Declawing...

[taylorjade2003]

Okay I just KNOW that this is going to cause a big argument in the threads which is really dumb but all I want is some oppinions from other people with kids preferably please!

Okay my cat Snickers is declawed. My parents had him declawed when I was little, he is now 19 and obviously it didn't shorten his life span and he is fine.

Moving along... I had no plans to declaw our kitten Tigre, but he (though he is getting better) started getting extremally rambuncious and when he started stratching my 2 yr old, we moved them out to the sunroom. (mind you our sunroom is air conditioned, fully furnished, and 300 sq feet not to mention I go out there twice daily to feed and play with them). I would really like for them to be a bigger part of our family but I hate to live in fear of one of our children getting scratched... my husband got cat scratch fever when he was 2 and had to be taken to the emergancy room and he still has the scar.
Our new cat stratches the crap out of ME just from rubbing her paws into you. There is no way I will have her around my 2 yr old and newborn baby with those claws.

I COMPLETELY agree that it is cruel to have a cat declawed. However, I will not have them in our home straching up our walls and nice furniture, and hurting our children- so if they are not declawed they will stay in the sunroom which I don't want.

How many of you have declawed cats?

Oh yeah and PLEASE do not tell me I am cruel and mean and do not tell me I can trim their nails because that is rediculous and not 100% effective anyways.

Thanks

[Jennicat]

I don't have a declawed cat, but I know of three.

The first is missing her right front paw. Despite massive antibiotic treatments, it became infected and had to be amputated.

The second is dead. She became even more aggressive after being declawed, launched herself at her owner's face, and left several deep bite wounds. She was rehomed with a vet. She also bit the vet and the vet's brother, and then was put to sleep.

The third is still alive. She's about 16. She has horrific arthritis and has to have special medication. Her vet feels it was due to the declaw.

It says in your info that Tigre is a rescue, but most rescues refuse to adopt out to people who will declaw their cats. You might want to check your contract first to make sure that you're not in breach of contracts.

I'm sorry it's come to this, but your last paragraph essentially reads: "I feel it's terribly cruel to declaw a cat, but now this is personally affecting me and I can't be bothered to walk to the walk so I want to declaw my cat." Unfortunately, I've met a lot of people who feel it's "very cruel" to declaw their cats, except, of course, in their special case.

[taylorjade2003]

I'm sorry but it is not PERSONALLY AFFECTING me... I don't give a crap less if they are not declawed. I really don't want to invest the money in it for one, and two I do not want them to go through pain.

Did you not see my reasons? I have kids who are alittle more important to me than my animals (who I also love very much but lets face the facts here) and I also would LIKE for them to be in the house but I do not mind them being in the sunroom where they are also perfectly happy.

I never said I was GOING to do it... and if I even do consider it, at this point I am about 5% sure it will even happen ALL I wanted was some other people's oppinions, not to be judged.

And, yes, Tigre is a rescue... when I was looking for a white kitten, my vet told me a lady had brought one in a couple weeks ago and gave me her number and I called her and she said they have a 5 week old kitten who they found all alone at 3 weeks and they have been taking care of him and they gave him to me.

And your three examples of declawed cats is just ALITTLE over-exagerated. Lets not be rediculous. Maybe it is true, but I'm sure there are other factors that caused the problems AND the odds are pretty low of anything like this happening.

[misslyss]

I myself would never be able to declaw my cat because my cats are my children. I grew up with 3 cats around, and I'm sure I was scratched, and I grew up just fine. My cats ARE my children, and even though I have no kids yet, I know I would love them and treat them equally. Your cat is only a kitten, and they grow out of that scratch anything stage. I would wait, if I were you, and see what happens. To me, declawing my cat would be the equivalent of declawing your child (and abuse is what that is, yet this is *me*). Perhaps bring your two year old into the sunroom, supervised, and try to get them used to eachother while Tigre grows up. This will also allow you to teach her to respect the cats, and not pull hair or tails or etc. So, in all, I wouldn't do it if I were you, but that is only my opinion. :)

[Jennicat]

I don't exactly see how my three cases are exaggerating.

The first cat had her front paw amputated after it became infected. If you don't think that's possible after a declaw then you're just being silly. If you can come up with another factor that will make a cat's foot randomly become infected, then please fill me in, I'm sure Queenie's owners would love to know it. The second cat became extremely fearful of her owners after she was dropped off at the vet and had the declaw done. We know this because she went into the vet purring and came out yowling and growling. Her paws were bloody where she chewed off the glue and she was too aggressive to the techs for them to reglue her feet before she came home. Again, it is not uncommon for cats to display aggression and fear after being declawed. And the third cat has been my mother in law's cat for more than 3 years now, and the specialist vet she's been to does feel that it's because of the declaw, due to the sites of the arthritis. I don't know of anything else that would cause her to alter her posture in that way, but if you do, again, please enlighten me. Current statistics indicate that complications of a declaw surgery are a little under 50% of the cases. So they're not that uncommon.

http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/declawstory.html

There are about 60 other various accounts of arthritis, death, pain, and personality change due to declawing. I guess they're overexaggerating as well.

"I have kids who are alittle more important to me than my animals (who I also love very much but lets face the facts here)"

When I was a child, if I got scratched it was my fault. If I was too young to know that it was my fault, I wasn't allowed to play with the animals. In fact, I got many spankings because an animal scratched or bit me and it was my fault. *shrug* Maybe things have changed these days.

"I wanted was some other people's oppinions, not to be judged."

I can only give you my opinion based on what you've said:

"I COMPLETELY agree that it is cruel to have a cat declawed. However, I will not have them in our home straching up our walls and nice furniture, and hurting our children"

You agree that it is a cruel procedure, but your child has been scratched and your furniture is at danger (just like every other 'cruel' person who has their cats declawed), so you are now considering doing it. Forgive me, but about 75% of people who approach me for information about declawing their cats precede the statement with "I know it's cruel, but..."

[head]

if you choose to declaw i would suggest (if the veterinarian you go to does not include this in the price of a mature declaw) opting for a fentanyl patch. this is a 'pain patch' which releases medication gradually over a three day period (generally in my clinic we admit the cat the night before surgery to apply the patch so that on the day of release it is still effective and the patch takes effect before the surgery). it usually is an additional cost but if you are concerned for pain management it is deffinately a good option.

generally all the declaws i have done have done brilliantly afterwards. i have yet to meet a cat who's behavior was altered so significantly that it became an issue (typically most aggressiveness in cats was preexisting to the proceedure). all of our declaws recieve metacam which is a NSAID (non steroidal antiinflammatory drug) to help with inflammation that may occur due to the surgery. as well they are ALL placed on fluids and monitored.

in all honesty-i have been in the field 5 years now and have been scratched (and scarred) and bitten more times than i can count. i have yet to meet anyone who actually contracted cat scratch fever from their own cats (which were vaccinated). if a scratch occurs you wash it. cat bites however, that is a story all on its own.

i personally would never declaw my own cat. yes she used to scratch the furniture, yes she initially scratched everyone but with behavior modification you can correct this. it just takes a lot of patience.

