Never ever declaw a cat... - Page 5

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 09:06 AM

Cat Declawing

What is the use of cat declawing?

The main reason people decide to declaw their cat is to protect their furniture. An untrained cat’s claws can be very destructive in a home, damaging furniture, curtains and carpets. Cats like (and need) to scratch and claw at wood and rough surfaces, and if they are not properly trained, your furniture will look very inviting to them. Another reason people give for declawing their cat is to prevent the cat from injuring them. Cats use their claws and teeth to defend themselves and to fight. Small children may mishandle a cat and provoke it in scratching them. Some cats also have a more aggressive or nervous nature and will scratch people when they feel threatened.

Toxoplasmosis and Bartonellosis are two diseases that can be transmitted from cats. It is important to note though, that those diseases are most likely to be contracted from a litter box, or even from biting – but it is highly unlikely that it will be contracted from cat scratches.

Declawing a cat is a selfish and very drastic solution for problems that could be solved in many other ways and may bring forth much more serious problems. Owners that decide to declaw their cat do this solely for their own comfort and do not take in account the problems that may sprout from doing this.

What does the declawing process involve?

Cat declawing is also known as onychectomy and is a much more complex operation than simply removing your cat’s nails or claws. The declawing operation is in fact the amputation of each of the cat’s toes at the first joint. It involves cutting of the front part of a cat’s toes and means cutting through nerves and muscles and removing bone. This operation is extremely painful (it has been proven to be much more painful than sterilizing or spaying your cat) and it will take a long time to heal. Even after the wounds have healed, the cat may suffer from a series of after-effects.

Are there any disadvantages to declawing your cat?

Yes! There are numerous disadvantages, not only to your cat but to you as cat owner as well.

Cat declawing is illegal in many countries around the world and considered as inhumane and as a form of animal abuse and mutilation.

Many people don’t realize just how painful a declawing operation can be. Scientists have proven cat declawing to be extremely painful and even test new painkiller drugs on cats that are being declawed. Although the cat may not show signs of pain outwardly and seem to be content, it will definitely be in a lot of pain after the operation. Big operations or rather amputations like declawing can hold many of the usual dangers related to surgical complications. A lot of vets also only use the minimum amount of painkillers and anesthetics during the operation, and prescribe no painkillers for the recovery process at home. The wounds take several weeks to heal, and the pain may continue months after the operation.

Complications after a declawing operation are also very common. The wounds may become infected or some of the amputated toes can begin to grow back. Some cats may experience lameness and even be crippled. You may notice a declawed cat trying to scratch at surfaces. They reason for this is because it is common for the tendons of the severed joints to detract and cause a constant feeling of stiffness in their paws.

Cats need their claws for balance and also use it to hook their paws on surfaces and stretch themselves. This stretching forms a very important part of the cat’s exercise and muscle toning. A declawed cat will need to learn to walk differently (because it doesn’t have any front joints) and its body weight will rest on their feet which can even cause arthritis.

It is very common for declawed cats to develop behavioral problems. It may develop a fear for its sandbox, because scratching in the sand may be painful. So, instead of having a cat that damages your furniture, you will have a cat that refuses to use its litter box. Also, because it has been deprived of its best means of defense, its claws, it may now revert to using its teeth to protect itself and can start to bite people when feeling threatened.

Declawed cats will also not be able to defend themselves effectively against other cats or dogs and can even die in fights.

Because of these behavioral problems developed after declawing, many cat owners become detached from their cats and may even want to get rid of them.

Professional cat declawing

If you do decide to declaw your cat after all, at least make sure that it is done professionally and with as little discomfort to your cat as possible.

The most developed method of declawing to date is laser declawing. Laser declawing is less painful, because bleeding and swelling is reduced.

Always ensure that your cat or kitten is older than 4 months before declawing. It is also not advisable to declaw cats that are old and not so active anymore, because they will take a longer time to recover.

After the operation, your cat may be kept in the hospital for the night, or a longer period of time depending on the cat. When taking your cat home, try to keep it from getting overexcited and prevent it from jumping or putting heavy strain on its paws. It is common for the paws to start bleeding every now and again, but ask your vet’s advice if the bleeding alarms you.

To minimize the pain your cat can experience when using its sandbox, put newspaper strips in the sandbox. Sand or clay can infect the wounds on the paws or cause pain when “scratching” in the box. After your cat is fully recovered you can replace the sand again. Your cat may not like the newspapers and this can become a messy affair.

