It was invented by Dr Jenifer Conrad, founder of The Paw Project, which is a documentary you need to watch before you have this terrible thing done to Speck.
If you have the stomach for it. You can read about their work here. And the cats they post about are just a drop in the bucket.
More vets are coming out every year against this practice and refusing to do it. City the Kitty and The Paw Project both have lists of vets who do not declaw in each state, and in Canada.
There are tips that can be put on. My Aunt declawed one cat, who ended up with so many problems he had to be put to sleep. I begged her not to declaw another one, explaining why, so she got these tips and they are GREAT! 'Soft paws' I think is the name of them.
There are tips that can be put on. My Aunt declawed one cat, who ended up with so many problems he had to be put to sleep. I begged her not to declaw another one, explaining why, so she got these tips and they are GREAT! 'Soft paws' I think is the name of them.
Claw caps like soft paws are useful for training. Not meant for long term use of course, and certainly better than amputating a kitten or cat's toes, they can be helpful during training.
Claw caps like soft paws are useful for training. Not meant for long term use of course, and certainly better than amputating a kitten or cat's toes, they can be helpful during training.
Do you know the name of the ones that are used long term? My Aunt has hers redone all the time with no negative results.
Oddly, it was my idea but that was years ago. I scrambled on the internet to find any alternative to mutilation .
Do you know the name of the ones that are used long term? My Aunt has hers redone all the time with no negative results.
Oddly, it was my idea but that was years ago. I scrambled on the internet to find any alternative to mutilation .
The reason I say they are not meant for long term use is because cats need to scratch. It is an essential part of being a cat, they scratch for exercise, for both physical and mental well being.
Long term use is certainly better than permanent amputations, but it still deprives the cat of the ability to use scratching for exercise and mental health.
Scratching, because of the way a cat is put together, exercises all parts of the cat. It's a necessary activity.
The reason I say they are not meant for long term use is because cats need to scratch. It is an essential part of being a cat, they scratch for exercise, for both physical and mental well being.
Long term use is certainly better than permanent amputations, but it still deprives the cat of the ability to use scratching for exercise and mental health.
Scratching, because of the way a cat is put together, exercises all parts of the cat. It's a necessary activity.
I get that. But they can still flex and stretch their nails. And virtually anything is better than mutilation.
Especially when it won't even resolve anything related to fungal or staph infections, which is the given reason!
I had one cat declawed when I was young and did not truly understand what I was doing to that cat. Afterward, she began urinating all over the house and would live on the dining room table. I took her to a vet who explained that, she was an anxious cat who, before had her claws to defend herself against real or imagined threats. When I took away her claws, she was essentially terrified. We tried medications to calm her to no avail. She was terrified of the other cat in our house (her son) and eventually I gave her to a woman who promised she would be the only animal in her home. She did adjust there. But, I will always regret my stupidity. Sorry to be so blunt but, you are not "declawing" your cat. You are maiming him. I would rehome the cat before I would ever declaw another one.
Of all the boards I have participated in, I have enjoyed the Cat forums the most. I love sharing and reading cat stories with you guys. Unfortunately, this post likely will **** my friends off, and I understand. But I hope that it provides clarity for others.
I made the decision to declaw Speck next week. I have struggled with it for a couple of weeks. In the past, it didn't bother me, but as I have become more educated about declawing over the years, I see that action as a last resort.
Some of you may remember my posts about both Speck and my fungalinfections. Both were misdiagnosed, both developed staph. Speck almost lost his tail. I wasn't close to losing my hand, but it took almost 3 months to heal and it was very painful. My 17 year old daughter also experienced a nasty fungal infection due to Speck's scratches. However, due to both Speck's and my experiences, it was more easily treatable.
Speck loves to play. He is as delicate as a 5 month old cat can be. I trim his claws every 10 days. He will even extend his claws so I can trim them. It's amazing.
However, due to both me and my daughter's extreme sensitivity to his claws, I have decided to declaw Speck. My vet only performs laser surgery after a consultation. My vet was already aware of my health issues and there was no hesitation on his part.
As I researched the various methods of declawing, I was concerned with the animosity between the two camps. One common comment was that, and I paraphrase, "if you have to declaw your cat, you shouldn't have a cat". That is hurtful to me. I have provided cats wonderful homes for 25 years. Those of you that have seem my Speck videos know that I love this little guy. Had I not rescued him from drowning and/or being run over when he was just 4 weeks old, he would likely be dead.
So my question for both sides... Is Speck better off with claws intact and likely dead, or declawed with a friend and family that loves him dearly.
Find out what's causing the infections and treat that.
I read somewhere once about somebody who saw a cougar in a zoo that had been declawed. The declawing was so painful the cougar had to walk around on its wrists to avoid even more pain.
Really dumb decision.
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