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Anonymous
/an/ what are your views on declawing?
>> Anonymous
in B4 shitstorm
>> Anonymous
bump
>> Anonymous
I'm not a big fan, I think it's a bit inhumane... Cat's claws grow straight out of their toe bones. Therefore, to get rid of the claw, you have to get rid of some bone, too. The procedure involves either cutting off the entire last bone of the toe, or just part of it, depending on how your vet does it. I use softpaws on my cat's claws, and she does just great, but you have to be prepared to replace them about once a month or so. (www.softpaws.com, check it out)

I think that if you're going to get a cat, then you need to be prepared for it to act like a cat, and that includes scratching, sharpening claws, etc. Surgically removing toe bones so that your couch stays nice just isn't worth it, in my opinion.
>> Anonymous
it's bad
>> Anonymous
it's great
>> Anonymous
I thought once I got my own place with my own cats I would want to get them declawed, but they really aren't bad with scratching if you train them.

Make sure they have scratching posts (both vertical and horizontal). Sometimes you have to try a few because some cats are picky about what they use.

One of my cats refuses to use carpet, while the other refuses to use rope. So we have both... and the cats are happy. I rarely get scratched (usually only when playing a little too rough).
>> Anonymous
>>103234
Thank you, I didn't know that. I will definitely use softpaws instead. I don't mind having them replaced or anything like that. It's just that my mom is threatening to get rid of my cat if she doesn't stop scratching the furniture.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>> Anonymous
>>103237
I've gotten her plenty of scratching pads/posts...I've tried carpet, the cardboard kind with catnip, rope, and even this feathery scratching post. She does use them, but she still scratches the furniture.
>> Anonymous
I have two cats, one declawed and one with claws, and the declawed one is no less happier than the clawed one. The declawed cat is a little more clumsy, though, he does tend to fall off things, but he shakes it off and climbs back on. The cat with claws, I do have to sit down and clip his claws every now and then.
>> Anonymous
declawing cats = cutting your fingers off at the knuckle
>> Anonymous
I believe the more appropriate comparison with humans is getting your thumbs cut off. Like declawed cat paws, thumb-less human hands become useless.
>> Anonymous
Ugh, declawing usually implies that the cat is going to stay inside for its entire life, which is already something I'm against with in the first place.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
It's safer and less painless these days, what with lasers and all. I don't get it done for my cats, but I don't object to other people declawing theirs. Cheeb here was declawed before I got her. It didn't inhibit her ability to perform grand acts of violence.
>> Anonymous
>>103259

Yeah, because god forbid it not have the opportunity to be hit by a car, or fight with neighborhood cats, or come home pregnant, etc. etc.
>> Anonymous
>>103241

This has been my experience also. I don't see that declawing is really necessary anyway...my clawed cat has never tried tearing up the couch or rug.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
http://www.declawing.com/

We've usually always had, or adopted declawed cats for the sake of our furniture, but my mind is changed about it, they just need a good scratching post or cattree, have their nails trimmed down and use those soft rubber caps, any other cats I adopt wont get declawing.

Pic from www.angelicalcat.com
>> Anonymous
>>103323

will they even bother with anything else if they have one of those kitty-claw-boards? the ones usually attached to a kitty-castle or stand alone
>> Anonymous
>>103240

I wonder what techniques can fight that...if theres special furniture coverings like shock pads to use.
>> Anonymous
declawing's absolutely fine. i had mine declawed+spayed at the same time when she was ~ 14 weeks, opted for laser declawing as it was espoused as being essentially painless with shorter recovery time...my kitten came back to me after 1 day, and was acting just the same as always. my sister has 2 cats, and my parents have 1 cat, all of which were declawed in the traditional way, and they all act fine.
>> Anonymous
i dont get it, if you all do it only because of furniture, shouldnt you get a hamster or something instead?
>> Anonymous
soo. What happens if your declawed cat ever gets outside? It could be attacked or chased by other animals, or some annoying kid can try and bring your cat home with him.
>> Anonymous
my cat is a older housecat. he has never been outside, and i'm sure for the rest of his life he won't. i live near two major highways, and there is enough forest outside that i'd worry about him getting eaten by soemthing. he hasn't been declawed and we haven't had problems with him clawing couches. he actually likes my reed rug, which is in my entryway so its hard-wearing.
>> Anonymous
They have pet clippers at any pet store... buy a pair for a couple bucks, and clip your cat's nails. Trim off the extended nail, avoiding the quick, and after a day or two the nails will be rounded and won't fuck up all your shit.