Always look out for the following warning signs, and notify your vet if any occur: Swollen paws and frequent bleeding. If your cat display extreme difficulty in standing up or walking after one day.

Alternatives to cat declawing

Before deciding on such a drastic measure or “solution” as declawing your cat, first consider some of the (often more effective) alternatives. The main reason for declawing a cat is to prevent it from damaging your furniture. Scratching is a necessary instinctive habit for removing the dead cells around its claws, practicing balance and stretching and toning muscles.

Cats are highly trainable animals and can be taught to use only a scratching post for these purposes. There are numerous scratching posts or “cat furniture” to choose from, whether your cat likes scratching vertical or horizontal surfaces. You can even buy “cat trees” with attractive objects hanging from the tree to catch your cat’s attention or build your own (just make sure they are stable and won’t fall over on your cat).

To train a cat to use scratching posts, and to discourage it from scratching your furniture, you can place netting or foil over your furniture. When you see your cat trying to scratch your furniture, pick it up and put it down in front of its scratching post.

Nail caps can be applied to a cat’s claws, this need to be applied every 3 to 6 months depending on the cat. Nail caps will prevent damage to your furniture and to yourself while causing almost no inconvenience to your cat (compared to the serious discomfort caused by declawing). You can also trim your cat’s nails frequently to keep it blunt.

Cat Declawing

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 09:23 AM

June 29, 2007, 1:40 pm

Declawing & the Law

Posted by Peter Lattman

Quote:

One thing we love about this gig is the myriad topics about which we get to write. In our 18 months, we’ve posted on everything from moustaches to Milberg to Motley Crue. But we’ve never written about cats, and we really like them. We’ve never been sure, though, how we feel about declawing. Somewhat improbably, two declawing decisions were handed down this week, and we thought we’d share them with you.

Last Friday a California appeals court ruled that cities can legally prohibit cat declawing without violating state law. Here’s the opinion, which reinstated an anti-declaw ordinance passed by the city of West Hollywood. According to nonprofit animal advocacy organization The Paw Project, the ordinance is the only of its kind in the nation. The ordinance makes it a crime to perform declawing in the city (except for medical reasons), declaring that the “mere convenience to the pet’s guardian (owner) does not justify the unnecessary pain, anguish and permanent disability caused [by declawing] the animal.”

A veterninary trade group challenged the ordinance, which had been struck down by the trial court. But the appeals court reversed, writing that the city could “set minimum standards for the humane treatment of animals within its borders.” The opinion quoted Gandhi: “A society’s moral progress is best judged by its treatment of animals.” The director of the Paw Project said the court’s ruling “will spare animals the crippling pain and misery too often caused by declawing . . . This is a major victory for the animals and those who care about them.” Representing the city pro bono: Orly Degani, founder of Los Angeles Lawyers for Animals.

Meanwhile, across the country at the patent-focused Federal Circuit, the court reversed a trial court ruling that an inventor’s patent for a cat-declawing method was invalid. The patent is entitled Laser Onychectomy by Resection of the Redundant Epithelium of the Ungual Crest. Got that? Anyway, here’s the opinion (HT: How Appealing), which doesn’t weigh in on the declawing controversy.

Law Blog - WSJ.com : Declawing & the Law

I pasted some of comments from those link over here because their comments make sense to me.

Quote:

Apocalypse, your logic is severely flawed, unsuprisingly. You argue passionately against one form of [perceived] cruelty as a basis for sustaining another. That doesn’t make sense. If it is wrong to do violence of one kind to a helpless being, it is wrong to do violence of ANY kind.

Quote:

Declawing cats requires severing their “fingers.” I sincerely doubt that anyone would advocate severing the fingers of toddlers or mentally challenged youngsters on the basis that they could be “destructive.”

It is no different with a cat, and I applaud the California court’s decision. Abuse is abuse is abuse, and the court’s willingness to address the issue and side with the anti-cruelty contingent is admirable.

Comment by Anonymous - June 29, 2007 at 3:55 pm

Quote:

AF should have adopted an “already-declawed” cat at the shelter if she was so instistent to get one. The pounds are full of ‘em. But beware of behavioral problems such as litterbox avoidance and biting that are more common in declawed cats (that’s a likely reason why the declawed ones have been dumped there).