[head]

on another note-i have found that with suturing the paws closed rather than glue there is less irritation and reaction due to the vetbond used.

[taylorjade2003]

okay thanks mysslyss and head... that made me think a lot.

true... my cats are very clean, indoor, and always vaccinated, so I shouldn't have anything to worry about.

I wasn't going to declaw Tigre at ALL and like I said, he is getting much better about the stratching. It is Buggy who I am concerned about.

And as for my daughter... she does play with Tigre. She, our dog, and Tigre run around the house and play together. He'll just jump out at her and scratch and scare her (but not hurt her... yet anyways). She is VERY good with him and never tries to pull on him or squeez/etc. She is also best friends with our dog, she lays all over her and uses her as a pillow all the time, it's pretty cute.

And if it comes down to it... they will go out to the sunroom before getting declawed. I really just wanted to know other peoples oppinions.

[MiRose]

ok, here is an option. First, have you tried to clip nails? I know it is a pain, but it helps. I do front and back on my kittens once a week. We have a 6 month old and a 3 month old. I only do the front ones on my 6 year old cat. They go throught the motions every now and again (trained them with a squirt gun) but not to often and the trimed nails makes a big dif. To trim them, get another person if you can OR put them between your legs (kinda sitting on them, but do not crush them) and trim one paw at a time. That is how I do it. It helps if you wrap them up in a blanket or a towel. Kinda make a kitty burrito. After you are done give them a treat.

Also TRAIN your cat. All you need is a squirt gun (a little one) and squirt when it does somehting bad. Trust me, they learn fast. Eventually you just have to either say no or make a sound like the squirt gun.

Also they have some plastic nails you can buy on the market. It makes the tips soft. On a list I am on one lady swears by them. Says even when the cats do scratch the furnature it does not hurt it. you put them on every 6 weeks or so and you can do them yourself. I have never used them, but it might help you.

As for with your 2 year old. Kittens do grow out of that phase. My 6 month old is startign to. He is just becoming all lovey. lol Anyway you can use a squirt train with it as well. lol just do not get your kid.

One more thing. I am sure you might go off on this one. But really think about it. I am sure not all of the cat getting the 2 year old is the cats fault. I am not blaiming it all on your 2 year old either. I am just saying that I am sure there are times when your 2 year old wants to play with kitty. As I have noticed with the dog I adopted today, small kids are not exactly gentle with animals. Poor Noodle (my dog)was being terrorized by a 3 year old. Now I am not saying to let your cat rip apart your baby. but sometimes it is how they learn not to be rough with kitty. lol I was one who learned that way. hehehehe.... BUT I would trim the claws!!!!! I would not want your 2 year old to get seriously hurt.

[brandy pup]

Actually triming the nails works great. But if that seems to be too much for you to do try soft paws nail caps. Your vet or groomer can apply them since you dont want to deal with that part of the cat.

As for being rambuntios (SP) that is what a kitten is but you can take steps to ease the kitten period. First never play with the cat with your body parts, always offer a toy.

Have a private play session with the kitten with a lazer light of feather. This will tire the kitten a little bit. Then have the child offer a treat, a pet on the head and that is all at that point.

Remember to teach the children how to properly pet, not pull or tease. (I know they are young but it can be done)

Supervision is always the key, never leave the pets and the kids alone even for a second as I am sure you know.

You sound more fustrated to me. You know the horrors of declawing and you know that is the lazy way out of something. But your fustrated, you feel bad the cats are banished to the sun room, your over worked with the child, home etc and dont want to have to deal with trimming the nails, etc. I know... I get fustrated as well. (preggers with 9 cats, 8 gerbs and a dog) But dont let the fustrations get to you. Take a couple deep breaths and get the family involved in trianing the kitten. Call the vet and ask for a nail trim and ask them to show you how to do it. You can also contact groomers for this.

The soft paws will probably cost about 20+ dollars to have someone apply them but they stay on for about 4 weeks that would give you training time.

I would also check your contract policy with the recue group, many do not allow the cat to be declawed.

Since your so fustrated and so not into this cat to put in the time and effort it's going to take to make them good house pets then what I suggest is returning the kitten to the rescue and getting an adult that is already declawed.

This will benefit you in many ways. First with an adult cat you will not go thru all the kitten antics. An adult cat will still take love and time to settle but wont be as rambuntious as a youngster. With an adult cat you will see how they are and their personality better. Especially from a rescue group that works with fosters. I would consider one about 5 years old.

Adopting one that is already declawed will for one save you the cost of having it done, save you the time and effort it's going to take you to recoup the cat. (its a pretty long healing process that takes giving pain meds and such. I wouldn't use the patch becuase you dont want your child to touch it. If you dont want to trim nails you sure as heck dont want to try to pill a cat. ;) You will be saving kitty toes by not mutalitaing another kitten for your own purposes (which you stated you do know about the horrors and agree it's cruel) By adopting an older (5+) declawed cat the personality of the cat, the habits and such of the cat should be known (again easier if coming from a foster type setting)

If you do declaw this kitten it will make the kitten more prone to biting etc and you will eventually get rid of the kitten anyway. It is best to face up to it now and return the kitten and consider what I said above about adopting an adult declawed cat.

I have one declawed cat. He bites very hard. He is a good cat but he bites. He someimtes misses the litterbox as well. He walks funny and is getting back problems. the vet has concured that this is a result of him being declawed. I did not declaw him he was a stray I took in.

[taylorjade2003]

Well first- neither of my rescue cats were from a rescue group.

Second- I certainly do no mind the least bit taking the time to work with them.

My dog is trained (completely by me and I do NOT treat train) and certified in- On/Off Leash Obedience, Advanced Agility, Soft Mouth Retrieval, Narcotics Detection, Canine Good Citizen, and also personal protection (which I had help with, obviously). (I used to work as a kennel asst at a dog training facility)

But moving along- another reason they are in the sunroom is because: My dog is EXTREMALLY obsessed with the kitten and they play very rough constantly, Before we got the kitten, Snickers would stay in the house during the day and I put him in the sunroom at night where the litter box was so that I didn't have to be around it (I am pregnant) and so that my dog wouldn't be able to eat the poop. When we got the kitten, he couldn't go all day without pottying and my daughter sort of... loved him alittle too hard... being he was only 5 weeks old and just let her carry him everywhere. I was affraid of her accidently hurting him. Now, I am affraid of him hurting her.