I don't get the whole softpaws thing, or the declawing thing... just trim the nail?
>> Anonymous
it's something I feel should be a last resort. unless your cat is retarded beyond any fault of the owner, can't be trained not to tear up things/people, and declawing is the only thing between keeping and getting rid of it, there's really no good reason. i've never had a cat that didn't take to it's scratching post.
>> Anonymous
do it faggot
>> Anonymous
>>103376

I use softpaws because I also have two rabbits. The rabbits are in their cage when I'm not home, and I try to supervise when the cat is around the rabbits, but she's still a rambunctious kitten. Better safe than sorry.
>> Anonymous
We've only declawed our cats on the front feet, just so they don't ruin the furniture and get into TOO much trouble. Our one cat used to climb our patio door screen to get to the bugs.

It's not 'inhumane', it's a MINOR surgery that doesn't inhibit the happiness of the cat at all. My cat Link still tears arse around the house and is a holy terror, both my cats are strictly indoors. Our barn cats obviously, are not declawed, and there is no difference in the behavior of either of them.

The sad truth is that cats are too stupid to really care if they are/n't declawed anyway.
>> Anonymous
>>103393
>it's a MINOR surgery

http://www.declawhallofshame.com/wst_page3.php?idx=1&file=images/Bad_Declaw_post-op_WEB.jpg&
&ID2=x4F6el

Yup, looks minor to me.

Cutting out your first knuckles would be pretty minor, put your hands on that table there and I'll find a hammer.
>> Anonymous
i have one cat that i really regret not getting it done.

IMO its better to get it done, and not regret it, than to not get it done and regret it every time you piss off the cat (which happens a lot in my case).

also i believe as long as their hind legs are left untouched they can still defend themselves very well considering their hind legs are the strongest and when trying to defend themselves they get on their side and attack with all 4 paws.
>> Anonymous
>>103393

Brits don't know what's good.
sage
>> Anonymous
>>103395
From one person who doesn't declaw to another, comparing declawing to deknuckling is retarded bullshit. Cats don't use their paws the way we use our fingers. Declawing doesn't stop them from being able to use their paws. Would you accuse heart surgeons of being lunatics who use hammers to open up their patients?
>> Anonymous
my cat is weird, she eats her own toe nails.
but the furniture is safe.
>> Anonymous
If you have medium-sized dogs as well (by that I mean the kind that will stand up a cat without thinking about it, dogs like shittzus typically won't if the cat is aggressive), you can train it to run the cat off whenever given a command/it sees the cat doing something it shouldn't be doing. My uncle doesn't believe in declawing and has trained his dog to go after the cat if it's seen clawing at furniture. She doesn't hurt the cat, she just acts big and scary to run him off, maybe nips lightly at him if he's stubborn. That kind of thing.
>> Anonymous
Comparing declawing to de-knuckling a human is utterly moronic. Of course there are going to be horror stories about declawing - there are risks involved with any surgery available.

They rant and rave about the 'suffering' and pain of the surgery, I've had quite a few cats and none of them have ever had problems. It took them longer to recover from being spayed/neutered. and if 'it's part of being a cat' can be used as a justifiable argument, then why do people spay/neuter their cats? Isn't that a part of being a cat?

Either way, my declawed cats have caught quite a few mice and left them as 'presents' for me. So, it looks like they aren't exactly useless without their claws.
>> Anonymous
>>103342

My cat was declawed when he was a kitten. He was kept inside all the time. He got out for a few hours once when he was old. We finally found him after hearing some cats fighting in woods we knew to have one stray cat in them.. We found our cat bloody and grouchy. He didn't have a cut on him. We never saw the stray cat again.
>> Anonymous
Does anyone know the cost of softpaws, and how much it is monthly to replace them?
>> Anonymous
>>103482
>>if 'it's part of being a cat' can be used as a justifiable argument, then why do people spay/neuter their cats? Isn't that a part of being a cat?

Personally, I'm against declawing, but I realize that other people think it's totally fine and I'm not really interested in changing anyone's mind. However, you have made a stupid, stupid comment here, and I have to say something. Now, I'm going to assume you made the comment just for argument's sake, and you understand the difference yourself, but just in case anyone is confused: SPAYING/NEUTERING IS NOT JUST FOR THE OWNERS' CONVENIENCE. IT IS 100% NECESSARY. There is a HUGE pet overpopulation problem in the US. Many, many pets are put to sleep every day because there simply aren't enough homes to go around. And even if think you'll just keep all the kittens your cat may produce so you won't contribute to that problem, there are many health/behavioral problems in cats and dogs that are greatly improved by spaying/neutering. Declawing is an optional (and controversial) surgery, probably analogous to docking tails and clipping ears in dogs. Spaying/neutering, on the other hand, is part of being a responsible pet owner. It is for your pet's health.