Comment by Jimmy J - June 29, 2007 at 4:36 pm

Quote:

If you are having trouble training your cat, there is a lot of help and information available. For less than what you spent on the 10 seperate amputations you could have hired a cat behaiviorist to help you personally. Please read up on it some more.
Declawing isn’t saving lives.

Millions of declawed cats end up euthanized in animal shelters for behaivior
problems stemming from declaw surgery.

America as a whole is behind much of the rest of the world in its compassionate animal laws and ethics.

When West Hollywood declared that they wanted to live in a city that was free of animal cruelty they set a new standard for the entire country.

There are millions of cats and dogs all over this country and in Canada suffering from cruel veterinary amputations. These animals need our help.

Horray for West Hollywood. Because of this judges ruling and as animal guardians, we can now all pass compassionate laws in each of our cities to protect our loved ones from these unnecessary procedures. We must remain fearless in our compassionate actions. May the under-cat continue to
prevail.

Comment by training a cat where to scratch is easy - June 29, 2007 at 4:51 pm

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 09:28 AM

Clawing the Furniture or Carpet

Adapted from an article by Terry Jester.

Quote:

For many cats couches, divans, and overstuffed chairs are simply products designed for the cat's own pleasure. An antique velvet loveseat or wool carpet may merely be an expensive scratching post as far as the cat is concerned. A lot of owners go to the expense to buy elaborate posts designed especially for cats to scratch. Some owners purchase chemical cat repellents that claim to keep the cat away from furniture by offending its sensitive sense of smell. Others may have the animal declawed.
(We at MPFCC strongly discourage declawing. It is a painful procedure, and leaves the cat without its first and best defense. It cannot climb trees, and without front claws it cannot bite as effectively because a cat 'holds' what it bites with its front claws. Even if the animal is kept indoors there is always a time when it can escape, no matter how careful you are. We get lots of letters from frantic owners whose declawed cat has escaped.)

A few owners, after unsuccessful attempts to keep the cat away from the couch, simply keep the cat outside or find another home for it (the cat, not the couch). Others finally give up and decide that since the couch doesn't sit in your lap and purr and the overstuffed chair is a rotten mouser, they'll keep the cat and learn to live with shredded furniture.

All this is unfortunate, because if you own a cat that claws furniture or carpets it doesn't have to be the end of the world for either the cat or the couch.

Cats claw furniture for different reasons. Let's examine some of them.

All cats need to claw something from time to time. They are not sharpening their claws as many people believe, but they do need to claw periodically in order to shed the old claw sheaths, thus making room for the new ones.
Cats will also use furniture for a good stretch. The cat will sink its claws into an upholstered item or carpet then pull, thus stretching the muscles and perhaps getting a good yawn as well, sort of kitty calisthenics.

The playful cat is usually a young, energetic type that seems to have come with extra batteries. This cat views furniture as take-off and landing zones. Walls are things to run across and bounce off of and floors are things only humans walk on. It may appear that the cat is in commando training by the way it climbs the drapes and his owners have given up walking barefoot through the house for fear of guerrila warfare inflicted on tender toes. Clawing furniture is only one bad habit this cat possesses, but it can be the most expensive.

Many cats have trained their owners exceptionally well. If the cat wants breakfast and the owner is asleep, he claws the bed. After a few unsuccessful attempts at swatting the cat, the owner finally gets up and breakfast is served. If the cat wants attention, he claws the chair. This gets a LOT of attention and may even bring a treat if the owner tries bribing the cat away from the chair with a tidbit. Generally speaking most well-trained owners have no idea what the cat is up to when it displays its clawing behavior. This is, of course, how the cat wants it.

So now you know why they claw, what can be done about it? First off carpeted scratching posts are almost totally useless, recommended instead are logs with the bark intact. This is a cat's natural scratching post. If given a choice, the vast majority of cats will sink their claws in a good hunk of wood and leave the couch alone. After all, how many outside cats have you known to pine away for lack of a piece of carpet? Give the cat a nice, large log, free of paint, wood stain or other chemicals and anchor it so it won't fall over when being used. Your cat may never bother the couch again.

If your cat persists in clawing, invest in a few squirt guns and rattlecans. Properly used, they can make a cat view scratching the furniture as an unpleasant experience that should be avoided. Also, praise the cat when it does use the log or other scratching item provided for its use.