OH yeah and the reason he claws at her is when he and Sydni (the dog) are playing and Taylor gets in the middle. When you have a hyper active/animal obsessed 2-yr-old, a hyper active (though very well trained) kitten happy Australian Shepherd, and a typical kitten running around the house together... it gets ALITTLE crazy and ALITTLE hard to keep under control! Once he grows out of his kitten stage, however, I'm sure he'll be fine. Snickers, Sydni, and Taylor (my daughter) just lay around and mind their own business.

And also... I most certainly am not getting rid of my kitten and I also didn't get him from a rescue group.

[brandy pup]

My bad, I saw your other post. I thought when you said you got a rescued kitten that it was from a rescue.

[taylorjade2003]

That's okay!

And I am going to keep their nails trimmed and try the squirt gun thing.

[CTChin]

Jamie, no offense intended I swear but I just HAVE to ask this question ;) ...why did you get two kittens with two very young children in the house? I ask because working in rescue I often see this situation and I always wonder why people just don't wait until the kids are older? Kittens are playful and use their claws. Toddlers are toddlers and will squeeze, pull and hug tight the kittens.

The information you have received so far is great. The trimming of the nails will help tremendously! It's very important to teach the children how to treat the kittens and to keep the kittens tired out with play. Unfortunately kittens are very rambunctious up until a year old and sometimes older but thankfully they do eventually settle down.

It is also important to remember that cat scratch fever from a scratch is very rare. I do know of numerous families that have cat/kittens and young children with no issues such as the one your husband experienced. However, I do understand your fears. Washing any wounds immediately with soap and water and keeping in close touch with your children's doctors will help. Adding a tall cat tree and giving your kitties window perches will help distract them and hopefully keep them from getting into mischief.

With that said...it certainly wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if your kitties stayed in the sun room until they are more mature. It's still a far better life than many cats experience. As long as they have each other, attention from you, toys, cat posts, etc. they would be fine. They can gradually be integrated back into the household when they settle down.

[brandy pup]

That's okay!

And I am going to keep their nails trimmed and try the squirt gun thing.


KUDOS TO YOU!!! YEA!

[MiRose]

it helps when you squirt to say no loud.... although I am sure you guessed that.

[misslyss]

You're welcome Taylorjade2003, and I'm glad I could help. Don't worry about it too much though, it'll all pan out!!! The baby and the kitten just need to grow up a bit, and with your training experience I'm sure everything will settle down. And as CTChin says, a life in a sunroom for some time is a far better life than many other cats lead :)

[GliderLover84]

Redirection helps a lot too, when the kitten starts to scratch take him to a scratching post and he should get it (at least, all of ours did). I had cats all growing up, some were declawed and some weren't. The ones that were declawed still had back claws.

With our kitten now we use a spray bottle, we have one in every room of the house. There isn't much he isn't allowed into, but when he scratches the couch or tries to jump up on the dinner table he gets sprayed with water. He is learning fast.

Just make sure that there are other options. Cats need to be able to scratch, it is a necessity for them, so make sure you have a scratching post (we made ours ourselves) or have an old something that they can demolish and it is OK.

Good luck to you, and if you do decide to declaw you shouldn't feel bad about it, your children should not have to be at risk in their home with your animals. I would reccommend leaving back claws in (if for some reason they were to get in a tight spot outside with another cat they can use their back claws to fight as well as help them get away faster i.e. climbing trees or fences to get away). I have NEVER had a problem with declawing, although I still choose not to do it to my kitten, but he is a quick learner. Believe me, if he ever scratched my baby there would be issues!!!

The sunroom is a great idea and sounds like they are just fine, maybe it will just take time.

Ok, done rambling, good luck to you!!!

:p

[AllAnimalLover]

That's okay!

And I am going to keep their nails trimmed and try the squirt gun thing.

I thought you said that this was rediculous. However, If your cats nails will scratch you when he just walks on you then they are OVERLY long and they need to be trimmed. My cat Charlie has his nails trimmed every week. And he has yet to tear up my carpet or couch. My cat kit is declawed and he is doing just fine. There are dangers with declawing, but if you didn't want your kids all scratched up then don't get cats. or adopt ones that are already declawed.

Are you going to not let your kids outside because of the dangers there as well? They can fall and get hurt. Face it...it's a fact of life.

[creativz]

Are your cats neutered/spayed ? If not that's the first thing you should try. Do they have a scratchpost ? Wicker baskets ? have you tried a deterrent spray or 'Soft Paws' ?I COMPLETELY agree that it is cruel to have a cat declawed. However, I will not have them in our home straching up our walls and nice furniture, and hurting our children- so if they are not declawed they will stay in the sunroom which I don't want.... Oh yeah and PLEASE do not tell me I am cruel and mean and do not tell me I can trim their nails because that is rediculous and not 100% effective anyways.Cats are supposed to have claws. I'm sorry, but I don't understand reason for why you have cats, if you detest their natural scratching behaviour so much and especially considering your baby situ ?! :confused:

If you lived in one of the following countries, declawing wouldn't even be an option to consider, because it is either illegal or considered extremely inhumane and only performed under extreme circumstances...... England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand.......

USA promotes the quick fix. Yay ! :rolleyes:

[brandy pup]

Redirection helps a lot too, when the kitten starts to scratch take him to a scratching post and he should get it (at least, all of ours did). I had cats all growing up, some were declawed and some weren't. The ones that were declawed still had back claws.

With our kitten now we use a spray bottle, we have one in every room of the house. There isn't much he isn't allowed into, but when he scratches the couch or tries to jump up on the dinner table he gets sprayed with water. He is learning fast.

Just make sure that there are other options. Cats need to be able to scratch, it is a necessity for them, so make sure you have a scratching post (we made ours ourselves) or have an old something that they can demolish and it is OK.


Totaly agree, redirection and giving them something good to scratch on will help.

A note about the squirt bottle, it's more effective if they dont know the squirt comes from you but rather from the action they are doing. So try not to let them see you do the squirting so they thing the furniture is doing it to them. :)

[CTChin]

If you lived in one of the following countries, declawing wouldn't even be an option to consider, because it is either illegal or considered extremely inhumane and only performed under extreme circumstances...... England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand.......

USA promotes the quick fix. Yay ! :rolleyes:

Hey, we're not perfect and the great majority of us do not promote declawing. None of my cats were ever declawed.

Funny how many of the countries you listed may not peform declawing but a few of them have some barbaric traditions involving animals....but that's another topic.

