Cats

[ashlee]

How old is too old for a cat to be declawed? Is declawing a good idea? What can bee done if not declawing?

[mystyk_star]

I fyou do decide to get a cat declawed, I think that it would be best to do it when they are kittens, and when they aren't as used to them. To get an adult cat declawed is not a good idea because they have lived with them all their lives, it would almost be like getting your fingers cut off when you are 25 years old. If you are worried about your cat scratching furniture, try getting a clawing post, and if they scratch anything but that spray them with water, most cats hate that and it doesn't hurt them and they will learn. Another thing you can try is trimming their claws with clippers.

[Rainbow]

You should never declaw a cat if it goes outside, it would not be able to defend itself from any other animal attack. If it is just a matter of keeping the claws trimmed (the older cats get the more likley they are to need help keeping them managable) you can trim them yourself or the vets will do it-most vets actually provide this service free by one of the practice nurses.

[Elfin]

Oh no please don't even consider declawing your cat. That's a really nasty thing to do. If you can't handle the fact that cats have claws and use them, then perhaps you should consider rehoming him/her with someone who has some respect for these fine animals. These other good answers show how to handle some of the aspects that might be bothering you, but also be aware that cats use their claws for even the simplest of manouvres, for scratching their own itches and to stop themselves falling. Sorry, but the thought of it makes my blood boil!!

[mystyk_star]

Elfin, I have heard that getting a cat declawed is seriously like getting your fingers cut off. Is that true? I completly agree with you. My male cat has the sharpest longest claws and I gladly take the risk of getting scratched everyday, just as long as I know he is the way he should be. Claws and all!!

[trilobite]

If you are considering de-clawing as a consequence of a bit of scratched wallpaper or a couple of snags in your sofa, then you have your priorities totally wrong and shouldn't even have a cat.

The odd scratched furniture and clawed arm are part and parcel of cat 'ownership'.

[stephen.hove]

you dont even need to clip their claws. ive had loads of ctas nad never once had to clip their claws. its best left to a vet. if you got it wrong it would cause a lot of pain.

[jills]

just want to also say DON'T declaw your cat. I'm 100% with Elfin and Mystik star. if you're worried abotu the effects of the claws on your home etc...give the cats to someone who cares enough about the animal not to worry about such things. How would you like someone to remove your fingernails...cos that's the equivalent. it's cruel, end of story. it's a truly hideous practise...tho much more common in America, but then hey, so are guns, let's not look to the US for examples on lifestyle! Trimming a cats claws is not a problem if you've got a willing cat...but as others have said, it's a quick job that your vet will be happy to do.

[honkytonkman]

Never declaw your cat. It's cruel and as already pointed out leaves the cat totally defenceless if he/she goes outside. I used totrim my cats claws (just the very tips with proper vet's clippers) about once a year as she preferred to be indoors and so her claws weren't worn down naturally and she wouldn't use a scratching post. I think you have to accept that a few tears on the furniture and the odd scratch are all part and parcel of living with cat. I doubt you'd find a scrupulous vet who will do it for 'lifestyle' reasons. Enjoy life with your cat, claws and all :)

[peace]

I totally agree you should never declaw a cat, it's mindless animal cruelty. If you don't like the cat clawing your furniture get a goldfish and leave cats to those who appreciate them as nature intended them to be.

[woofgang]

ashlee which country are you in? I spent some time in the USA 10 years ago and it wasn't uncommon there for cats to be declawed...vets used to do it!! The vet we took our dogs to would not do it and felt that it was a mutilation and so say I!!

[New Forester]

Claws are a natural part of a cat, and taking them off is denying them part of their natural behaviour -- as is keeping them indoors all the time. If you can't let a cat outside, or you think mutilation is a solution to a pet problem, you shouldn't have one. Same goes for cropping dogs' ears and docking tails. Get a set of dolls and play with those. Richard

[Elfin]

Yes mystyk_star, that probably is a good analogy, but think fingers AND toes. I'm well proud of my cat's long, sharp, glinting claws. He is getting old now and I do find I have to clip the very ends with proper clippers as he gets hung up (and stuck - bless!) when he does scratch things. I have to wait until he is completely crashed out before I try to tamper with the "business end" of his legs though :-)