The squirt gun should be filled with plain water and placed in an easily accessible area. The rattlecan can be any tin can filled with pebbles or loose change, then sealed, so that when tossed down it makes a lot of noise. Put this in an accessible area too.

When the cat is seen scratching the furniture or carpet, simply toss the can in the direction of the cat (not at the cat) or squirt the cat with the water gun. It is important that the cat not view the water or the rattlecan as an attack, but something that will happen when it scratches the furniture. In order to do this, the owner must not stop what they are doing at the time or yell at the cat. Just toss or squirt and act like you have no idea that anything at all just happened.

Most good squirt guns will go at least 10 feet, so there is no need to chase the cat around the house to hit the target. If the owner is watching tv and the cat starts in on the couch, simply grab the can or squirt gun and toss or fire away. Say nothing to the cat and continue to watch tv. Be just as matter of fact as possible. In most cases the cat will stop clawing immediately and look around as if to say, "what the heck's going on here?" Then the cat will look at the owner so see if the owner had anything to do with what just happened. It's better if the cat doesn't associate the action with the owner and won't be inclined to sneak in a few scratches when the owner isn't looking. However, even if the cat does know where the water and rattlecan are coming from, they are still the most effective ways of modifying its behavior. The squirt gun is more effective because the cat will not see you retrieving it after each toss.

There is no reason why cats and furniture can't exist peacefully together. The right equipment and the right attitude are all you need. So, get your kitty a scratching log; invest in a few good quality, long range water guns; make yourself a nice, loud rattlecan; and sit back, relax, and wait for kitty.

Meower Power Feral Cat Coaltion

Another link
Meower Power Feral Cat Coaltion

VanG · 11-03-2007, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiofuzzy

If you feed your pet, take care if your pet, and then kick it - is it not an abuse because after all you feed it and care for it?

Fuzzy

Kick it???????? Come on, be serious!! Like I said mistreating the cat is inhuman and form of abuse. Aww, you know what, I am out of here after you say that to me about kick it. Turn me off.

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 09:32 AM

ELEVEN REASONS NOT TO DECLAW YOUR CAT*

MAIN REASON: Because a declawed cat is a maimed cat.

10 other reasons:

1. Paws come with claws, just as fingers and toes come with nails!

2. Declawing is illegal in just about every other country in the world, as it is considered mutilation and animal abuse.

3. Declawed cats often become biters as their main form of self-defense has been taken away and they become anxious, afraid and depressed.

4. There are many easy ways to deal with the cat's natural need to stretch and clean its claws that are not harmful to the cat. For example, claw clipping and providing a scratching post or scratching board.

5. Cats walk on their toes so removing or altering their natural clay structure can cause them to become crippled. Declawing can impair a cat's balance and cause muscle deterioration.

6. Declawing is amputation--cutting off the third bone of the toe. How would you like to have your toes and fingers shortened? Recovery is a long and traumatic experience for the cat, as it would be for you. Excessive bleeding and pain are common.

7. Even with the new, less invasive surgery call Tendonectomy, cats have often displayed the same personality and physical changes that they do after a standard declaw procedure.

8. If a declawed cat needs to defend itself or if it gets outside (even by mistake) it is defenseless and has no way to climb trees when chased by a dog or other creatures.

9. Claws can grow back, necessitating additional surgery that usually cripples the cat even more excessively.

10. But mostly you are a responsible, caring and a loving pet owner who would not put an animal through this pain.

Don't Declaw Your Cat!

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 09:39 AM

Important to read over the comparison behaviour between the cats and young children. Its about educate the cats and young children to be behave and respect etc.

Paws and Purrs Cattery ~ Traditional Doll-Faced Persians & Himalayans ~ Declawing

Warning - horrible to see the picture...

Educate!! Don't Amputate!!..declaw surgery pictures

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 10:43 AM

[quote]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RebelGirl

I suppose you're actually speaking of me.

No, it´s not just you but other posters as well. Anyway, I think I did not make clear in my first post. I am trying to make clear in my post how difference abuse/neglect between human and animal. I only compared those similar issues between human and animal, not opposite ..

Quote:

you need to think about spaying and nuetering.. there are pros and cons into it. if you don't get your cat/dog spayed or nuetered, there are side effects. short life, illness at early age, too many littering, etc.