Short answer: Good pet owners do what is best for the PETS, not just for themselves. Spaying/neutering is in the cat's best interest; declawing is in your (or your furniture's) best interest.
>> Anonymous
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>>103657

Softpaws are about $20 for a pack of 40. You can put them on all four feet or just on the front two (they last longer this way, obviously). If your cat will let you play with or clip their claws, they will let you apply softpaws. It's best to wait until they're a little sleepy, or use two people (one to hold the cat, one to apply the softpaws). You will have to replace them more frequently the first month or so until you cat gets used to them. Mine doesn't even notice them now, and I just sit down about once a week to replace any she's lost.

Pic is my cat with her blue softpaws on.
>> Anonymous
Softpaws are awesome and I encourage anyone to give them a try if you're considering declawing your cat. My cat is still in the "tear you into tiny pieces" phase of kittenhood, and softpaws have saved my legs, arms, and hands. You typically only replace one or two claws a week, so a pack lasts for a long time.
>> Anonymous
OP here, thanks for all the replies. Softpaws seems like a MUCH better alternative. I haven't seen/heard any negative comments about them so far. That's a cute picture of your cat with the softpaws, btw.
>> Anonymous
i normally get just their front paws declawed but only with the laser option. laser is more accurate and less painful. they do have meds for them as well.

tho, if you can get away with other options, do so!
>> Anonymous
so basically, removing testicles/ovaries is much better than removing fingers.

id rather keep my manhood over my fingers any day!
there are too many humans reproducing, that there arnt enough homes for them, so do u suggest we kill the homeless?

i dont think you would thank God for removing your balls for the betterment of your life.
>> Anonymous
>>103773
you're a moron...

>>103660
never said to kill the homeless, just pointed out that there's too many homeless animals in america and spaying/neutering would help keep numbers down as well as help animals with whatever health problems go along with that.

and as to comparing humans to animals, most people will treat animals differently from humans, but that's a philosophical debate that doesn't have to do with declawing
>> Anonymous
There's a picture of a trash can full of euthanised cats at an animal shelter, but I guess it's too strong for this board.
>> Anonymous
no
no
no
no
inhumane and disgusting
>> Anonymous
>>103660
>>Short answer: Good pet owners do what is best for the PETS, not just for themselves.
>> Spaying/neutering is in the cat's best interest; declawing is in your (or your furniture's) best interest

Yes, this is right. People often treat their pets as toys rather than animals they live with.

De-clawing, ugh, no. I wouldn't have my finger-nails taken out, and the post-op pain isn't worth thinking about.
>> Anonymous
>>103395
cry more faggot.

i've been declawed. I don't have one toenail because it got cut out and cauderized shut. Didn't hurt me.
>> Anonymous
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>>103848
>>103847
declawing isn't removal of the part comparable with the human nail, it's removal of the entire bone (phalanx) at the tip of the toe! That's comparable to having the tips of your fingers and toes removed.
>> Anonymous
pff, it's all carbon.
>> Anonymous
what about that surgery that cuts the tendon so they can't extend the claw? I think I heard about that once.
>> Anonymous
>>103241here.

Still saying that declawing in no way makes the cat any less happier. We only had him declawed because my cousin (the cat was with my aunt at the time) had just been born and we didn't want to risk a small child getting scratched up because it was annoying kitty. Without the claws, the most my cousin got was a few bats on the head, taught her to play nice with the cat, but had no serious injury.
So that, I think, would be the best reason for declawing.
As with my other cat, we have had problems with him scratching the furniture, but that was something easily remidied. There are certain products out there that discourage scratching furniture.
>> Anonymous
>>103860
You give no proof of how the cat is no less happy, only of how YOU are more happy. Cats tend to be good at hiding their discomfort.
>> Anonymous
>>103863
No they aren't. If cats are upset, they make EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE AWARE WITH YOWLING AND SPITTING AND PLAINTIVE CRYING
>> Anonymous
Talking about happiness and unhappiness isn't the right argument, I'd say. Cat is an animal after all. I can't really understand declawing since the claws are a natural part of a cat, and a tool they use in theireveryday lives and they definately should be able to. Cats are given the best lives when they can follow their instincts as much as possible, and for that they need claws. If you're getting a cat, remember that it comes with claws. If you don't like the idea, don't get a cat, get something without claws. It's just that simple. For many problems that cat can cause with their claws there are other solutions than declawing.

