very upset

cb1924

cb1924

Cathlete
We were getting our cat neutered yesterday and my husband volunteered to take him. I found out he had him declawed. I am crying right now. Is he going to be okay? I wanted to train him but my husband didn't give him a chance. The more I think about it the more I can't stop crying. Can someone please tell me their cat is happy even though they are declawed? I feel so sick to my stomach.:(

chrissy
 
I can't speak for your cat, but

My cat was declawed at around 5 yrs old by a former BF. He did it because his new roomate had new stereo speakers and he didn't want wisper to claw them up. Being a looser, he couldn't afford to pay the vet bill so I paid it and bailed her out. I had her when she was recovering, and to be honest, she was jumping around really soon. We split up soon after, and he didn't want her anymore. So I have heard for over 10 years now. She is obviously an indoor only cat.

She is the sweetest cat, very affectionate. She will still 'need' my leg but since she has no claws its really really cute. Since I knew her before and after, I can say she doesn't appear to have been traumatized. Her biggest change was having me as an owner; she really blossomed with a little love.

I hope your baby adapts well. Just remember she can't go outside anymore :(
Some extra kitty treats are in order, I'd say :D
 
don't worry

I don't normally post much, but I when I read your post I wanted to let you know that I have a 19 year old cat who is happy, healthy and de-clawed. It's not something I would normally do to a cat either, but my guy is doing well. He is an indoor cat, though
 
We have two cats which are 11 years old. I had them neutered and declawed when they were just a few weeks old. They never had any problems and are just fine today. We did this because we had a cat before who sharpened his claws on our couch to the point where the stuffing was coming out. We didn't want to go through that again. Our cats never go outdoors, so I don't worry about them having to defend themselves. They do still have their back claws.
 
Another one who declawed her kitty cat when he was just a wee kitten (he's 13 now). ZERO problems. ;) He's perfectly normal and healthy in every way, and he's quite sweet and affectionate. :)
 
I, too, had declawed kitties. I got them when I was a little kid, so I had no say (or opinion) in the matter. They both had their surgery at the same time as their neutering and spaying, and they were completely and utterly fine. They both still kneaded everything constantly, thinking they had claws (and it actually feels good with no sharp weapons :) ). I guess the important point is that they were indoors and didn't have to defend themselves from anything outside.

Your kitty will be just fine and recovered in no time, I promise. Animals have an amazing ability to adapt and ignore whatever they want in order to be happy.
 
I am sorry you feel so bad. I have 2 cats that I opened my home to and they came declawed and nothing stops them. They are queens of the castle. I wouldn't worry about it.
I truly hope you are feeling better. Peggy
 
Well, it is looked down upon on in the UK and it considered barbaric. There is no benefit to the cat and it is painful, so it seems kinda selfish to me- and you can flame me for that, but it's my opinion.

It's like a person having their nails removed, you can go along fine without them, but it'll probably feel like something is missing from you.

poor kitties.
 
I have two cats that are declawed in the front. We have an outdoor enclosure for them so they won't get hurt by any other animals. We live in the forest. They go in and out of the dogie door.

They are very happy, they jump up on the ledges we've built for them. We had them declawed because we didn't want our furniture scratched let alone us. I don't see any difference with their personalities at all or how they act. They can still catch mice (they bring them in the dogie door), frogs, snakes...

We love them with all our hearts and they and us are very happy.

Janie
 
My sister had one of her cats declawed despite my protests. The little girl was maybe 2-3 years old at the time. She is still into everything and super affectionate. I'm glad for the little cat that she seems fine, but I'm still not one to support declawing. (I would be peeved, to say the least, if DH did something like that...!)
 
I also have kitties who have been declawed. Our new kitten was declawed a few months ago when she was 3 months old. I too was against it at first, but seeing now how hard it is to train her not to do something, I am relieved. She came home the next day, and was jumping around that night.

Our vet told us that after 4 days, she would not even remember that she ever had claws or surgery. I have no idea how they would actually test that, but I don't see any change in her energy, play, or affection towards us.
 
I understand your anger and sadness.
I would feel the same way.
I think declawing should be illegal, and only done for medical reasons. I can't fathom anyone saying they love their cat, but having something like this done to them. Sounds to me like they love their furniture more (though I must say, I have 4 paws-with-claws cats currently, and my furniture is just fine (though Simon likes to scratch on my puzzle mats. Fortunately, I love him more than the mats).

Unfortunately, the deed is done.
Yes, I've known cats who've gotten along fine declawed, though many declawed cats walk more on their feet than on their toes like normal cats, and muscle atrophy can be one side effect.

Also, declawed cats can become biters, because their main form of defense has been torn away from them.

Also, I once adopted a declawed cat who had litter-box issues: she would do #2 in the pan, but not #1. She would instead pee on clothing and rugs, but very politely cover it up, trying to be good about it. I am 100% convinced it had to do with her declawing. (I found a solution in putting two folded-up towels in a litter box and she immediately began using it, diligently folding the towel over her 'business'. I kept the box next to the washing machine, and tossed the towels in at the end of the day.

Your cat's feet will be very sore for a while (I remember seeing the pain in the eyes of a cat at the shelter who had just been 4-way declawed :mad:). BUy some special litter that will not be rough on her feet.
 
Last edited:
Thank you everyone for responding. I feel better (a little anyway). The vet actually is keeping him until tomorrow. I had horrible dreams last night and I am very anxious about seeing him. I am worried he will be in pain and I don't handle that very well. Of course my husband will be away most of the week drag racing so he doesn't have to deal with the after math he caused!!

chrissy
 
Last edited:
nightowl81 said:
Well, it is looked down upon on in the UK and it considered barbaric. There is no benefit to the cat and it is painful, so it seems kinda selfish to me- and you can flame me for that, but it's my opinion.

It's like a person having their nails removed, you can go along fine without them, but it'll probably feel like something is missing from you.

poor kitties.
Click to expand...
ITA.
In fact, it's banned in almost all civilized societies except the US.
And I do disagree with one thing you say: it's not like having nails removed, it's like having your fingers or toes amputated at the first joint.
 
I didn't declaw the cat I have know.

I have been trimming my cats nails and bathing him since he was about six months old. I want him to be able to protect himself. We declawed our first cat and he was fine and still climbed more than the cat I have now. I am sorry you are feeling so blue Kathryn.

My warm and caring thoughts are with you. Take care sweetie.

Deb:)
 
I am currently petsitting for two sweet, very playful little kitten who are declawed. They had no problems at all. The bigger issue here, to me, is that your DH did that. I have never declawed my cats but chances are, the kitten will be just fine so that is the good news, and as long as he is always inside only, then he will be safe. DH, however, if he were mine, would not be so safe :mad:
 
Chrissy! No tears needed! I have 3 kitties and they are all declawed! The are all happy and healthy with no repercussions. There are lots of strong sentiments on this issue, but I wouldn't have it any other way. They are indoor kitties and live wonderful lives. Your furbaby will be fine - just be sure not to use gravel litter on those tender toes. Use Yesterday's News which is just shredded paper until his paws are healed. That way kitty won't develope any litter box aversion.

Good luck with your baby!
 
Chrissy - My 2 cats were also declawed. I had them when I was little and at the time declawing was just the norm. No one said anything much about it then. If I had cats now, I wouldn't do it, but my cats were perfectly fine after the procedure. They never limped or acted like anything was wrong. I'm sure yours will be fine. I would be pretty upset with my DH if he ever pulled a stunt like that though!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top