Declawing cats

[kathymuggle]

I am thinking about declawing my cat. I feel bad about considerring it- but I do not know what else to do.....

MY cat is 3. He is neutered. He is an indoor cat.

Kitty desperately wants to go outside - something we are determined he is not allowed to do.

He has somehow realised that he can scratch holes in screens and jump through them. He has wrecked everyone one of our screens!

I did try (this past week) to remove one of the screens and "fix it" - new spline, new screening. Took me about 1.5 hours to do - and it took him about 15 minutes to push through the screen. I guess I had not put the spline on tight enough. Sigh.

I am not too concerned for the present - it is going to be winter soon, and the windows are closed anyways - but I will not go through summer with the windows closed. I will not!

I am contemplating staple gunning chicken wire to the screens in an attempt to keep kitty in.

Any other ideas on how to solve the kitty/screen situation?

If you have a declawed cat (and really, this is not my first choice) - how much did it cost to do it where you live? Was the cat put to sleep while it happened?

TIA!

Kathy

[ColoradoHELLP]

Soft paws can help. Or are they called Soft claws? Anyway, they are little silicone sheaths that you glue over the kitty nails. And they come in different colors so that you can tell when they come off and need to be replaced.

Just a thought before you commit to surgery!

[greenmagick]

I really dont know but have you looked into talking to any behaviorists? I would think there would be a way to train out a undesired behavior (not that it would be easy).

There is a book called Starting From Scratch that looks really interesting. I havent read it so cant say it addresses your exact problem, but it may help!

If you thought it was too late to correct your adult cat’s behavior problems, you can now breathe a sigh of relief because help has arrived! Whether you’re dealing with a serious problem or just an annoying feline habit that’s driving you nuts, this book will provide step-by-step techniques to get you and your cat back on track.

I would declaw as a very last resort.....besides all of the complications from the surgery itself, it can really change their personality. Also, if your cat is determined to get out, and escapes with no claws, he is at a very high risk.

[kathymuggle]

Wow! I did not think there were cat behaviourists - learn something new everyday!

I will definately look into it (books and internet first).

[Minky]

My dad made us declaw our three cats when I was a teenager.

My family has moved in with him now and he wanted us to declaw our young cats, because they fight with the remaining declawed cat (15 y.o., wow!). I priced it and the vet wanted $250 per cat, and would have to put them to sleep while it was done. The thought of having to part with $1000 put the idea to rest. We live in rural Georgia.

I really don't want them declawed, but, so you know, our 15 y.o. has never had any of the associated problems with declawing. He and the siblings did, however, have a long recovery period where he wouldn't use the litter box and "went" on the bed or any soft surface for weeks afterwards. One of the siblings remains alive with my sister and she's never had problems, either. And the third died of a heart defect at age 12. At the same time, I don't like to mess with nature.

[Oubliette8]

Originally Posted by kathymuggle

Was the cat put to sleep while it happened?

TIA!

Kathy

They have to anesthetize the cat to do this. Declawing involves removing the bone to the first joint on all of the cats digits. It is a surgical procedure. It would be cruel to do it on a cat that was awake.

I would also find out if its even legal to declaw cats where you live. Some areas have recently passed legislation making it against the law to declaw a cat.


As for the screens, I think the chicken wire idea sounds lovely. I'd rather modify my house before I modified my cat. They also make repellent sprays that seems to work for some cats, although they have to be reapplied fairly frequently. Would your cat be happy going outside supervised? They make portable cat runs that allow the cat to go outside, feel the grass, smell the breeze etc but prevent them from escaping. You could also try training him to accept a harness and take him out that way, or build your own outdoor cat enclosure.

[rainbowmoon]

declawing is a HORRIBLE horrible thing to do. I am so glad to see it's illegal in some areas. I would rehome my cats if declawing was my last resort.

that said. we had a cat years ago that was declawed and that DID have many problems. It was very sad and I will never do it again no matter what. I don't even know what we were thinking at the time.

you can also get guards for your screens..
http://www.qualitywindowscreen.com/s...ens-c-102.html

[MsVyky]

I agree with the poster who suggested softpaws. You can put them on yourself in your home.