Yes I aware about cons/pros on neuter/spaying. I was being lectured by the Vet. They do not support early neuter/spaying on any kitten and puppies until between 9 months and 1 year old due many disadvantages. Their opinion, it´s best for the cats or dogs to have their babies for a first time then fixed later because it´s better advantage than disadvantage. Interesting... Anyway, I had 21 years old Sussi to be fixed when she was 10 months old and also have 2 years old Kim to be fixed straight way after she finished to take care of her 4 kitten last year. They said it´s very good for the pets to be fixed after finish to take care of their litters for a first time. I got Kim´s both daughters Flecky & Blacky to be fix when they were over one year old. Having them to be fixed later (between 9 months and 1 year old) is better advantage than early fixed.

Quote:

vaccines... why do you think all the animals need vaccines? to provent from being sick, getting rabies shot to provent getting rabies from wild animals, etc. when all that is ignored.. what happens??? short life, not caring for the animals. Leib.. i don't think you realize why i brought it up. My whole point was... when a person neglects a pet, not taking care of it, not getting what a pet needs.. what would you do if your child is very sick? take your child to the dr? same with the pet. but alot of people tend to neglect them and just let them die. what do you call that? abuse. getting nuetered/spayed saves lives and a life-long term of living.

About vaccines
http://www.alldeaf.com/our-pets/3210...eeded-not.html

I only support vaccines for rabies if my cats are outdoor. It´s not necassary to use rabies vaccines when the cats are indoor. For dogs, I strong recommend to have them to shot because they are outside daily. My vet don´t give the pets any shot for illness but some drops, cream tube into their mouths or whatever. They only use vaccines for newborns to every year outdoor cat and every 2 years for indoor cat. I have all cats to be shot when they were kitten. Flecky & Blacky already have their 2nd shot and will have their 3rd shot and then last in 2 year time.

My 21 years old Sussi don´t have any shot for over 14 years now. We take care of our cats with vitamins, etc.

If the owner doesn´t bother to take care of their pets and child healthy then is neglect and abuse.

And also, if the parents/pet owners doesn´t bother to educate their pets and children to be behave correctly then is neglect and abuse.

Quote:

the animals have reason to live on earth and to be somebody's pet. a cat getting declawed is but for a good reason.. to keep them inside.. to keep them from scratching other people, to keep from tearing up furnitures.

I only compared amputation on part of body between animal and human, not spaying/neuter and vaccines. I would have a question for you since you said in your opinion that it´s not abuse to declaw the cat. Would you also consider as an abuse when the child´s fingertips are being amuptated ? (Fact, I withnessed when I was in Africa that some children have no hand - I asked the Tourist leader after noticed that more children have no hand after saw once... He explained that they amuptated their hand to prevent them from thief... If they do again then they will get amuptated on their other hand.) What would you say about this?

Quote:

and again.. its personal choice. i've never had a cat declawed when i was growing up because the cat was an outside cat. i have a 3 legged cat.. she got declawed because she would not be able to take care of herself outside or else she'd be dead. so instead.. i got her declawed and kept her inside.

my orange cat is also an inside cat too and is declawed. no reason. but want to keep her inside at all times.

that's my choice and nobody elses.

you got your own choice.

so that's why i was comparing how ya'll think.. declawing is a big deal when ya'll need to think about other things such as not doing the right thing with a pet when sick, have heartworms, and know what to do when that happens.

but on the other hand, that's how i see it.. and you see it differently.

Yes, I remember from your thread somewhere that you posted picture of your cute 3 legged cat. You are good heart to adopt her.

Anyway, I am not here to judge, insult or bash anyone´s choice for declaw the pets but accept their and your opinion in polite way. All what I am here to educate, compare and make some questions in polite way since some posters brought this issues up, that´s all. I can agree to disagree with some posters here if I like to without judge, insult or bash them.

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RebelGirl

How old is this??

Yes, but it´s still the same until now... , right?

GarnetTigerMom · 11-03-2007, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheri

Agreed!

Thanks pal!

GarnetTigerMom · 11-03-2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audiofuzzy

Then why some countries banned declawing, and made it illegal?

Fuzzy

I am not worried about other countries and I am live in USA, if it illegal in other country then that their business. But remember other countires do abuse cats or dogs there too. They even eat them too. So what they do over there is sick. Speaking of vets, not all vets are bad people. Some are good some are bad, just have to look at the vet history records before you can trust a vet. I am not interesting in other countries about our laws here.