[Jennicat]

Funny how many of the countries you listed may not peform declawing but a few of them have some barbaric traditions involving animals....but that's another topic.

So does the US, AND we declaw, and ear dock, and tail crop, and a good number of those countries don't do the other two either.

[CTChin]

So does the US, AND we declaw, and ear dock, and tail crop, and a good number of those countries don't do the other two either.

Did I not say we are not perfect?
I'm not talking about just medical procedures. I'm talking about bull fighting, dropping goats from church towers, extreme horse racing etc. I would of never said anything if the US was not singled out as "quick fixers." You do not have to point out to me what we do here. I'm a vet tech and unfortunately I see it. I'm also well aware of animal welfare conditions here in the US and abroad.

[creativz]

I'm proud of the fact it's against the law here in UK.
US should set a better example. I didn't personally insult anyone here, the law that allows it is the ass. If your kids were screaming sooo much that it made your ears bleed, would you get rid of their voice box ?

[lotsopigs]

i was a groomer for a few years and i had to apply soft paws, it's not that hard to do but cats act more dumb when they are your own and your doing something strange...it might be easier to have someone else put them on atleast in the beginning...you just cut their nails, put a dab of glue in the nail cap hold out the claws/ squish their paw and then slide them on and wait a few seconds to dry...they work well and you can reuse them if you find one has fallen off in your house...he can still do the behavior but it wont harm your furniture or your kid while you're training him and he's maturing...i wouldn't declaw any cat, it actually makes things worse because they think they need to protect themselves somehow so they bite right away rather than try to scratch you...the worst cat i groomed was declawed and he got me one time, no warning, pretty bad before i said no more....good luck, oh and just for knowlege sake: i was told there is a better way to declaw cats now using lasers??? in CA most vets won't do it at all....

[CTChin]

I'm proud of the fact it's against the law here in UK.
US should set a better example. I didn't personally insult anyone here, the law that allows it is the ass. If your kids were screaming sooo much that it made your ears bleed, would you get rid of their voice box ?

A great majority of US citizens do not declaw their cats. However, this is the problem when you live in the "land of the free." It is difficult to get laws like this passed especially when it has been occuring for a long time. This is why only a few cities in the US ban pitbills. Because the majority of us understand they are not ruthless killers. I wish we could keep our free society and rely on eduation instead. Hopefully the thread starter has learned she has options.
;)

[Jennicat]

What I don't get is that people constantly tout how declawing cats keeps them in their homes, because then they aren't rehomed. But if you look at petfinder, there are about 750 cats nationwide, and 250 of those are declawed! Even though probably only about 15% of cats are declawed, they make up 1/3 of pets up for adoption. Makes ya think.

[creativz]

What I don't get is that people constantly tout how declawing cats keeps them in their homes, because then they aren't rehomed. But if you look at petfinder, there are about 750 cats nationwide, and 250 of those are declawed! Even though probably only about 15% of cats are declawed, they make up 1/3 of pets up for adoption. Makes ya think.Makes ya cry WHY !

[CTChin]

What I don't get is that people constantly tout how declawing cats keeps them in their homes, because then they aren't rehomed. But if you look at petfinder, there are about 750 cats nationwide, and 250 of those are declawed! Even though probably only about 15% of cats are declawed, they make up 1/3 of pets up for adoption. Makes ya think.

Besides the behavior problems that these cats develop, people that declaw cats for their convenience tend to view their animals more as objects that live with them and not true companions. It makes sense that people that are not deeply connected with their pets will also give up on them when the going gets tough :(

[brandy pup]

Besides the behavior problems that these cats develop, people that declaw cats for their convenience tend to view their animals more as objects that live with them and not true companions. It makes sense that people that are not deeply connected with their pets will also give up on them when the going gets tough :(

I have noticed it also. Seems like declawed cats get dumped the most around my parts. If it's for behavor problems or becuase the owner is lazy (kinda go hand in hand) not too sure.

There are many declawed cats in our shelters for adoption. I do wish people would start looking at them first instead of declawing a clawed cat. These clawless babies need homes but no one wants them. :mad:

[creativz]

I do wish people would start looking at them first instead of declawing a clawed cat. These clawless babies need homes but no one wants them. :mad: '9 lives' yet they don't get a 2nd chance ! :(

[misslyss]

Just in case somebody didn't realize that Taylorjade decided to *not* declaw her cat, for which she should be applauded, you made the right choice! :) May all of the people who gave her cold, hard facts and examples get a pat on the back too ;)

[taylorjade2003]

Okay in answer to the rude responses...

My horse is a Gelding
My dog is spayed
My cat is neutored
My kitten is not neutored YET because he is only 3-4 months old and imo he is too young
My new cat is not spayed because I just took her in a few days ago

Thank you very much


And just because I have children means I am not aloud to have cats? Excuse me? I am pretty sure I am aloud to do whatever I want to do and if I want a cat I am perfectly capible of getting one.
Also, I am pretty sure I am not the only person on the planet who has both cats AND children.
They all stay inside, are very clean and healthy and get regular vet checks.
I feed them all a high quality food (Nutro- about to switch to Chicken Soup), all my animals are rescued (except my horse who my mom got when I was 3 months old, and my cat who my parents got when *I* was a baby was a barn cat from the lady who bred my horse).

Yes, I thought it would be rediculous to keep their nails trimmed but after so many people suggested it, I rethought the idea and I am going to do it.

And for the millionth time... my daughter is EXTREMALLY gentle with the cats. My old cat when he stayed in the house used to stay in her room 90% of the time and she would sit next to him and pet him and read books to him- she's never tried to hurt him OR the kitten. She used to carry the kitty around but she never picked him up, it was only if I handed him to her and now he is too big for her to carry. She does not pull tails, ears, hair, etc. She doesn't squeeze too hard,etc. My dog is with us 24/7 and follows us around everywhere and she and Taylor are together ALL the time and have been since the day Taylor was born. Taylor knows to be gentle with her, the worse she does is climb on her/lay all over her but it does not hurt Sydni and she just lets her do it.

It would be really nice not to be judged or have anyone assume anything about me, my animals, and my family. It may also suprise some of you to know that I am 19 years old (actually just turned 20 on the 18th) and mother to an almost two year old and have another baby on the way. I am married (yes to the father of both of them) and we have our own house (a very nice one at that). I also graduated high school with an 8 month old.

I used to get on these boards (a diff animal however) a long time ago and now I remember why I stopped coming to this site! It is REDICULOUS how most of you people on here react and the things you say- considering my pets and children probably have a better home than most of yours do. It is so hard for anyone just to answer a question for someone who does not know much about the subject and just wants some more information before making any decisions.