Declawing shouldn't be an option- it's not just the claws that are being removed, it's the entire potion of the digit. If you have the option of stapling chicken wire up, I'd say give it a whirl.

[kathymuggle]

Thanks for the info. I doubt (seriously) it is illegal here to declaw - but I did not know declawing removes the bone. I kind of thought it was like plucking out nails (i.e grab nail and pull - kind of like how teeth are pulled out).

In any event, I have been doing a bit of research and have a few idea as to help alleviate the issue in a gentler way.

And yes - we own the house - so chicken wire is acceptable.

Rainbowmom - rehoming in this area would mean the cats would probably end up as cat that are allowed "outdoors". People around here do let there cats out - we are "weird" for insisting outs stays in. Outdoor cats have a much lower life span. I would declaw rather than rehome - but YMMV.

In any event the point may be moot - I think I can solve this without resorting to declawing. At least I have winter to work on solutions.

Kathy

[GoBecGo]

Is there any way kitty could become and outside kitty? We have had cats on and off all my life and they were always outside cats. Yes, one was killed aged only 8 by a neighbours dog (we assume, they never realy told us), but our lovely boy lived 15.5 years and went out to pee right up until 3 days before he died (he got suddenly very sick, we nursed him and cleaned up after him those last few days until he died).

With our girl, who we think was killed by a dog, it was incredibly sad that her life was cut short, but it was a happy natural life for a cat. She LOVED to climb trees, sniff around her garden, "fish" in the pond (unsuccessfully), and sniff the fresh air. She might have lived 15 years too if we'd kept her in, but 15 long unhappy years of solitude and yearning for freedom (she would go out i ALL weathers and sit and cry at the catflap if the snow was deep enough to be blocking it). She would have hated it.

There are lots of indoors cats who are happy to look out of the window and never try to get out, but it doesn't sound like you have one. If he is desperate to be out in nature exploring is there any way you can help him do that? Even get him a harness and leash and take him out yourself a few times so he can learn a little street-wisdom WRT "his" patch?

I know you're keeping your cat in from a place of loving him, i just wonder if maybe you could consider, if others near you do, letting him be an in-and-out kitty?

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Outside cats have much shorter life spans than indoor cats. cars, Dogs, antifreeze etc are usually the killers and it isnt a pleasent way to live or die because they never really feel safe. Not to mention the damage they do to the wildlife

I am glad you got good ideas that will allow you to keep your cat inside where he is safe and the birds are safe from him.

I did declaw my cats 15+ years ago and it was the worst mistake I ever made. At the time we where renting and thought I needed to do it to protect the furniture that wasnt ours. Both cats had major complications from it ie nails trying to grow back and pain so avoiding the litter box. One cat is no longer with us but the other has to stay in a room without carpet because she avoids the box due to pain

Horrible thing to do to a cat.

[rainbowmoon]

I understand what you're saying about rehoming but I must say I have had both outdoor AND indoor cats. My outdoor cats have overall been much happier cats. I for one am convinced the shorter lifespan is actually worth it in terms of quality of life.

I'm glad you have other options to try before resorting to declawing.

[NotBroken]

Originally Posted by rainbowmoon

declawing is a HORRIBLE horrible thing to do. I am so glad to see it's illegal in some areas. I would rehome my cats if declawing was my last resort.

that said. we had a cat years ago that was declawed and that DID have many problems. It was very sad and I will never do it again no matter what. I don't even know what we were thinking at the time.

you can also get guards for your screens..
http://www.qualitywindowscreen.com/s...ens-c-102.html

I agree.

[lindberg99]

Is there any way you can open the top of the window? Then the cat (hopefully) couldn't get to the screen. I don't know, he sounds pretty persistent though!

When I was growing up, we had an indoor/outdoor cat who would let us know he wanted in by jumping up and hanging on the screen of the kitchen window. That scared the heck out of us the first time he did that!