I also think that cats should be able to get freely outside too. They are independent creatures, even if domesticated, and people should remember to respect that too. This belief prevented me from getting a cat, it wouldn't be able to go outside in these conditions, but I'll get one when it can. It's dangerous outside, no matter where you are, but there's nothing like seeing your cat lying in the grass on a sunny spot, hunting a bird and catching one orclimbing in a tree (and getting stuck in there). It can keep it's free cat life and I can still have a good and loving pet. Indoor cats most likely are quite happy, they don't even know about the free world, so I won't say anything about that. This is only my opinion, not some ultimate truth.
>> Anonymous
Adding to softpaws. I've put them on cats before, and it's not that bad. One cat was super squirrelly, too, but it was doable. You can also get clear softpaws if you don't want to have the painted nail effect, but colored makes it easier to spot when it's time to replace some of the nail covers.

A friend of mine got her cat declawed because he kept scratching her and her boyfriend during play. For several days he moved very little, and was in obvious pain each time he took a step (even while she was giving him some painkillers). She said she would never declaw another cat after seeing how painful it was to this one.

Additionally, while he doesn't claw anymore, he now bites.
>> Anonymous
OK

I have indoor only cats.

Partly because that's all my apartments allow, and mostly because I don't believe in outdoor cats. Especially in a city environment.

I've had cats all my life. Literally. And they've all been indoor cats. Strictly.

Even I don't declaw. I don't believe in it. It's just not right. No one in my family ever has. I watch my cats use their claws like we use fingers, gripping at things with them; not just climbing, but cleverly picking up a treat or such.

Not to mention all the horror stories I've heard, and how I've heard it hurts the cat. Not going to happen.

If you are the kind of person who fancies their furniture over their pet (which probably means you shouldn't really have a pet in the first place, dear, but whatever) get something like the softpaws that isn't so invasive or at all painful.

Seriously.
>> Anonymous
I like sitting on cats
>> Anonymous
ITT people too stupid or lazy to train their cat not to scratch furniture.
It's not hard, all you have to do is fuss at them or spray them with water.
>> Anonymous
>>103865
No they don't. When they are in serious pain they instinctively hide it as it's a weakness thing. Sure if they get injured then and there you bet you're gonna know. But afterwards, dealing with pain, they're quiet but you can tell something's wrong.
>> Anonymous
Declawing = Fine, not declawing = Fine

People who hate on declawing = PETA freaks.
>> Anonymous
>>103874
Hey, "dear," horror stories exist about every single topic on earth. the fact is, declawing's recovery period is < 1 week for traditional surgery, and ~1 day for laser declawing, which is so painless that the cats must be kept in a cage for at least a day for healing because they otherwise would run around like normal as they are pain free
>> Anonymous
>>103894
EXACTLY, idiot. If a cat suddenly goes into hiding, it's not doing a good job of concealing its pain.
>> Anonymous
I would never, ever declaw my cat. He does use his paws like hands. He loves to sit at his food dish and pluck up one kibble at a time. I watch him sit at his water fountain and do the same thing, cupping his paw to scoop the water and drink. It's so goofy but it's a part of his personality. I think about what it'd be like if something did go wrong. I'd never be able to forgive myself if he changed, even if it was the most minor tweak in the way he acted. My cat is so perfect the way he is, and if ever there was a problem involving him tearing up my belongings, I would find myself at fault long before I blamed him for anything.
>> Anonymous
>>103906
They hide their PAIN. They don't go into hiding necessarily. Learn how to read, or just go ahead and quote things to argue about points no one is making. The world must be a frustrating place for someone of your mental wherewithal.
>> Anonymous
>>103912
How are they hiding their pain if they are behaving in a manner that lets everyone around them know they are hurting?
>> Anonymous
>>103913
And what, pray tell, is this behavior you are referring to?
>> Anonymous
People keep mentioning cats having claws as protection if they're outdoors...

A cat having claws has never stopped my german shepherd mix from tearing strays into pieces.
>> Anonymous
>>103922
Your logic is the reason why several people in the world have given up faith in humanity, or at least the education system's performance.
>> Anonymous
>>103919
Yowling. Crying. Spitting. Reacting violently when touched. Hiding. Cowering. Moping. Ignoring the litter box. Refusing food. Breaking regular observed behavior patterns. If you actually KNOW your cat, you'll know when they are or are not in pain.
>> Anonymous
OP here
>>103874
uhh I don't know which person you were actually talking to. I asked here about people's views on declawing since I knew I'd get more than "it's okay" or "it's inhumane". Now that I am knowledgeable enough to have an opinion, I've decided to get softpaws. And I already said that.
>> INVALID
alot of anti-declawing caps..
I tried those once, and had horrible results.
My cats would get so stuck in the carpet we had to take scissors to it, and another time we woke up to find my cat left bloody footprints everywhere..

apparently his entire nail was pulled out from the bed down.