Thank you to those who were understanding and helpful.

[creativz]

My kitten is not neutored YET because he is only 3-4 months old and imo he is too young. My new cat is not spayed because I just took her in a few days agoToo young ?! Yet you're considering declawing first ?! You'd be surprised how neuter/spay can resolve behaviour problems. Do some research.It would be really nice not to be judged or have anyone assume anything about me, my animals, and my family. It may also suprise some of you to know that I am 19 years old (actually just turned 20 on the 18th) and mother to an almost two year old and have another baby on the way. I am married (yes to the father of both of them) and we have our own house (a very nice one at that). I also graduated high school with an 8 month old.I'm sorry you feel the need to justify so many irrelevant aspects of your life here in this manner. Happy Birthday ! :birthday:
It is REDICULOUS how most of you people on here react and the things you say- considering my pets and children probably have a better home than most of yours do. :rolleyes: I highly doubt it ! Life measures quality and respect, not materialistic quantity. Something you'll no doubt appreciate one day, a little later on in life. Right now your immature attitude stinks.

[taylorjade2003]

I said that because I was stating a fact.

I had no intentions of declawing my cat any time soon, if at all

And when I said better home I did not mean litteraly a 'nicer' home, though that is probably true as well.

My immature attitude? Right. *rolls eyes*

Anyways- I deffinetly won't be coming back to this site. Last time I was here, during election time, I got hell for putting a supportive Bush blinkie on my siggy.

[creativz]

Bye then ! :wavey:

[Human Slave]

I will not have them in our home straching up our walls and nice furniture, and hurting our children
Anyone else noticed that she listed her walls and furniture over the safety of her children?

Funny how people who get their cats declawed are more concerned about their personal items then their cat's safety. Maybe they should stick with a cat stuff animal.

[Trinityxx]

Just seen the post but thought what the hell I will add some, yes a person is allowed to own whatever pets they choose. Declawing is barbaric. ( that' the only comment on it I wish to have ) If your child bit you at 7 months old would you have all teeth owned and ones that developed afterwards pulled, or would you teach child it is bad?
Same applies to animals. Teach them don't just punish for doing what comes naturally. As for furniture what the hey it's furniture! Cats will sharpen claws on anything available they just need to know their boundaries.
:cheeky:

[Meezermom]

As for me I had cats for about 25 years (6 cats in all).

My cats were (and are) purebred and domestic shorthaired. And none of them were declawed, I got scartched a few times, but it was because I hadn't clipped their nails. None of them have ever bitten me, well that not exactly true, Joss did bit me once whe he was a kitten, but that was because I was teasing him with my hand under a bed sheet.

Children must learn how to properly touch a cat , you may have noticed that I didn't say "handle" because a child should carry a cat without adult supervision. It may be cute, but more often then not the cat hates it.

I worked for a number of years at or local SPCA, and you should have seen the number of declawed cats that were brought in with behavioral issues, (didn't use litter box, or were biters). Most of the times the owners of these cats never brought their pets to their vets, they just dumped them (much less of a bother :mad: )

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

Wow, this poor chick was just asking for opinions, and she just got attacked by freakin' Blitzkrieg.

At the risk of being unpopular here :p I would like to add my two cents. I adopted my 3 yo male domestic shorthair when he was 5 weeks old, and we've lived indoors--literally side by side--ever since. A year and a half ago, I had him neutered and his front paws declawed at the same time.

It turned out fine, Shady and I are closer than ever, and I'd recommend it to anyone who asked. Now, as a pre-emptive strike against the Pet Nazis on this site, I will add: I do NOT care more about my stuff than my cat, I am NOT a horrible pet owner, and I am NOT barbaric for doing it.

You're all making horrible blanket accusations about people who do this and that to their cats, but declawing is NOT the reason so many pets are unwanted. Has it ever occured to you that people who are CONSIDERING adopting a pet are scared off by being attacked by well-meaning zealots for doing something "wrong"? This wonderful young lady is providing a good home to some cats that need them--bottom line. Declawed or not, they're better off with her than at the shelter.

Taylorjade2003, if you're still reading this thread, please don't listen to some of these people. Everyone has opinions about what's best for your family, but in the end, pets are just like babies: What's best for them is what's best for their parents and family, and what allows them all to live together in harmony. The right thing to do (in most cases) for pets and babies alike is whatever their Mommie is comfortable with. And, as many of you nay-sayers have pointed out in this thread, that changes with time, geographic proximity, and culture. And guess what? We all manage to survive.

All of you with your ridiculous posts comparing declawing to mangling of our children, I say this: If your cat develops infections from injection sites, will you stop having him vaccinated? Are you a monster for altering your pet if he develops an infection as a result? Yes, there is some risk involved in declawing, but that's true for a lot of things I do, both for my cat, and for my 6 yo son. But my cat didn't suddenly chew off my face or his own leg, turn inside out, or commit hari kari afterwards. It all turned out okay. Really. He's grinning at me from his hammock as I type this. :D

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

Bye then ! :wavey:

You're a horse's a$$. You all claim to be all about what's best for the animals, but do you thinking chasing this poor young lady off of this site for good is in the best interests of those kitties she's adopted?

[creativz]

You're a horse's a$$. You all claim to be all about what's best for the animals, but do you thinking chasing this poor young lady off of this site for good is in the best interests of those kitties she's adopted?Thanks for the compliment, nice. :) Actually, I was quite polite compared to the TJ response, I asked a few questions and stated a few facts, no personal insults or chasing off whatsoever. Have you not read properly ?Anyways- I deffinetly won't be coming back to this site. Last time I was here, during election time, I got hell for putting a supportive Bush blinkie on my siggy.I COMPLETELY agree that it is cruel to have a cat declawed. However, I will not have them in our home straching up our walls and nice furniture, and hurting our children...Declaw is a quick fix for many people who care far more for their furniture and materialistic possessions than they do the for the quality of life of their 'beloved' cat. They don't even bother to try alternatives.- "The ASPCA does not approve of the declawing of cats as a matter of supposed convenience to cat owners. It is form of mutilation and it does cause pain."

- "It is the policy of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to oppose declawing of cats when done solely for the convenience of the owners and without benefit to the animal."

- "The CFA perceives the declawing of cats (onychectomy) and the severing of digital tendons (tendonectomy) to be elective surgical procedures which are without benefit to the cat. Because of postoperative discomfort or pain, and potential future behavioral or physical effects, CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery."

- The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Great Britain (RCVS) describes declawing as "mutilation." Further it states "the removal of claws… to preclude damage to furnishings is not acceptable."

- Dr. Louis Camuti, noted author and veterinarian; "I wouldn't declaw a cat if you paid me $1000 per nail."