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheri

Rockdrummer is stating the truth, I've seen it with my own eyes. My friend has a cat who is also declawed and she recently brought a puppy and that puppy would walk up to her cat, that cat will get on his back and use his rear claws on the puppy to give the puppy a hint that he wants to be left alone. It was so cute.

So rockdrummer is correct cats would know the front paws no longer have claws will most likely use their rear to fight back.

Yes, my cats did the same when they are in the house BUT what if they suddenly escaped out of the house... ? No matter either you tried to keep them indoor... it could be suddenly sometimes... It was happeend to Kim when I tried to keep her indoor.

Anyway, the cats need all claws and teeth to defend themselves against wild animals, dog attack etc. or climb up to the tree... to prevent from wild animals to hurt them.

Kim was being attacked by big dog last May 2007... She had 18 stitches and lost piece of her ear... . (I am sure that you remember my thread about her). She had some bleed on front of her claws... She defend very hard against dog´s attack. She would of die if she don´t have front claws.

Just back of claws to defend against wild animals or whatever is impossible...

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanG

US Vet Board's job is not to educate pet owners but jos to educate student to be vet to educated owner. So mainly, it is DOCTOR's RESPONSIBLE.

I am total surprised to know that it´s not US Vet Board´s job to educate pet owners. Here in Germany yes.

Quote:

Health purpose by Vet to make decision what right to declaw or keep it. One time, Dr. Cow turned down request to owner that she wanted to declaw cat for outside just because she hate to see cat digging in her garden. And Dr. Cow turned down on cat being declaw is because of blood problem in cat's vein. So Hope that answer for you but I am not Vet but that is what I know so far.

Understood and

for explain.

It´s the Vet´s job to educate the pet owners, also Vet Board as well..

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarnetTigerMom

I am not worried about other countries and I am live in USA, if it illegal in other country then that their business. But remember other countires do abuse cats or dogs there too. They even eat them too. So what they do over there is sick. Speaking of vets, not all vets are bad people. Some are good some are bad, just have to look at the vet history records before you can trust a vet. I am not interesting in other countries about our laws here.

But California, America consider to ban cat declaw and make it into illegal. It could be spread out from CA to other states in the future?

Lil_country_gal · 11-03-2007, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheri

My dog has received side-effects every time he has his vaccinations, but that only lasted for about a day or two. Does that means I'm abusing my own dog because I still highly recommended him to go see the vet to be on his currently vaccines? No, I did it to keep him away from future diseases, because he does go outdoor to do his business, and I do take my dog for a walk also. I want to protect him at all cost, that is one reason why I continuing taking him in for his vaccinations.

Talk to your vet about having your dog take benadryl before the vaccinations our dog is the same way about getting sick after them and all they have to do is give her a shot of benadryl before the vaccinces and she is fine and has had no side affects afterwards since they started giving her benadryl

Our siamese got her front paws declawed she never had any problems infact up till the day she passed away she still acted like she was this little kitten just playing and runing and jumping. she never had any crippiling affects from the surgery no infection nothing and than she could still give me back rubs sleep on our backs and scratch anything she wanted. she never had any problems defending herself when she went outside because she figured out how to get out a couple times. and she still was the greatest mouse hunter we had. I believe that it isn't inhumane or cruel if you take care of finding a good vet and taking care of the wounds after the surgery.

GarnetTigerMom · 11-03-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liebling:-)))

But California, America consider to ban cat declaw and make it into illegal. It could be spread out from CA to other states in the future?

well, anything is possible that it could spread out in other states unless it pass by the states law first. I guess we just have to wait and see in the near future what the future holds.

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IslandGal

Close your eyes and pretend you are a cat....would you want to go through with the declawings on yourself?

*look at my 10 fingertips*

I would obey/respect what my owner say and also their rule, too and will know what kind of anything I am allow or not because I want their love and affection if I were a cat.

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarnetTigerMom

How is that abuse when you take a cat to a vet to have it remove? I don't see a law says can't declaw a cat. But remember it their personal choice what they want to do for the cat.

May I remind you that it´s not removal but amputation.

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreama

Good point. The fact some people seem to think animal abuse is a personal choice is to me extremely shocking.

*nodding I can understand how you feel* I was shock, too after learn what kind of declaw is about from other thread last year. We (Europeans) cannot understand why declaw... why...