Plus they also did NOT take kindly to the glue used to put the plastic caps on.
>> Anonymous
Rat poison works better.
>> Anonymous
fuck this thread. you all pissed me off so much i'm going to eat Korean food tonight. fuck you.
>> Anonymous
     File :-(, x)
>>103863
Oh he's definitely happy. He plays with me, begs for attention by nipping at my heels, sleep in my bed, jumps up in people's laps whenever they are over and rubs against them until they pet him.
As for me being happy, now it doesn't affect me at all, he lives with me, no little children. But his paws are a bit harder than the other cat's, maybe or maybe not because of the declawing, which kinda hurts when he starts to knead. And yes, they do that when they're happy.

>>103865
is right in a way, cats do make it obvious when they're no happy. Maybe not like that, they do that when they're in pain, but they certainly will avoid you.

My cats, left one with claws, right one without.
>> Anonymous
Speaking from a competently trained background here: it depends on the cat as to how they respond to a surgery. It also depends on the competency of the vet doing the procedure. I've assisted vets who perform this using the guillotine clippers (you know, the big choppers for dog nails) as well as vets who do it entirely by laser. I've seen both with happy campers, I've seen both with really sore kitty feet afterwards (as in they could not walk, even WITH pain meds.)

And it is comparable to removing a person's finger at the first knuckle, because when it comes to terms of anatomy, they all reference the same functional bone structure. There's a very deep and complex subject called Anatomy which collectively holds a plethora of knowledge focused on analyzing and comparing bones and their fossa to those of another species. So unless you wish to challenge Science in its entirety, go right ahead Kiddo.

In the end, pets are not people and it's what the owner decides is best for their situation that is the "right" answer. It may seem cruel, but the resiliency of cats is amazing. This does not mean that I condone the practice for every circumstance, but if the owners have done their homework and this is ultimately the best (and hopefully last) decision, then so be it. Losing a few toes is a lot different than losing a family pet.
>> Anonymous
Get a scratching post, then put aluminum foil on whatever the cat is scratching that you don't want it to scratch. Cats can't stand the way foil feels when they scratch it (although they like to play with foil balls) and they will stay away from the areas with foil. Also you may want to try certain smells that they hate. After a while you can remove the foil and they should ignore everything else for the post.

I have never had a problem with cats tearing up the furniture, because I let my cat out. I also live in a rural area, so she stays in the vicinity of the house.
>> Anonymous
>>103957
>>My cats would get so stuck in the carpet we had to take scissors to it, and another time we woke up to find my cat left bloody footprints everywhere..

It sounds like you didn't put the caps on correctly. You should only use a tiny bit of the glue, and then wait to be sure it has fully dried before you let the cat wander off.
>> Anonymous
declawing sucks for animal, just dont be lazy and clip them, there! problem solved!!
>> INVALID
>>103999
I followed the instructions and as far as I could tell it was fine, it wasn't the FIRST day it happened, but a few days afterwards..
and we only used the amount of glue suggested.
They still would run (or try to) from their own feet.
>> Anonymous
>>103957

Softpaws or other claw caps do come in different sizes to fit, you did something wrong
>> INVALID
>>104033
Got the size right for them, trimmed the pointed tip of their nails, and trimmed the softclaw thing like they said to do.
Only used a small amount of the glue, and made sure they were on secure and dry..

*shrugs* I just trim their claws by hand, they don't mind, they lay there and afterwards get treats.
>> Anonymous
Think of it this way:

Look at your own hand. Now from the finger nail point to the first knuckle.

Now imagine all of them on your hands and toes being amputated.

'nuff said. It is a cruel and horrible thing to do to any creature.
>> Anonymous
I am very much against declawin, like some said, it's like snipping the fingertips of human hands. And not only in the bone structure way, but look at how much they use them when running around or playing around. Bad behaviour should be avoided by learning a young cat where he CAN scratch. Cats who don't respond to this have (had previous) owners who failed in their cat's edumacation! That pic makes me feel so sorry for that cat! :(
>> Anonymous
>>103924
god you're an idiot
>> cry more Anonymous
this thread has turned into lots of whining and repition. time for some sage
>> Anonymous
bump for more lulz