I need to get some of those pet screens for the screen door on to our screened in porch. My 5 yo keeps breaking them.

[Ola_]

Sounds like you have one determined kitty if he is trying to "open" the screen doors! I definitely agree with others on not declawing and I'm glad that you want to avoid it. I wonder if you could use some tricks to keep him away from doors in general (it would help with ripping the screens and with door dashing).

I know there are scat-mats, and although I don't like the idea of shocking the cat I'd try it myself to see if it's mild enough to use. It would be definitely better than declawing or letting him outdoors IMO. Or something motion-activated to spray water or citronella when he goes to the door? Just thinking out loud here, maybe it will give you some ideas. Good luck!

[SunShineSally]

Originally Posted by ColoradoHELLP

Soft paws can help. Or are they called Soft claws? Anyway, they are little silicone sheaths that you glue over the kitty nails. And they come in different colors so that you can tell when they come off and need to be replaced.

Just a thought before you commit to surgery!

I used soft paws for years! My kitty who scratched passed My vet will not even declaw them! I loved the colors they were so cute we even got some for the seasons like Xmas and easter and Halloween even 4th of july!

I would really try them out because they really work!

[NaturallyKait]

My very determined scratcher has Soft Paws on. She used to pull up carpet, ruin screens, scratch floors, people, you name the damage she could do with claws and she did it. Declawing was never an option for me, I consider it cruel and I'm very glad places are beginning to pass laws to ban it. The Soft Paws have saved my little kitty's butt that's for sure. She still tries to rip carpet sometimes, but can't. I swear by them.

[phatchristy]

Declawing is one of those thing, most people who do it do not entirely know what it entails and also do not realize that the long term ramifications are for the cat. If you do a simple google search you'll likely find out more details, but my basic summary would be:

1. Short term complications with pain/healing/Long term complications with arthritis/pain.
2. Lack of ability to warn/protect with claw use. Declawing cats have more problems with agression and frequently are more likely to bite than cats with claws.
3. Litter box issues (due to pain/arthritis) much more common with declawed cats.

My suggestion would be to either use the saft claws regularly, or clip claws weekly. If they are clipped weekly they will not be able to do much damage. It's only neglected claws that are thin and small and could do damage/puncture the screen.

Also, use conditioned responses/deterances to alter the cats behavior. Do you have a scratching post? Some cats like the upright traditional sisal rope posts, others like the cardboard box/mesh type that are on the ground. Get those, refresh with catnip, tease with some toys in the area and the cats will learn how to use it. Scratching feels great to them, so having a good area to scratch will keep them coming back, so it is a good idea to have a good matt or post.

I've lived with cats for decades, all with claws. No issues, in fact I have 4 children and NONE of them have ever been scratched. I've only rarely been scratched myself, and the last time I remember was about 2 or 3 years ago after I'd adopted a new cat and I discovered while playing with a cat toy that they had neglected to clip one whole paw's nails. Grrr...

[kathymuggle]

[QUOTE=phatchristy;14482359]Declawing is one of those thing, most people who do it do not entirely know what it entails and also do not realize that the long term ramifications are for the cat. If you do a simple google search you'll likely find out more details, but my basic summary would be:
QUOTE]


Yes - this was me. I did not realise the issue around declawing when I initially posted. Now that i know better it is no longer an option.

I will start with replacing screens and clipping nails. If that does not work I intend to move onto to soft paws and screen modification if necessary.

[heartmama]

One mistaken assumption is that declawed cats won't rip through a screen window. Yes, they certainly can!! Especially a young determined male. I found my indoor declawed cat in the back yard after she pushed against a screen hard enough to rip it out of the frame.

Our cats were rescues that had already been declawed and it is a very sad situation. They fall off furniture, they can't balance well, they are just more unsteady on their feet. In general declawed cats suffer from arthritis and obesity due to problems related to loss of foot mass and discomfort when exercising.

Remember that declawing doesn't just remove the nail. It removes the entire last digit of the toe--like cutting off your fingers at the second joint. It is very traumatic.