Anyway, it´s up to people either they want to open their mind to search positive information how to train their pets or not since there´re many US websites against declaw and hope to have declaw into illegal. All what we are here to give positive information how to take care of the pets... I cannot force or expect them to accept or agree with me and my information.

Liebling:-))) · 11-03-2007, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarnetTigerMom

Abuse is more like straving an animals or kicking the animals or putting them into animals fight for sports or throwing an live animals in the river or burying them alive is abuse yes. For Declawing by a vet is not abuse. As long as people want a cat to be indoor cat then they are safe, But if you want to let the cat to be outdoor type then don't declaw them simple as that.

Accord many US websites, many pet owners who declawed the cats and then dumped them to shelters. Why?

I consider amputation on part of body as a form of abuse, no matter either it´s human or animal.

11-03-2007, 09:06 AM	#121 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) Hiiiiiii it's meeeeee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 24,905	Cat Declawing Cat Declawing What is the use of cat declawing? The main reason people decide to declaw their cat is to protect their furniture. An untrained cat’s claws can be very destructive in a home, damaging furniture, curtains and carpets. Cats like (and need) to scratch and claw at wood and rough surfaces, and if they are not properly trained, your furniture will look very inviting to them. Another reason people give for declawing their cat is to prevent the cat from injuring them. Cats use their claws and teeth to defend themselves and to fight. Small children may mishandle a cat and provoke it in scratching them. Some cats also have a more aggressive or nervous nature and will scratch people when they feel threatened. Toxoplasmosis and Bartonellosis are two diseases that can be transmitted from cats. It is important to note though, that those diseases are most likely to be contracted from a litter box, or even from biting – but it is highly unlikely that it will be contracted from cat scratches. Declawing a cat is a selfish and very drastic solution for problems that could be solved in many other ways and may bring forth much more serious problems. Owners that decide to declaw their cat do this solely for their own comfort and do not take in account the problems that may sprout from doing this. What does the declawing process involve? Cat declawing is also known as onychectomy and is a much more complex operation than simply removing your cat’s nails or claws. The declawing operation is in fact the amputation of each of the cat’s toes at the first joint. It involves cutting of the front part of a cat’s toes and means cutting through nerves and muscles and removing bone. This operation is extremely painful (it has been proven to be much more painful than sterilizing or spaying your cat) and it will take a long time to heal. Even after the wounds have healed, the cat may suffer from a series of after-effects. Are there any disadvantages to declawing your cat? Yes! There are numerous disadvantages, not only to your cat but to you as cat owner as well. Cat declawing is illegal in many countries around the world and considered as inhumane and as a form of animal abuse and mutilation. Many people don’t realize just how painful a declawing operation can be. Scientists have proven cat declawing to be extremely painful and even test new painkiller drugs on cats that are being declawed. Although the cat may not show signs of pain outwardly and seem to be content, it will definitely be in a lot of pain after the operation. Big operations or rather amputations like declawing can hold many of the usual dangers related to surgical complications. A lot of vets also only use the minimum amount of painkillers and anesthetics during the operation, and prescribe no painkillers for the recovery process at home. The wounds take several weeks to heal, and the pain may continue months after the operation. Complications after a declawing operation are also very common. The wounds may become infected or some of the amputated toes can begin to grow back. Some cats may experience lameness and even be crippled. You may notice a declawed cat trying to scratch at surfaces. They reason for this is because it is common for the tendons of the severed joints to detract and cause a constant feeling of stiffness in their paws. Cats need their claws for balance and also use it to hook their paws on surfaces and stretch themselves. This stretching forms a very important part of the cat’s exercise and muscle toning. A declawed cat will need to learn to walk differently (because it doesn’t have any front joints) and its body weight will rest on their feet which can even cause arthritis. It is very common for declawed cats to develop behavioral problems. It may develop a fear for its sandbox, because scratching in the sand may be painful. So, instead of having a cat that damages your furniture, you will have a cat that refuses to use its litter box. Also, because it has been deprived of its best means of defense, its claws, it may now revert to using its teeth to protect itself and can start to bite people when feeling threatened. Declawed cats will also not be able to defend themselves effectively against other cats or dogs and can even die in fights. Because of these behavioral problems developed after declawing, many cat owners become detached from their cats and may even want to get rid of them. Professional cat declawing If you do decide to declaw your cat after all, at least make sure that it is done professionally and with as little discomfort to your cat as possible. The most developed method of declawing to date is laser declawing. Laser declawing is less painful, because bleeding and swelling is reduced. Always ensure that your cat or kitten is older than 4 months before declawing. It is also not advisable to declaw cats that are old and not so active anymore, because they will take a longer time to recover. After the operation, your cat may be kept in the hospital for the night, or a longer period of time depending on the cat. When taking your cat home, try to keep it from getting overexcited and prevent it from jumping or putting heavy strain on its paws. It is common for the paws to start bleeding every now and again, but ask your vet’s advice if the bleeding alarms you. To minimize the pain your cat can experience when using its sandbox, put newspaper strips in the sandbox. Sand or clay can infect the wounds on the paws or cause pain when “scratching” in the box. After your cat is fully recovered you can replace the sand again. Your cat may not like the newspapers and this can become a messy affair. Always look out for the following warning signs, and notify your vet if any occur: Swollen paws and frequent bleeding. If your cat display extreme difficulty in standing up or walking after one day. Alternatives to cat declawing Before deciding on such a drastic measure or “solution” as declawing your cat, first consider some of the (often more effective) alternatives. The main reason for declawing a cat is to prevent it from damaging your furniture. Scratching is a necessary instinctive habit for removing the dead cells around its claws, practicing balance and stretching and toning muscles. Cats are highly trainable animals and can be taught to use only a scratching post for these purposes. There are numerous scratching posts or “cat furniture” to choose from, whether your cat likes scratching vertical or horizontal surfaces. You can even buy “cat trees” with attractive objects hanging from the tree to catch your cat’s attention or build your own (just make sure they are stable and won’t fall over on your cat). To train a cat to use scratching posts, and to discourage it from scratching your furniture, you can place netting or foil over your furniture. When you see your cat trying to scratch your furniture, pick it up and put it down in front of its scratching post. Nail caps can be applied to a cat’s claws, this need to be applied every 3 to 6 months depending on the cat. Nail caps will prevent damage to your furniture and to yourself while causing almost no inconvenience to your cat (compared to the serious discomfort caused by declawing). You can also trim your cat’s nails frequently to keep it blunt. Cat Declawing __________________ sniffing you