- The SPCALA; "We do NOT support, nor condone, the act of declawing cats. It is cruel, unnecessary, and inhumane."

AVAR (http://www.avar.org/) - "The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights is opposed to cosmetic surgeries and to those performed to correct 'vices'. Declawing generally is unacceptable because the suffering and disfigurement it causes is not offset by any benefits to the cat. Declawing is done strictly to provide convenience for people.

AVAR believes that people who desire cats as companions should endeavor to learn about feline behavior prior to adopting a cat. If certain behavioral traits are unacceptable, then the desire for a cat should be reconsidered. For people who already have cats, undesirable behavior with respect to claws should be modified by correcting deficiencies in the cat's environment or by other options such as nail clipping.

AVAR encourages veterinarians to adopt a policy whereby they refuse to perform surgical claw removal and instead advocate education and humane alternatives to modify feline behavior."Why is declawing either illegal or considered extremely inhumane and only performed under extreme circumstances in England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand.......
:rolleyes: Guess we're just crazy.

[mr gerbil]

Why do it? Why bring this up? For god's sake, all this does is create conflict between people. If you don't want to be 'unpopular', you're not doing a very good job of introducing yourself, especially by calling us a bunch of Nazis.
Declawing, along with the psycological and physical problems that can come with it, is morally wrong. I put it in the same league as vivesection.

If it's so great, how come it's illegal in so many countries? Think about it.

Once again, "thank you so much" for starting something that's only going to cause conflict. It's been done too many times before.

[creativz]

Why do it? Why bring this up? For god's sake, all this does is create conflict between people. If you don't want to be 'unpopular', you're not doing a very good job of introducing yourself, especially by calling us a bunch of Nazis. Once again, "thank you so much" for starting something that's only going to cause conflict. It's been done too many times before.Exactly. This thread has been stagnant for 2 months now.

[Jennicat]

John, this thread is over 2 months old.

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

If this thread is too old to merit attention, then don't read it. I responded because I wanted to. Also, what, in our short history, has made the Nazis of this site think I care about being unpopular? :cool:

Bottom line, none of these arguments holds any water. First of all, I could find just as many credible sources who say declawing is fine--LIKE MY CAT'S VET. Also, are you all STILL bringing up what's illegal in other countries, like that makes ANY difference? Does anyone REALLY want to get into a debate about crazy things different countries do, to people and to pets? So I shouldn't have had my son circumcised because the Belgians may have a problem with it? lol :D A lot of these countries also outlaw free press and religion. Let's NOT be like them, okay? ;)

Also, allow me to point out that all these same arguments have been made to outlaw declawing in this country. Nobody listened. Lawmakers have heard all your statistics and opinions, taken note, and VOTED AGAINST YOU. IT'S STILL LEGAL.

I disagree that declawing is morally wrong. This poor young lady had the misfortune of asking for help on this forum, so I thought I'd provide a different viewpoint for her. I had my little boy declawed, and he has no physical or psychological damage from it. It turned out fine, and I'm glad I did it. When I get another cat, I will no doubt do it again.

I think bullying people and cramming your opinion down their throats when they ask for your help is what's "morally wrong". If the S.S. on this forum disagree with declawing, then disagree. But if you're going to tell me how to run my household and what's best for my family, make sure you pay my rent. It's due on the 3rd.

[creativz]

Also, allow me to point out that all these same arguments have been made to outlaw declawing in this country. Nobody listened. Lawmakers have heard all your statistics and opinions, taken note, and VOTED AGAINST YOU. IT'S STILL LEGAL.Logical progression moves a lot faster in UK. :) Declawing is unnecessary, there are NO benefits to the cat and NO vet should be recommending it, especially as a convenient answer to scratching - which is what's described as normal cat behaviour.

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

Oh, and....


Have you not read properly ?



Oh, I read VERY carefully, trust me. But did you? Cause you didn't answer my question.

[Jennicat]

Actually, there's never been a law put up in the US to ban declawing. So no one has voted against anything. Except in California, where it illegal in one or two counties.

Apparently this is a hotbutton issue for you, since you've just called us all nazis. (Godwin's law, anyone?) The way you automatically assume that everyone who is against you is against free speech and is a nazi does not surprise me, seeing the state where you come from. *laugh*

[Jennicat]

BTW, for those who are interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin's_law

"Godwin's law (also Godwin's rule of Nazi analogies) is an adage in Internet culture that was originated by Mike Godwin in 1990. The law states that: As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1. There is a tradition in many Usenet newsgroups that once such a comparison is made, the thread is over, and whoever mentioned the Nazis has automatically lost whatever argument was in progress."

[creativz]

Pray tell, which Q might you be referring to ?!...what, in our short history, has made the Nazis of this site think I care about being unpopular?

...are you all STILL bringing up what's illegal in other countries, like that makes ANY difference?

Does anyone REALLY want to get into a debate about crazy things different countries do, to people and to pets?

So I shouldn't have had my son circumcised because the Belgians may have a problem with it?

A lot of these countries also outlaw free press and religion. Let's NOT be like them, okay?How can I not be like England ? :p Unless you're addressing your post to US only ?
Who really cares ?! :wavey:

[CTChin]

I wish pro-declawers were at my work the other day when we had to kill a beautiful, lilac point, 2 year old Siamese. Only AFTER he got declawed, did he get very aggressive. He bit up his elderly owner and she ended up in the hospital for a MONTH with bad infections. The lady still loved her cat so her daughter took him in thinking she would be faster and could avoid him. Not so, the cat repeatedly attacked her so she tearfully had to make a decision.

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

Logical progression moves a lot faster in UK. :) Declawing is unnecessary, there are NO benefits to the cat and NO vet should be recommending it, especially as a convenient answer to scratching - which is what's described as normal cat behaviour.

Unless you assign value to having a happy owner, and fewer unpleasant scenes in it's life. And I DO. Not to mention less of a chance for winding up in the "Free To Good Home" section of the local paper. (All of the made-up statistics on this forum notwithstanding!) For god's sake, there's enough unwanted cats for enough reasons without all of YOU forcing would-be owners to choose between their cat and their couch. Me....I'd kinda like to have 'em both. It's silly to ask people to have their furniture shredded to prove they love their pet. People who love their pets do whatever it takes to keep them.

Declawing is not to be undertaken lightly. It's serious bone surgery, it's expensive, and there are a lot of vet trips during the recovery, which can take upwards of 6 months. Nobody should do it without a lot of research first. But if that's what it comes to, so be it. Don't assume that these pet owners have not tried other things first, or that they are lazy and don't love their pets.