11-03-2007, 09:32 AM	#125 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) Hiiiiiii it's meeeeee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 24,905	Eleven Reasons Not To Declaw Your Cat* ELEVEN REASONS NOT TO DECLAW YOUR CAT* MAIN REASON: Because a declawed cat is a maimed cat. 10 other reasons: 1. Paws come with claws, just as fingers and toes come with nails! 2. Declawing is illegal in just about every other country in the world, as it is considered mutilation and animal abuse. 3. Declawed cats often become biters as their main form of self-defense has been taken away and they become anxious, afraid and depressed. 4. There are many easy ways to deal with the cat's natural need to stretch and clean its claws that are not harmful to the cat. For example, claw clipping and providing a scratching post or scratching board. 5. Cats walk on their toes so removing or altering their natural clay structure can cause them to become crippled. Declawing can impair a cat's balance and cause muscle deterioration. 6. Declawing is amputation--cutting off the third bone of the toe. How would you like to have your toes and fingers shortened? Recovery is a long and traumatic experience for the cat, as it would be for you. Excessive bleeding and pain are common. 7. Even with the new, less invasive surgery call Tendonectomy, cats have often displayed the same personality and physical changes that they do after a standard declaw procedure. 8. If a declawed cat needs to defend itself or if it gets outside (even by mistake) it is defenseless and has no way to climb trees when chased by a dog or other creatures. 9. Claws can grow back, necessitating additional surgery that usually cripples the cat even more excessively. 10. But mostly you are a responsible, caring and a loving pet owner who would not put an animal through this pain. Don't Declaw Your Cat! __________________ sniffing you

11-03-2007, 09:39 AM	#126 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) Hiiiiiii it's meeeeee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 24,905	Important to read over the comparison behaviour between the cats and young children. Its about educate the cats and young children to be behave and respect etc. Paws and Purrs Cattery ~ Traditional Doll-Faced Persians & Himalayans ~ Declawing Warning - horrible to see the picture... Educate!! Don't Amputate!!..declaw surgery pictures __________________ sniffing you

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