Now, class, does anyone want to tell our friend from the UK why American legislature is designed to move slowly? It's so Nazi Zealots have a hard time getting their opinions crammed down everyone's throat. Hey, look! It works! :D

[Jennicat]

Of course, someone who adopts a cat and gets mad because it scratches their furniture are probably the same type of people who buy huge cars and complain that they use a lot of gas. Common sense is not as common as we'd like to think.

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

You're a horse's a$$. You all claim to be all about what's best for the animals, but do you thinking chasing this poor young lady off of this site for good is in the best interests of those kitties she's adopted?

This question.

[creativz]

It's silly to ask people to have their furniture shredded to prove they love their pet.I suppose cat scratchers are silly and pointless too ? I'm quite happy with UK law on declaw thanks, as are majority of international vets, I don't need reasons for why US law is what it is, we'll just wait for you to catch up.

You must've missed my answer to your pressing Q...
Actually, I was quite polite compared to the TJ response, I asked a few questions and stated a few facts, no personal insults or chasing off whatsoever.

[Jennicat]

I suppose cat scratchers are silly and pointless too ? I'm quite happy with UK law on declaw thanks, as are majority of international vets, I don't need reasons for why US law is what it is, we'll just wait for you to catch up.

Or the millions of American cat owners who have taken the slight amount of work that it takes to get their cat to use a scratching post. :sly:

Gosh, it took me a WHOLE day and a half to teach Loki, who was 8 years old at the time. *shock and horror*

[CTChin]

It's silly to ask people to have their furniture shredded to prove they love their pet. People who love their pets do whatever it takes to keep them.



Wow, I must be a cat whisperer! Somehow I managed to get all of my 9 cats from the past 15 years to use their cat furniture to scratch and not my furniture. All it takes is a little forethought (yes, even cats deserve forethought) and training (yes, cats can be trained) and voila! no mutilation needed!! Frankly, I think it is a selfish American thing. We are all about perfection. Perfect cars, perfect houses, perfect furniture. Funny how we don't mind non- perfect cats. Once declawed, they are mutilated.

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

I suppose cat scratchers are silly and pointless too ? I'm quite happy with UK law on declaw thanks, as are majority of international vets, I don't need reasons for why US law is what it is, we'll just wait for you to catch up.

You must've missed my answer to your pressing Q...

You know, I must really be thick, because I've apparently missed it AGAIN. You see, the answer to my question would be either 'Yes' or 'No'. I don't see either in your answer.

[creativz]

You see, the answer to my question would be either 'Yes' or 'No'. I don't see either in your answer.But a yes or no would mean that I agree with your opinion that I chased TJ off the site, which I don't - I think you're wrong and giving me far too much credit for doing so. Info posted is for anyone who may be interested, hopefully there are a few more cats that stand a better chance of keeping their claws intact.

[Bubblehead1123]

I'm against it, its like chopping off the first part of all your fingers.. I say if people will declaw their animal, just imagine the tip of every one of your fingers getting chopped off... What I did with every cat I had was either spray them with water or lightly hit them with paper.

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

But a yes or no would mean that I agree with your opinion that I chased TJ off the site, which I don't - I think you're wrong and giving me far too much credit for doing so. Info posted is for anyone who may be interested, hopefully there are a few more cats that stand a better chance of keeping their claws intact.


Please, go back and read my question.

I did NOT accuse you of chasing her off the site, though you certainly had a considerable hand in it. I asked if you thought the fact that she had been chased off was good or bad for her newly adopted kitties. And the reason I asked YOU personally is because you're the one who applauded her departure.

But don't bother. Your clog-dancing around the question answers it for me. You were wrong and you know it.

I don't hate or love declawing cats, but what I DO hate are people who banish all dissidents and then sit around congratulating each other on having the ONLY valid opinion. Those are the people who commit genocide and start wars. I submit to you, that before I got involved here, you were more concerned with being right than you were with what was best for this young lady and her animals.

You've chased her away now. Next time she doesn't know what's best for her kitties, she won't come here and ask for help. Now you and all the "right" kind of people are the only ones left on the thread. Are you proud of yourself? Take a bow. Anyone with cats knows that she'll have more questions, but you've eliminated a good source of information for her. Just because she MAY HAVE (she never said she did!) disagreed with you on ONE thing????

Leave room for the idea that what is best for you and yours may not necessarily be best for me and mine. This young lady didn't deserve the rude treatment she got on this forum, and I hope all you Nazis feel like idiots, because you certainly LOOK the part.

[Jennicat]

Leave room for the idea that what is best for you and yours may not necessarily be best for me and mine. This young lady didn't deserve the rude treatment she got on this forum, and I hope all you Nazis feel like idiots, because you certainly LOOK the part.

Does anyone else see the irony in someone who doesn't agree and being rude to us with us calling us Nazis for disagreeing with another poster and "chasing her off". :D

[creativz]

And the reason I asked YOU personally is because you're the one who applauded her departure.No I didn't, I sent a wavey smiley and said 'bye then', when the thread was active.But don't bother. Your clog-dancing around the question answers it for me. You were wrong and you know it.You've expressed just as much crappy attitude as TJ, ranting off about us being Nazis and calling me a 'horses a$$' :p ...why don't you state exactly what I said that was so wrong - in your eyes - it warranted such personal insults ?!Does anyone else see the irony in someone who doesn't agree and being rude to us with us calling us Nazis for disagreeing with another poster and "chasing her off". :DI didn't think Americans understood irony JC !!! :cheeky: Perhaps there are some exceptions. ;)

[Jennicat]

Perhaps I should just shuffle across the pond and live with you guys. I always did have a soft spot for British comedy....

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

No I didn't, I sent a wavey smiley and said 'bye then', when the thread was active.You've expressed just as much crappy attitude as TJ, ranting off about us being Nazis and calling me a 'horses a$$' :p ...why don't you state exactly what I said that was so wrong - in your eyes - it warranted such personal insults ?!I didn't think Americans understood irony JC !!! :cheeky: Perhaps there are some exceptions. ;)

Why? If I do, will you keep insulting my country over and over, while "Mah Fella Americans" laugh along with you cause they're too stupid to know they're being insulted? Oh, don't get me wrong, insult away. I am just making an observation.

Dude, I am not about to answer a stupid question you already know the answer to. If I sound like that original young lady with the kitties, then GOOD. I repeat, she didn't deserve the way she was treated on here. I hate bullies. And I hate people who laugh while other people basically run away in tears--especially a person who only came to ask for help in the first place. You should be ashamed of yourself.

There is a lot of controversy over declawing cats, which means that AT LEAST as many people agree with ME as with YOU. The reason it's still legal in this country is because in the end, it's up to the individual owner, their individual cat, and their situation together. Simple as that. And there's nothing any of you Gestapo can do about it. People get to disobey your orders and choose for themselves, instead of just doing what YOU bully them into. Doncha just HATE it?

Zeig Freakin' Heil!
:cool:

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

Perhaps I should just shuffle across the pond and live with you guys. I always did have a soft spot for British comedy....

Bye then ! :wavey:



(How's THAT for American's and irony?)

Ha ha ha ha....

[creativz]

Why? If I do, will you keep insulting my country over and over, while "Mah Fella Americans" laugh along with you cause they're too stupid to know they're being insulted? Oh, don't get me wrong, insult away. I am just making an observation.You're not very good at it ! I have lots of family in Pittsburgh and Vancouver, they have a SOH too, don't assume you know so much dudette.

I hate bullies. And I hate people who laugh while other people basically run away in tears...Personally, I think TJ voiced her opinion loud and clear, prior to exiting stage left.

There is a lot of controversy over declawing cats, which means that AT LEAST as many people agree with ME as with YOU.:no: Not in this country, nor in America.Zeig Freakin' Heil!Go join Combat 18, your vocab is right up their alley.

[creativz]

Bye then ! :wavey:



(How's THAT for American's and irony?)

Ha ha ha ha....See, initially I'd interpret that as a fond farewell, but the bracketed text and laughter makes it quite clear what you're trying to say. :)Perhaps I should just shuffle across the pond and live with you guys. I always did have a soft spot for British comedy....
You're very welcome JC, I'm sure you'd love the UK ! :yes:

[Jennicat]

Bye then ! :wavey:



(How's THAT for American's and irony?)

Ha ha ha ha....

You apparently slept through English, because that's sarcasm, not irony, sweetie. But keep trying, you're bound to get it right someday. ;)

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

Please, please....just tell me that you know Vancouver is in Canada, NOT the U.S.

lmao....

This was fun. :D

[WhoIsJohnGalt]

You apparently slept through English, because that's sarcasm, not irony, sweetie. But keep trying, you're bound to get it right someday. ;)

No it isn't. It's irony.

But keep chiming in with incorrect crap and unrelated insults. You were BOUND to get some attention someday.....

roflmao......

[creativz]

Please, please....just tell me that you know Vancouver is in Canada, NOT the U.S.

lmao....

This was fun. :DWhy on earth would you assume otherwise ?! Might you be trying to insult my British intellect ? Why do you feel the need to do that ?

Sorry, I don't think you quite get irony. You're just dishing nasty jibes for entertainment, careful you don't soil your pants chuckling.

[Jennicat]

Sorry, I don't think you quite get irony. You're just dishing nasty jibes for entertainment, careful you don't soil your pants chuckling.

Too many people listened to that darn Alanis Morrisette song "Ironic", which doesn't have a single example of irony in it. Now everyone thinks they know what irony is. :drunk:

[creativz]

Too many people listened to that darn Alanis Morrisette song "Ironic", which doesn't have a single example of irony in it. Now everyone thinks they know what irony is. :drunk::laughing: It should've been entitled 'Isn't It Coincidental' ? Doesn't have quite the same ring. :headphone
Total pap !

[Jennicat]

:laughing: It should've been entitled 'Isn't It Coincidental' ? Doesn't have quite the same ring !

Yeah, "Isn't it Unfortunate" is just a lot harder to flow with. I forgive her for her poetic license, but not for forcing me to deal with people who don't know what irony is. :P

[CTChin]

!I didn't think Americans understood irony JC !!! :cheeky: Perhaps there are some exceptions. ;)

Off topic a moment.....Why must Brits and Canadians always do that? I can jot off a list of preconceived notions that I have of the people (some good/some bad) in your country but I think that is unfair.
;)

Edit: Whoops answered an e-mail link and missed all the other posts. I guess this IS on topic LOL

[mr gerbil]

No Galt, it's sarcasm not irony. Although they are closely related, those sort of comments are counted as being sarcastic. Pay more attention in English lessons. Or at least...it's an attempt at sarcasm, because I couldn't find anything ironic in there!

You've run out of ammunition. Face it, you've resorted to calling us Jew-killers. Not a very sophisticated argument, yet I suppose it can only be expected from someone who spends their English lessons daydreaming about how all the Nazis are out to get them, lol.

The bottom line is that declawing is against the law- not just against the law of many nations, but also against moral law. All it is, really, is treating other species as objects. Using and mutilating them for our personal satisfaction. Believing that we are somehow rulers of our domain, and that a cat is another tool, like a sofa, or a hammer, or a wooden spoon.

So now you may be thinking "why is he likening a cat to a piece of cutlery?" Because to you, a cat has the same status as a piece of cutlery. You may not feel that way, but, in a black and white scenario, the cat and the spoon jumped over the moon, the little dog barked to see such fun...
Sorry. Just couldn't help that. What I was trying to say was that in a b/w situation, you percieve your cat to be another household object.

Bye Bye. :wave:

[Punkygirl0101]

i know this forum has been dead for a while, but I just wanted to say that there is a Vancouver in the United states Mrs Texan ( don't feel like looking back for your name). It is in Washington, I have lived there. If you are all wondering why I am so late to this thread, I was just searching through all of the cat threads and saw it, and I disagree fully with declawing, I have 24 cats, none are declawed, and all my furtniture is intact, theres of couse is not.

[daddysgurl9245]

I've only read the first couple posts in this thread and I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned this or not yet. Have you ever heard of Soft Paws? They're these little things that you can buy to slip over each one of your cats claws to make it hurt less when they scratch. I think they are sort of a rubbery plastic type of thing and you can buy them at any PetSmart. You could probably get them at the vet to, and have them put them on for you. My neighbor's cat is de-clawed in his back feet. He was a stray when my neighbor found him, so his last owners must of had him declawed in the back.

[mr gerbil]

It was probably mentioned. I'd look, but I don't particularly want to scroll through 14 pages of lengthy posts by irate individuals (including myself).

[Shrelana]

I haven't yet red the entire post, but unless the cat is actively aggressive to you or your child, I wouldn't get her declawed. It is a traumatic experiance for the cat. I have had one cat declawed, and that was because, when I was 15, my cat scratched my palm wide open and my parents couldnt' get near her (my fault), my dad told me that she either got declawed, or he would take her out and shoot her, so of course, I got her declawed...
As you don't have anyone there telling you that, and in most cases, a scratch is the person's fault who got the scratch...I would recommend letting Tigre grow out of it, and teaching your 2 year old about cats.

[Shrelana]

Oops...didn't realize the post was 3 weeks old.....also that it was full of very immature ppl throwing insults back and forth...grow up.